Unbelievably, These May Ruin A Valid Change Of Residence Per CIF?

Last Updated on March 7, 2025 by Michelle Ball

By Michelle Ball, Sacramento California Expulsion, Special Education, sports/CIF, College, Education and School Attorney/Lawyer for Students since 1995

Have you ever felt gaslit by someone? When you think you understand something, but clearly you don’t? This is sometimes how parents feel with CIF and high school sports transfers.

For example, when is a student move to a new home not a valid change of residence, although it seems like it should be? Sometimes. It all comes back to the CIF bylaws.

Why Does a Valid Change of Residence Matter?

A valid change of residence matters, as a student transferring schools, whose family makes a valid change of residence, should get immediate eligibility to play sports per CIF. If a valid change of residence is not proven, the student may not be able to play sports promptly at their new high school (unless they show a hardship).

So, meeting the CIF “valid change of residence” requirements is important.

What Is a Valid Residence Under CIF Rules?

Per CIF Bylaw 206 C. (3):

A valid residence is defined as the location where the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s)/caregiver (with whom eligibility has been established) live with that student and thereby have the use and enjoyment of that location as a residence.

Okay, so far so good. Where the student lives is their valid residence. This is usually determined when the student enters ninth grade.

Proving Valid Change of Residence Under CIF, It’s a Lot

So, families move all the time, right? Sure we do. Kids can change schools many times in their school careers. What may count as a student “move” for school enrollment purposes, however, may not count for CIF.

CIF defines a valid change of residence in Bylaw 206 C. (4) as essentially requiring:

1. Former residence must be abandoned by the family.
2. Entire immediate family must move.
3. They must take all household goods and furniture with them.
4. They can only have 1 residence at a time.
5. They must have intent to permanently remain at the new residence.
6. The change of residence cannot occur with fraudulent intent; and
7. Many legal documents proving the move will be required. These could include property tax documents, a lease or mortgage statement, bank statements, credit card statements, utilities, voter registrations, drivers licenses, etc.

The school where the student enrolls after their move validates these items. Documents will need to be submitted when the student’s transfer application is submitted to CIF.

What May Not Be a Valid Change of Residence Per CIF?

There are a LOT of things that can cause CIF to find a student did NOT make a “valid change of residence.” Here are some of them which are prohibited and/or which I have seen:

1. The family and student moved, but live in the same school attendance area as before the move.
2. Some, but not all members of the family, move with the student, such as when one parent moves out, and there is no custody order (not a full family move).
3. The student moves in with a caregiver, who is different from the group with which the student established their initial residential eligibility (such as a grandmother, aunt or friend).
4. The family moves temporarily with no intent to remain.
5. The family moves but keeps the former home open and available.
6. The family moves to a smaller home or apartment with no valid reason, and keeps the former residence, with suspicious rental arrangements (CIF can get suspicious about downsizing).
7. The family moves after a student is disciplined.
8. The family moves, but the parents or student had prior contact or were recruited by the new school of attendance (breach of Bylaw 510).
9. The family “moves” but does not really move (e.g. lying about living at the new residence).
10. The family moves into a home/apartment/shared living arrangement set-up by a coach or staff at the new school (more 510 problems).
11. Other situations?

The Student Hasn’t Made a Valid Change of Residence

In any of the above situations, the student may be stopped from immediate participation in high school sports by CIF. In some cases, a student may face a restriction for 1 or even 2 years. There is a 2 year ban for lying, and a 1 year ban for pre-enrollment contact or recruitment.

It is a lot to navigate. As a result, many parents find that although they are happy in their new home, the student may not be happy, as CIF prevents their sports participation.

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Michelle Ball is a student lawyer who supports students and parents in stressful school situations. As a Sacramento education attorney, Michelle can assist with CIF and sports issues, and provide guidance or representation with school woes. Michelle works throughout California, in Galt, Roseville, Auburn, Folsom, Placerville, Woodland, and many other locales.