Mark Amador Discusses CIF Transfer Rules and Student-Athlete Eligibility on CBS Los Angeles
San Diego, California — Partner Mark A. Amador was recently featured by CBS Los Angeles in a segment regarding CIF transfer-eligibility rules and their impact on high school student-athletes. Reported by Chris Hayre, the segment examines the legal hurdles families face when navigating school transfers.
The coverage highlights the complexities of CIF Bylaw 510, which often results in student-athletes being ruled ineligible even when transfers are made for non-athletic reasons. The segment explores the high burden of proof required to defeat a prima facie case of "athletic motivation" and the significant rate at which these eligibility appeals are rejected.
Mr. Amador, a leading voice in sports-related eligibility matters, provided insight into how these cases play out in practice, including the gap families must overcome when a transfer is labeled “athletically motivated” regardless of the family's actual intent.
“There are these circumstances that CIF has said that if your son or daughter falls into this circumstance, you are presumed guilty. Over the last four years, we have looked at the stats out of all of the appeals through CIF—80% of them are denied.”
The full segment aired on CBS Los Angeles.
Watch the segment here: https://x.com/SportsCentralLA/status/2032606597789397054?s=20
Video courtesy of CBS Los Angeles (@SportsCentralLA).
California high school athletics have complicated transfer rules. But student-athletes are losing eligibility despite transferring for non-athletic reasons.@chrishayre learns more about those speaking up for the right to compete tonight on @CBSLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/qd5t2jNMHQ
— Sports Central LA (@SportsCentralLA) March 13, 2026
About Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Walshok LLP
Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Walshok LLP is a California-based civil litigation firm representing clients in complex disputes across a wide range of practice areas, including sports-related eligibility matters. The firm regularly advises student-athletes and families on CIF eligibility issues, transfer disputes, and related proceedings.
About Mark A. Amador
Mark A. Amador is a partner at Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Walshok LLP. His practice includes advising student-athletes and families on CIF eligibility matters, including transfer rules, hardship waivers, and appeals. He has significant experience handling CIF-related disputes and is frequently consulted on eligibility issues arising under CIF bylaws.