Family Residence Change/Varsity Eligibility

There has been a lot of discussion this fall about transfer students. First of all, all of our students are transfer students. They all started at a public, private or Catholic school and transferred to BSM with the intention of completing their education as a Red Knight.

Things do get a little more complicated as we look at sophomore or junior transfers. Bylaw 111 of the MSHSL Handbook governs transfers. Here is a general review of transfer eligibility rules and here is the entire bylaw in you would like to comb through it.

The most common means of gaining varsity eligibility in a transfer after ninth grade is for the family to change residence. This is one of the five acceptable provisions allowed in bylaw, but it is often misinterpreted. The common interpretation is that a family may rent an apartment and reside in it for a year. Then after a year the student has gained eligibility, and they can move back into their original home. This is 100% incorrect and if discovered is a bylaw violation and the student will lose their varsity eligibility and the school may be forced to vacate some victories.

The correct interpretation is that the change of residence is the actual physical relocation by the parents or guardians of a student with the intent to reside indefinitely at a new residence in Minnesota and terminate all occupancy of a previous residence AND both parents that must physically reside at the residence on a regular basis for the duration of the student’s enrollment.

Since many do not understand this bylaw and to avoid this issue in the future, I have created an essential sign off to be used by any family that is attempting a Family Residence Change. The signoff certifies that the family has met with the Benilde St. Margaret’s Director of Athletics and Activities and discussed Bylaw 111. It certifies that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by Bylaw 111. It further certifies that if they have not understood any information contained in this Bylaw, they have sought and received an explanation of the information prior to signing this statement. This protects both the school and each family from any misunderstanding.

Here is the sign off.

If you have any questions or would like to have a follow up conversation, please reach out to me.

My best,

Rick Johns '70, CMAA

Director of Athletics and Activities