Student athlete eligibility changes likely even as bill fails on North Dakota House floor

North Dakota lawmakers sent a clear message on high school sports transfers: Change is coming, but not through legislation—yet. A bill to lift the one-year waiting period for student-athletes switching schools failed, but pressure on the state’s activities association remains. With families voicing frustrations and lawmakers threatening future oversight, the association now faces a choice: refine its hardship appeal process or risk another legislative fight. For students caught in the middle, the hope is that reforms come soon enough to make a difference.