Eighth Graders Able to Participate While New Transfer Rules Coming to Iowa

Eighth graders able to participate while new transfer rules coming to Iowa

Iowa high school sports will have a pair of noteworthy changes for the 2026-27 school year.

Iowa Board of Ed approves rules to allow eighth graders in all sports

The State Board of Education approved emergency rules today for the new law that allows eighth graders to play in any high school sport. The Board’s attorney Thomas Mayes says the rules create the power to allow eighth graders to play, but the decision is still up to the schools. “So local interscholastic athletics locally […]

Eighth graders able to participate, new transfer rules coming to Iowa

The State Board of Education approved emergency rules Thursday for the new law that allows eighth graders to play in any high school sport

The State Board of Education approved emergency rules Thursday for the new law that allows eighth graders to play in any high school sport. The Board’s attorney Thomas Mayes says the rules create the power to allow eighth graders to play, but the decision is still up to the schools. So local interscholastic athletics locally controlled, local policies about which sports to offer, open rosters versus competition, coaching decisions. Nothing in th…

Board of Education approves rules to allow eighth graders to play all high school sports

(Radio Iowa) – The State Board of Education approved emergency rules today (Thursday) for the new law that allows eighth graders to play in any high school sport. The Board’s attorney Thomas Mayes says the rules create the power to allow eighth graders to play, but the decision is still up to the schools. Mayes says the emergency rule takes effect on August 1st, and it also prevents students from playing on a junior high and high school team at …