What is the "one-time transfer exception"?

The "one-time transfer exception" is a provision within NCAA rules that permits student-athletes to transfer from one NCAA institution to another without having to sit out a year of competition, provided they meet specific criteria. This exception acknowledges the unique circumstances that may lead a student-athlete to change schools, such as personal, academic, or athletic reasons. The key criteria often include maintaining academic eligibility and not having previously utilized the transfer exception at another institution.

This rule promotes student-athlete mobility and fairness, as it recognizes that circumstances can change during an athlete's college experience, allowing them to pursue opportunities that may better align with their personal or athletic goals. Other options described do not accurately represent the specifics of the one-time transfer exception, such as unlimited transfers or restrictions that apply solely to graduate student-athletes.