The short answer: Athletes are just like everybody else.
“Bottom-line, athletics doesn’t factor into a decision to grant a transfer or not grant a transfer,” deputy superintendent Rick Holliday said.
Through open choice, students — athletes or not — can apply to attend any of the four public high schools. Transfers are granted based on availability in that given grade. If applications outnumber the openings, a blind draw determines the spots.
Athletes who make a physical move in their residence between attendance zones can transfer, but they are never allowed to compete in the same sport for two different schools in the same season. Transfers can also be granted based on hardship, but athletics wouldn’t be considered as a reason, Holliday said.
More info on the district’s policy can be found in this StarNews article from May 2012.
The original question also mentioned recruiting. The NCHSAA outlines a specific policy that prohibits recruiting by any coach at its member schools. The passage in the handbook specifically mentions five categories of tactics that could constitute recruitment. (It should be noted the burden of proof in allegations of recruiting fall on the accuser.)
Holliday said New Hanover County also has a rule that protects middle school students, keeping coaches from initiating contact with eighth graders during the school year.
RELATED LINKS:
Are there any obscure high school sports that used to exist in the area but no longer do?
Why doesn’t New Hanover County Schools have middle school wrestling?
Date posted: January 7, 2014
User-contributed question by:
James Taylor
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