TN SB0016

Middle and high school students who transfer between member schools are immediately eligible for interscholastic athletics if it is their first transfer at that level (grades 6-8 or 9-12) and occurs during the summer between school years

Immediate eligibility does not apply to mid-year transfers or second/subsequent transfers, with stated purposes of maintaining academic focus, preventing exploitation of students for athletic purposes, and preserving program stability

Public schools and charter schools are prohibited from using public funds to join interscholastic athletic associations unless the association's governing board complies with open meetings laws

Schools must notify athletic associations when foster care students seek to participate in athletics if failure to notify could affect eligibility, but only after obtaining written consent from parents/guardians or students 18 and older

Interscholastic athletic associations regulating public secondary school sports are subject to annual audits by the comptroller of the treasury, with the association bearing full audit costs; effective July 1, 2026