NILES — To ensure school choice decisions remain academic in nature, Niles Community Schools is making families aware of a change in the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s 2018-19 rulebook. The new rule notes that a student athlete —anyone who has participated in a scrimmage or game within a given school system — who transfers to another school system through school of choice must sit out an entire season of sports at their new school.

“It is crucial parents understand that school of choice was designed for academic decisions, not athletic decisions,” said Jeff Upton, Niles High School athletic director. “Switching schools for athletic reasons alone has ramifications, and this rule change from MHSAA ensures that is made clear.”

After eighth grade, any student is eligible to move to whatever school they choose, as guided by Michigan’s school of choice initiative. Upon entering ninth grade, the student will have no athletic restrictions in their new school. However, if the student decides to move back to their previous school or move to another one, there will be athletic restraints.

More information on MHSAA guidelines can be found here.