AHSAA to launch task force to investigate high school transfers

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WKRG) — The Alabama High School Athletic Association will look to crack down on the issue of non-compliant transfer student-athletes statewide.

Former UMS-Wright head football coach and AHSAA Central Board President Terry Curtis announced plans to appoint a task force to study the growing problem.

At Thursday’s annual spring meeting, Alma Bryant head football coach Bart Sessions and Mountain Brook’s Chris Yeagar presented data compiled by a number of coaches in the association. The report showed strong disparities in number of transfer student-athletes to certain schools in Class 6A football statewide.

Yeagar presented data compiled by a number of coaches in the association. The report showed strong disparities in number of transfer student-athletes to certain schools in Class 6A football statewide.

The information showed that, in 2024, six schools accounted for 100 football transfer student-athletes, which made up nearly 40% of the total number of transfers statewide. The report also detailed concerns regarding competitive balance, roster equity and players safety.

The AHSAA Central Board unanimously approved the request to appoint the task force. Curtis will work with AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon to set up a special committee compiled of principals, superintendents, athletic directors and coaches to examine the problems and look for solutions.

“As I travel across the state to district meetings and other AHSAA events, it is clear that the issue of non-complaint transfers of student-athletes are one of our association’s biggest concerns,” Harmon said. “I am proud the central board is setting up a task force. It’s not just an issue in our state. It is an issue all across the nation.”

Harmon took over as the AHSAA executive director in June 2024. He replaced Alvin Briggs, who announced his retirement a year ago amid growing pressure for stronger enforcement of state bylaws, specifically regarding illegal transfer student-athletes in football.