Trinity League proposal shows divide over transfer rules
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The Trinity League on Thursday presented a proposal to the Southern Section Council to remove all references to ‘athletically motivated transfers’ from section rules, and the idea produced some animated discussion and disagreement among administrators and coaches at the meeting.
Michael Brennan, principal at Anaheim Servite and president of the Trinity League, disclosed that the league was divided about presenting the proposal. He said the vote was 4-3 within the league to go forward, with some schools voicing concerns over the perceptions public schools might have.
‘I know people don’t like the Trinity League,’ said Brennan, who used to work in public schools. ‘Everywhere I go, my friends tell me I went to the dark side. This has nothing to do with the Trinity League. What it has to do is what’s best for kids. We felt strongly that it’s something not correct, and that the rules can’t be enforced in a fair manner.”
The Diocese of Orange and Santa Ana Mater Dei have an ongoing lawsuit against the Southern Section, challenging the fairness of the transfer rules enforced against its students. It was clear from the brief discussion period and questions asked that there’s real tension between public and private schools and suspicion regarding the motives of the Trinity League.
‘Would the lawsuit be pulled if this passes?’ one representative asked.
Brennan responded, ‘The lawsuit has nothing to do with this. The Trinity League doesn’t support or not support this lawsuit.’
The proposal is to be voted on at the next Southern Section Council meeting in February. There are also possible revisions in transfer rules being discussed among section commissioners, and they are expected to be presented for discussion at the CIF Federated Council meeting in February.
Commissioner Rob Wigod tried to inject some humor and lower the tension, saying, ‘I want to thank Michael Brennan. Typically, the commissioner is the least liked person in the room.’
-- Eric Sondheimer