Silver Creek athletics director briefs board on new IHSA transfer rule, conference realignment

Silver Creek Director of Athletics Brandon Hoffman told the board May 13 that a new state law changing IHSA transfer rules will take effect June 1 and could change high school athletics eligibility across the state.

Hoffman said the rule has three main points: "a student athlete can transfer from one school to the other without having any reason why or having to sit out at all" for the first three years (described in the meeting as the "first 6 semesters"); seniors who transfer must sit out 30 days during the season; and a student who transfers may return to their original school within 365 days and be eligible. "They're terming it a first one time free transfer," Hoffman said.

Board members asked operational questions about the rule. Hoffman clarified that a student who previously transferred and served a one‑year non‑varsity probation still counts as a prior transfer and would not get an additional free transfer. He also said the 30‑day sit‑out for seniors applies to each sport the student plays.

Hoffman also reported changes in the Mid‑Southern Conference: Peak and Eastern will leave to join the Southern Athletic Conference, and Madison has been voted in to join Silver Creek's conference beginning the 2026–27 school year. Those conference changes, Hoffman said, reflect broader shifting alignments.

Hoffman cautioned the board it is difficult to predict the local impact. "As long as we provide a great experience for our students and we're successful, I'm not worried about it at all in terms of us losing kids," he said. He told the board to expect implementation questions and to monitor student transfers after the rule goes into effect.

No board action was required; the presentation was information for the board and district athletics staff.