Page 15 - 2021 IHSAA Annual Report

THE 2020 – 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW THE 2020 – 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

because of the pandemic. This fostered an fanbases of the represented teams. Also, for The IHSAA never wants to deny a student- We understand that student-transfers pose
opportunity for great teamwork to occur the first time ever, the girls state basketball athlete participation. However, of an equal unique issues, but we will never stop trying to
between the venue and the IHSAA—as the tournament was played over a two-day concern, and often an overlooked one, is how improve the process for the benefit of everyone.
Association was able to lend its expertise in span—on Friday and Saturday—to prevent all student-athletes are affected in a transfer
hosting sporting events with spectators during overcrowding and allow for facility cleaning. situation. In the eyes of the Association, the As an example, during the June Executive
a pandemic. student-athlete who loses their spot because Committee Meeting in Brown County, a
The boys basketball state tournament took of the transfer also needs to be considered. unanimous vote was reached in favor of
In addition to wrestling, Bankers Life also place simultaneously with the NCAA Division changing the transfer review process. To make
hosted the basketball championships as it I Men’s Basketball Tournament—of which all This student-athlete is often the last one to the Review Committee more informal and
traditionally does. For the safety of all, only games were played in the Hoosier state. To make the team—and their contribution as such less intimidating, neither the IHSAA nor the
2,500 tickets were made available to the accommodate the venue needs for collegiate represents many of the IHSAA’s values that transfer’s party will be accompanied by an
March Madness, the IHSAA delayed the date of education-based athletics aim to instill, things attorney. Instead, the process will be heard
its boys basketball state finals. In a basketball like dedication, teamwork, and selflessness. and conducted by educators, all of whom have
crazy state, the IHSAA is a team player. They might play less than anybody else, a history of putting the student’s welfare and
but they benefit just as much from being on education as their top priority.
The IHSAA led the state in how to safely the team. Not only is this student-athlete
manage and host events for student-athletes losing an opportunity to contribute, but their The welfare of all student-athletes and their
and, for that matter, large events of any kind teammates lose an individual who sets the education has always been at the root of our
during a pandemic. It required a great amount example for what education-based athletics transfer policies. We know education-based
of teamwork, on and off the court. Everyone stand for. athletics help shape the leaders of tomorrow,
who had a role in making high school sports and we never want to deny any student-athlete
possible last year is an Indiana state champion The difficulties surrounding transfers from participating—and in the rare instance
in the eyes of the IHSAA. characterized above should not undermine when a transfer is denied, it is in the spirit of
the positive. Last year, 3,000 student-athlete maintaining equity.
Workers disinfect the seats at Lucas Oil Stadium transfers, or 98% of applicants, found a path to
between games of the IHSAA Football State Finals. eligibility. Those are numbers to be proud of.

Transfers: Finding a Path 2021–22 STUDENT-ATHLETE TRANSFERS

The pandemic brought with it a myriad of Eligibility Transfers % of total
new challenges for the IHSAA. However, Full Eligibility 2,617 92.38%
some challenges seem to be perpetual. Limited Eligibility 183 6.46%
One such challenge for the Association is
student-athlete transfers. To create policies Ineligible 33 1.16%
around student-athlete transfers is inherently Total 2,833
complex. Understandably, the difficulty of
this challenge is compounded by the public’s
perception of these policies.
2021–22 FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSFERS
Transfer policies are established in the best
interest of all student-athletes affected by Eligibility Transfers % of total
a transfer. However, the public narrative of Full Eligibility 165 97.06%
IHSAA transfer policy is often centered around Limited Eligibility 4 2.35%
a high-profile situation and is viewed with
a lens focused on a singular student-athlete Ineligible 1 .59%
who is applying for eligibility as a transfer. We Total 170
understand why this narrative often comes to When considering a transfer, the effect on all
the forefront, but we also know these situations student-athletes is considered—that includes
are incredibly delicate and nuanced. As these two graphs illustrate, the overwhelming those whose contribution is not necessarily
majority of transfers find a path to eligibility. measured by statistical impact.

13
12 INDIANA HIGH S CHOOL A THLE TIC ASS OCIA TION Annual Report 2021