By Steven J. Timko

Transferring from one high school to another -- even in the best of circumstances - is disruptive to students.  

Research shows that students who move generally lose about three months of reading and math knowledge each time they switch schools.

In addition, the social and emotional effects connected with changing schools are well documented by research, and even voluntary transfers are subject to academic and social concerns.

Fortunately, of the more than 280,000 student-athletes in New Jersey, about 99 percent stay put. In fact, according to New Jersey Department of Education mobility rates, student-athletes -- thanks in part to our transfer rules - are less likely to move than non-athletes. Specifically, there's a 9 percent mobility rate for those who don't play interscholastic sports, versus a 1.1 percent for student-athletes. Given our own data -- plus feedback from the state, news reports, and input from athletic directors -- of the approximately 1,500 transfers tracked by NJSIAA, a large percentage can be characterized as high-profile athletes.

On Wednesday the NJSIAA Executive Committee will vote on whether or not to change the rules by affirming its previous decision and the recommendation of the Public/Non-Public Committee of 24 superintendents, principals and athletic directors representing the vast array of schools.  

A "yes" vote will make New Jersey's transfer rules enforceable, and all transferring students - regardless of address change - will immediately enjoy most of the benefits of interscholastic sports. They'll be on the team, practice, participate in scrimmages - they just won't be permitted to compete for 30 days, or half the maximum number of games.

And given pre-season scheduling, many will only miss a handful of games. Again, there are a host of exceptions related to various legal, family and military-related issues.  

And during those 30-days, students will have the ability to focus on academics, make friends, and acclimate, all without the pressure of athletic competition. The new rule also will address in-season and multiple transfers by prohibiting those players from participating in state tournament play.

Beyond NJSIAA's commitment to students and their academic success, there's the association's obligation to the spirit of interscholastic sports. Education-based scholastic athletics is a privilege that promotes positive school/community relations, fosters involvement within a diverse population, develops good citizenship and healthy lifestyles, and enriches the overall educational experience.

A free-agent marketplace for student athletes is contrary to everything the association stands for.    

Our rules for governing transfers are based on residency and bona fide changes of address. Students who transfer without a change of address can enjoy the benefits of practicing and participating in scrimmages, but can't compete in games for 30 days or half the season, whichever is shortest.  New Jersey's rules are among the most lenient in the nation; in comparison, 24 states would require students in a similar situation to sit for an entire year.

No child in this state who transfers and meets school and NJSIAA requirements is deprived of the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of high school sports - those benefits may simply be delayed for a few weeks. And, of course, there are exceptions to accommodate those dealing with a host of complex legal, family, and even military-related issues.

New Jersey imposes speed bumps, not road blocks - but it's still clear that some parents will exploit or manipulate the rules, even lie, to facilitate a transfer without sitting.    

Sky-high tuition, celebrity status of athletes, the club-sport culture, and parents living vicariously through their children, all have helped fuel the insatiable desire to be seen, noticed, and to win.

Coaches and administrators also are sometimes guilty of exploiting the system - and even children - for the sake of victories and championship titles. NJSIAA has seen multiple instances of players shopping schools and transferring just to secure more playing time.

That's not to say that many students don't transfer for the right reason, but we're finding more and more who do it for glory rather than grades. NJSIAA simply isn't able to consistently, effectively administer the transfer rule as it is presently written.     

Essentially, if a child's experience of transferring from one school to another is defined purely by his or her ability to score points, that child is most likely transferring for the wrong reason.

Steven J. Timko is executive director of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.

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