UIL & Transfer FAQ

In Texas, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) has strict rules governing student transfer eligibility for athletics and extracurricular activities. A transfer does not automatically grant eligibility to participate in UIL competitions—students and families must meet all state requirements, including proof of residency and compliance with rules intended to prevent recruiting. Because eligibility can directly impact a student’s ability to participate in sports and other activities, it is important for families to carefully review UIL guidelines and understand the requirements before making a transfer decision.

CAN MY CHILD CHANGE SCHOOLS FOR ATHLETIC PURPOSES?

No, a student who changes schools for athletic purposes is not eligible to compete in varsity League athletic contest(s) at the school to which he or she moves for at least one calendar year, even if both parents move to the new attendance zone.

Source: UIL Constitution and Contest Rules Section 443 ©
WHAT IS THE PENALTY IF A STUDENT-ATHLETE IS FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF THE RESIDENCY RULE AND HAS BEEN PARTICIPATING IN UIL CONTESTS?

The minimum penalty will be forfeiture of the contest(s) won by the individual or school team.

Source: UIL Constitution and Contest Rules Section 29 (b) (3)
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE TO CHECK IF A STUDENT ATHLETE LEGALLY RESIDES IN THE ATTENDANCE ZONE?

It is the responsibility of the Campus Principal and/or the Athletic Director to certify that all student-athletes legally reside in their attendance zones. The Campus Principal may designate other staff members to verify the residence of a student-athlete.
CAN MY CHILD BE ELIGIBLE FOR VARSITY ATHLETICS IF THEY LIVE WITH A RELATIVE?

No, the residence of a student is determined by the parents’ address or the address of the adoptive parent who adopted the student prior to the student’s first entry into the ninth grade.

Source: UIL Constitution and Contest Rules Section 442 ©
CAN MY CHILD BE ELIGIBLE FOR VARSITY ATHLETICS IN ANOTHER SCHOOL IF MY SPOUSE AND I SEPERATE?

No, if a student’s parents separate (and are not divorced), and if one parent remains in the attendance zone where the student has been attending school, the student’s residence is presumed to be that of the parent who did not move.

Source: UIL Constitution and Contest Rules Section 442 (g)
CAN MY CHILD BE ELIGIBLE FOR VARSITY ATHLETICS IN ANOTHER SCHOOL IF MY SPOUSE AND I ARE DIVORCED?

Yes, the residence of a student, whose parents are divorced, is presumed to be that of either parent.

Source: UIL Constitution and Contest Rules Section 442 (f)