My son is a senior and recently transferred to a new school where his best friend’s dad happens to be the basketball coach. We moved for personal reasons—closer to work and a better living situation—not to follow the coach. However, CIF has denied his eligibility to play, citing their 510 rule about following a coach. We didn’t know about this rule and only transferred because his previous coach wasn’t supporting seniors and told them to leave. CIF is saying he can’t play at this school or transfer again without sitting out the season, which isn’t an option since he’s a senior. Has anyone dealt with this? What steps can we take?
That sounds super frustrating. Have you considered appealing CIF’s decision? Sometimes they’ll make exceptions for hardship cases.
Jess said:
That sounds super frustrating. Have you considered appealing CIF’s decision? Sometimes they’ll make exceptions for hardship cases.
Not yet. I’ve only spoken to them on the phone. Do you know how to start the appeal process?
Jess said:
That sounds super frustrating. Have you considered appealing CIF’s decision? Sometimes they’ll make exceptions for hardship cases.
You’d probably need to submit a written appeal. Make sure to include all your reasons and any evidence you have.
Parent letters about the old coach’s behavior could really help. They show why your son needed to leave.
Han said:
Parent letters about the old coach’s behavior could really help. They show why your son needed to leave.
I’ve got some letters from other parents. Should I include info about underclassmen who also left?
Han said:
Parent letters about the old coach’s behavior could really help. They show why your son needed to leave.
Yeah, if it shows a pattern of the coach pushing players out, it could strengthen your case.
You might want to reach out to an ombudsman or advocate. They can help navigate CIF’s rules.
Smart said:
You might want to reach out to an ombudsman or advocate. They can help navigate CIF’s rules.
Where would I find one? Is it through the school district or CIF?
Smart said:
You might want to reach out to an ombudsman or advocate. They can help navigate CIF’s rules.
Check with your district first. They usually have someone who handles disputes like this.
If CIF won’t budge, you might consider consulting a lawyer. They can argue that this rule is being unfairly applied.
Phoenix said:
If CIF won’t budge, you might consider consulting a lawyer. They can argue that this rule is being unfairly applied.
I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that. Do you think a lawyer would even help in this situation?
Phoenix said:
If CIF won’t budge, you might consider consulting a lawyer. They can argue that this rule is being unfairly applied.
It depends, but if your case is strong and the rule feels misapplied, it could be worth looking into.
It might help to emphasize that your move was for family reasons and proximity to work, not for basketball. Have documentation ready.
Fox said:
It might help to emphasize that your move was for family reasons and proximity to work, not for basketball. Have documentation ready.
I can get proof of residence and my work address. Do you think that’s enough?
Fox said:
It might help to emphasize that your move was for family reasons and proximity to work, not for basketball. Have documentation ready.
It should help. CIF needs to see that your move wasn’t motivated by the coach.