The integrity of school sports is being compromised by two pressing issues: the holding back of children for athletic advantage and the enrollment of transfer students from outside districts or cities.

When districts allow non-resident transfers, local student-athletes—whose parents pay property taxes to support their home schools—lose valuable opportunities on their own teams. This unfair practice places outside athletes above resident students, undermining the very communities these programs are meant to serve.

Equally harmful is the growing practice of holding back children for sports. Imagine skilled and passionate student-athletes, competing at their true grade level, only to be edged out by older, more physically and mentally developed teenagers. This creates an uneven playing field where the younger, grade-appropriate athletes bear the consequences of lost opportunities.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 1.3% of American students are held back each year, many for athletic reasons. This demonstrates that the problem is not isolated, but part of a nationwide trend demanding urgent attention.

We call for immediate reforms to restore fairness in school sports:

Transfer Reform – Districts should prioritize resident students first. Non-resident transfer athletes should not take opportunities away from local children whose families support the schools through property taxes.

Hold-Back Reform – Students who are held back should not be eligible to compete with their previous grade level. Age-appropriate participation is essential to maintain competitive balance and protect student well-being.

Inclusive & Transparent Guidelines – Policies surrounding transgender athlete participation must be compassionate, inclusive, and developmentally informed, while also considering the physical and competitive realities of contact and gender-segregated sports.

These changes will ensure that school sports remain an arena of fairness, safety, and dignity for every child—regardless of identity, background, or ability.

We respectfully urge school districts across the country to reconsider current policies and uphold the spirit of fair play, age-appropriate competition, and equal opportunity.

By signing this petition, you are lending your voice to children who are still learning to use their voice. Together, we can create fairness, equity, and integrity in school and youth sports—protecting the physical and mental health of every child while restoring the true fabric of athletic competition in youth sports.