MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WGNS) - The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Legislative Council convened Thursday at the Courtyard by Marriott in Mt. Juliet for its December meeting, approving several bylaw updates impacting student-athlete eligibility, transfer rules, and coaching guidelines while electing new leadership for 2026.

TSSAA staff provided an update on ongoing discussions with state legislators regarding potential legislation on one-time transfers between school years and how it might influence upcoming decisions on transfer exceptions.

Among the approved changes, the Council added clarity to Article II, Section 2 of the bylaws: Students deemed ineligible in the first semester may regain eligibility no earlier than the final day of that semester, once final grades are officially recognized by school administration. This amendment, proposed by Westview High School, takes effect immediately.

On transfers, the Council rejected a Loretto High School proposal that would have allowed students failing to make a team to transfer without losing varsity eligibility. However, it approved immediate eligibility for students transferring due to their current school closing.

Additional approvals included extending the high school basketball practice period to three weeks prior to Hall of Champions events and permitting coaches to train their own children during restricted coaching periods, provided no other school students are present.

In leadership elections, Dan Black was chosen by acclamation as Council President for 2026, with Keith Turner elected as Vice President.

Other actions included updated financial aid reporting requirements for member schools, shifting the annual membership renewal deadline to October 15, and allowing parents to opt out of physical examinations for student-athletes based on sincerely held beliefs. A proposal to eliminate coaching education requirements for classified employees was tabled until the April meeting.

These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines and flexibility while maintaining fairness in high school athletics across Tennessee.