GHSA Official Says Transfer Issue in Sports a Difficult One

Georgia High School Association Assistant Executive Director Jay Russell says the issue of transfers in Georgia high school athletics will be a difficult one to address easily.

Russell, a former head football coach at Stephens County High School, addressed the topic during last Thursday’s “Crunchtime” program on WNEG.

“It would be very, very difficult to find a solution, but we are trying to head in a direction where we can,” said Russell. “We may need to tighten up our rules. I do not know.”

Russell went on to say that it has become more of an issue because it has become easier to move in between districts and in general, it is easier to move now than it was when the GHSA first came into existence.

“When the Georgia High School Association was founded back in the 1950s and through the process of time, our rules have depended on people to do the right thing, to have a lot of integrity, to be honest,” said Russell. “Unfortunately, the society is trending away from always being forthright and up front, so it may be time for some changes.”

He said it looks like something needs to be done, but it is unclear what direction the organization needs to head in at this time.