LHSAA Principals Vote: One-Time Transfer Rule Rejected, Litigation Sanctions Approved

by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

The 2025 LHSAA Annual Convention was filled with passionate discussion, especially surrounding the much-talked-about one-time transfer rule. If passed, it would have allowed student-athletes to transfer once without losing varsity eligibility.

However, despite all the buzz, the proposal was overwhelmingly rejected by LHSAA principals, with a final vote of 273-66. Recruiting penalties would have remained in place regardless.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine shared his thoughts on the outcome, saying, “I didn’t think the one-time transfer would pass, and it didn’t. OK, but now we have some data that shows that we can analyze who around the state likes it and who around the state does not.”

The LHSAA will release final voting numbers soon, giving a clearer picture of where different regions around the state stand on the issue.

Executive Committee Proposals Gain Approval

Beyond the transfer rule, the LHSAA Executive Committee had a strong showing, with 12 of their 14 proposals getting the green light from Louisiana principals.

One of the biggest changes will allow the LHSAA to sanction schools that take legal action against the association—a measure that passed with a 280-159 vote. Keep in mind, this passing proposal was not forced by the association—Louisiana principals voted for the change decisively.

Schools that sue could now face up to a two-year suspension, and any school that wants to pursue legal action must first withdraw from LHSAA membership. Member schools that choose to sue the LHSAA may not participate in postseason play or be placed on a bracket in the sport that is being litigated.

Additionally, the LHSAA member principals passed a proposal requiring any lawsuit challenging LHSAA rulings—whether brought by a member school or an employee—to be filed in the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Principals’ Proposals See High Success Rate

It was also a productive convention for member school principals, who saw 22 of their 27 proposals approved. Bonine summed up the convention’s success, saying, “I believe it was very productive, and I think that success rate—I think it’s pretty darn good no matter who you are.”

The LHSAA will release the complete voting results of all proposals in the coming days, we will share it when available.