StC Wildcat":zakyndxv said:
I hate to be the goat in the sheep's pen, but I have a question (not intended to accuse, only to gather information).
If Keenon follows Caoch Ware to Alvin Living Stones simply because Coach Ware has moved, isn't that a violation of TAPPS transfer rules? If Coach Ware is Keenon's legal, permanent guardian - as determined by the courts - then the transfer is legit. But if Keenon is just staying with Coach Ware for other reasons, then I think the TAPPS rules should be looked at.
I think remember a Coach Barber - may not have the name right - and several players who were suspended - or disciplined in some similar way - for this type of action/transfer a few years back at a TAPPS 4-A school.
Coach Sobey
David ... I actually did ask Coach Ware that question several months ago. At the time of my question (and I have no information to tell me if the situation has changed), he was the legal guardian of his nephew and therefore he could transfer and play for him at a new school. I wouldn't be betting any grocery money either way on the young man playing for Coach Ware this fall.
The rule you mention was added several years ago because of the transfer of several players as their coach moved to a new school and prohibits a student who transfers from
one TAPPS school to another TAPPS school in order to play for a coach from their old school; the student cannot compete on a team coached by that coach for one calendar year. I think it involved Coach Barber and Arlington Grace Prep ... for some reason, our DFW brethern are pretty good at pushing the envelope; must be something in the water. If I remember one story at the time, a young man appeared at the school to apply to attend and was told that "a Christian gift had been made in his name" to cover the cost of his education at the school. Oh, and he played football. Suprise, suprise. But I could be wrong.
I do not believe that the rule applies if the coach came from a non-TAPPS member school, but don't quote me on this. I know TAPPS takes a very stern attitude about "inducement," that is, encouraging enrollment for athletic purposes and has a special place in TAPPS h-e-double-hockey-sticks for something called "tampering," which would encourage moving from one TAPPS school to another. Those less gracious than I would call this the "Honor among thieves rule."
There are two exceptions to the coach/transfer rule: (1) if the coach is the parent or legal guardian of the student and (2) if the previous school closed.
Speaking of eligibility rules, I believe TAPPS is changing the transfer rules this year. In the past, the rules were 15 days after enrollment AND a deadline for district/state competition (fall, winter and spring). I haven't seen the rule, but I was told that now, you must be enrolled at your school for 15 days prior to that deadline date. No late transfers (even though they would only be eligible for nondistrict play) are going to be allowed. When I see it in writing, I'll post it.
