New CIF transfer rules...

[watchtonsofsoftball]

http://blogs.sacbee.com/preps/archives/2012/05/cif-overwhelmingly-approves-revised-transfer-policy.html

Just read this article in the Sac Bee about the new transfer policies. Now sophomores/juniors/seniors will face only a 30 day penalty for transfering to a new school. So beginning April 1 they would be eligible to play for spring sports instead of sitting out an entire year. Freshman transfering before their sophomore year would still face no penalty in open enrollment schools. Anyone think this will affect anything in Nor Cal?
I dont see it having much impact on our sport as there isn't a ton of powerhouse teams here where maybe the 12th kid on the team is still very good or isnt getting the playing time. Over the years there has been some really stacked teams in So Cal where maybe we will see a bigger jump. Good idea or bad? I like that kids will have more choices and have the ability to play where they want.
I've heard that high school softball "doesn't matter" in the recruiting world. Those parents are misinformed. While the overall stats may not matter as much, college coaches are watching what kids are doing with the popularity of max preps and how easy it is to check up on kids. With that sort of free information out there, college coaches are definately paying attention. So if your not playing at all, very little, not playing very good, or playing like a stud, they know it and in some cases may want to know why. Softball in CA overall is a big recruiting hot bed and College is a very real possibilty for these kids, so I'm for athleticaly motivated moves. Free agents in high school High school coaches I'm sure are not happy about this approval. Probably will have the most implact in football and basketball, like with anything that gets approved by CIF
We will see next year if this changes anything in our area.

[Bleacher bug]

WatchOn

I think It is a good Idea however keep in mind most players will not know that they are riding pine until the season starts. At that point they have to go through the process of the transfer and a cpl of weeks have past, now they pick up there new school with a few weeks left of the season at most. Then again I think we need to teach our athletes that you need to step up to play not step out. Overall I can see more positives to the rule then less.

As for recruiters using Max Prep??? God help us if they are. I have coached High School Ball for over 10 years in the Sacramento area.(TB for many more then that) Go to any game in the area and keep score yourself then pull stats up later, the amount of bogus score keeping is amazing. Keep in mind this is how these girls make All League. The home book will always help their own players. Hit's that should be error's errors that should be hit's etc... The level of coaching in a lot of local schools is pretty bad as well. A lot of teachers picking up extra money coaching who don't have a clue. Not to mention a lot of schools do not use players in the positions they actually play or should play. I have seen plenty of stud catchers or 1st base turn into short stops during high school due to the fact they are the only one on the team who can field or the fact the coach just has no clue where to play his or her players. Only reason a recruiter will look at anything of yours on Max Prep is you are high on their radar. Recruiters are not searching Max Prep or the High School fields for the next Stud. Keep in mind the level of competition in High School ball is pretty bad as well. Most High School Varsity teams could not hang with a low level 14u TB Team. Don't get me wrong I think High School ball is great and in very needed, I just don't think recruiters really take it that serious.

Just my 2 cents

[watchtonsofsoftball]

Bleacher Bug,

A few points here on your post.

-College recruiters aren't necessarily 'looking' for a stud but more so watching the kids that are on their radar.

- I can guarantee that MANY area colleges are watching their kids through max preps. I've been in contact with several over the years. However, they do realize its high school and the level of competition in some leagues/divisions are not that competative.

-They are not looking at stats necessarily but how your doing overall in highschool. They realize that some schools keep accurate stats while others inflate. Ive heard back from one school in particular that they were at a high school game (yes it does happen occasionally) and the kid they watched went 0-4, but later that night was left a 2-4 on max preps. So they do know its happening.

- To say that a college who is investing anywhere from 50k-250k on a kid to play at their school isn't paying attention to what is going on is foolish. Again they aren't necessarily recruiting 'unknown' kids but rather following current signees/verbals/kids interested in their school. These schools spend quite a bit of time and money following players they are serious about. So a free forum where they can track kids is a useful tool to them.

- The biggest thing colleges are looking at is if the player is playing or sitting. Or are they even playing high school ball. If not, why? If they are sitting a lot, why? Attitude, performance, politics, whatever it may be, they MAY want to know why and ask around. I've been asked LOTS of times about area players and if I know anything about a particualar situation. So it does happen.

[bring'nheat]

As far as the "New" ruling, SoCal has been operating by this rule for some time. What will it have in store for NorCal, well...it really all depends on the student/athlete, sport and school. You're not going to have an athlete go to a school which is "stacked" from top to bottom with the expectation of getting play time. You'll see kids transfer, more likely down in divisions, to boost stats or win league, section, state titles. These kids may be riding pine at their current school and are looking for more play time. "Big fish" looking for that small pond.

Colleges, as well as travel ball coaches, actually do follow players on MaxPreps and they're fully aware of the "stat padding" done by high school coaches. What these individuals aren't realizing is that they aren't fooling anybody. It's pathetic that coaches feel the need to do this, but then it also speaks to their own integrity or lack there of. i've been at several high school games this season and to see the stats on MaxPreps later is hysterical!