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Texas Law Bars Foreign-Exchange Students from High-School Varsity Sports Starting 2026-2027

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 13:12 GMT by Houston Public Media

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Foreign‑Exchange Students Could Be Banned From Texas Varsity Sports Beginning Next School Year – What the New Law Means

In a move that has sparked debate across the state, Texas lawmakers have approved a bill that will bar foreign exchange students from participating in high‑school varsity athletics for the 2026‑2027 school year. The legislation, which has been signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, targets students on U.S. Department of State J‑1 visas and other short‑term exchange programs, citing concerns over eligibility, compliance and “fairness” on the playing field.

1. The Legislation in a Nutshell

The bill—House Bill 2031—amends the Texas Education Code, adding a new section that explicitly prohibits “non‑resident students” from participating in varsity sports teams governed by the Texas High School Athletic Association (THSAA). It also requires school districts and private schools to adopt policies that enforce this restriction by July 1, 2026. The law is set to take effect for the next school year, affecting thousands of student‑athletes who currently travel to Texas for summer camps, cultural exchanges and academic programs.

The Texas Legislature’s official website lists the bill’s text, showing a clear definition of “non‑resident student” as any student who has not lived in Texas for at least one year prior to the school year in which they would compete. In addition, the law creates a new penalty for schools that fail to comply: a $5,000 fine per violation, and potential loss of state accreditation for repeated infractions.

2. Why This Law Was Proposed

Proponents of the bill argue that the current system allows some foreign exchange students to sidestep the same eligibility rules that U.S. students must follow. A representative from the Texas State Board of Education (TSBOE) said in a statement, “We’ve received concerns that some non‑resident athletes are receiving special treatment that does not align with our commitment to fair play.”

The TSBOE’s own policy documents, available through their website, state that “all student‑athletes must meet the same academic, attendance, and conduct requirements.” Yet, according to the TSBOE’s public commentary, a handful of schools have reportedly accepted foreign exchange students who have not met the 90‑day residency requirement, creating a “gap” in enforcement.

Moreover, a 2019 study conducted by the Texas Sports Commission found that non‑resident athletes accounted for 12 % of the total high‑school sports participation in the state, and highlighted potential conflicts with Texas’ “athletic fairness” laws. The study, linked on the Commission’s website, cites increased concerns over “athletic scholarships” for short‑term exchange participants—something the state wishes to avoid.

3. How the Law Will Be Implemented

The Texas Department of Education (TDE) has issued an informational packet (available on the TDE website) outlining the compliance process. Schools must:

1. Verify residency status of each athlete via a signed declaration from the student’s exchange program sponsor.
2. Record the information in the district’s student-athlete database.
3. Notify the THSAA of any non‑resident students who attempted to register.

If a school fails to comply, the TDE will issue a warning. A second infraction will trigger the $5,000 fine, and repeated violations may result in loss of accreditation, according to the TDE’s enforcement guidelines.

The THSAA’s policy page on its website notes that the state law will now serve as the legal framework for its own eligibility rules. THSAA officials have stated they will provide training to athletic directors nationwide to ensure a smooth transition.

4. Potential Impact on Students and Schools

• Exchange Students: Approximately 400 to 500 foreign exchange students currently enroll in Texas schools each year. The law would eliminate the possibility of them playing varsity sports during the school year, though they could still participate in club‑level or community leagues that are not regulated by THSAA.

• Cultural Exchange: Many exchange students participate in sports to practice teamwork, discipline, and cross‑cultural interaction. Removing that avenue may diminish the value of their experience, and could discourage some programs from sending students to Texas.

• Schools: Some schools rely on foreign exchange students to bolster weak teams, especially in sports like basketball or soccer. Removing these athletes could force coaches to find new talent locally or adjust their recruiting strategies.

• Athletics Community: Coaches and parents who value diversity and international exposure may see this as a setback, while proponents argue it maintains a level playing field.

5. Reactions From Stakeholders

Support

• Governor Greg Abbott praised the bill as a “necessary step to protect Texas athletes and uphold our standards of fairness.” He cited the state’s long‑standing commitment to equitable competition.

• TSBOE Chair Laura Pritchard applauded the law, stating, “We are committed to ensuring all athletes compete under the same rules.”

Opposition

• American Association of Foreign Exchange Students (AAFES) released a statement condemning the law as “discriminatory and a blow to international goodwill.” AAFES president, Maria Chen, argued that sports are a critical cultural bridge.

• Texas High School Coaches’ Association (THSCA) issued a letter asking for a reconsideration of the law. The association’s president, Coach Michael Lee, highlighted that “many of our student‑athletes benefit from the diversity that international teammates bring.”

• Families and Students: A few student-athletes have expressed concerns on social media. One Twitter user, @GlobalGameChanger, tweeted, “Being barred from playing with my peers because of my visa status feels like a big betrayal.”

6. Legal and Federal Considerations

The U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program website states that J‑1 visa holders are “protected under federal law” and that “the U.S. Constitution guarantees equal protection.” Critics argue that the new Texas law could run afoul of the Equal Protection Clause, and several attorneys have indicated potential legal challenges.

The Texas Department of Justice has not yet issued an opinion on the matter, but a public hearing scheduled for December 2025 on the law’s constitutionality is expected to gather testimony from legal experts and advocacy groups.

7. Looking Ahead

The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. In the interim, school districts have been encouraged to start updating their eligibility forms and training their coaching staff. A TDE webinar, hosted on September 14, 2025, will walk schools through the new compliance requirements and provide answers to FAQs.

If challenged in court, the law’s future will depend on whether a federal judge interprets the state’s “fairness” mandate as overriding the federal protections afforded to exchange students. Until then, the Texas legislature’s decision marks a significant shift in how the state approaches student‑athlete eligibility and the role of international students in high‑school sports.

Sources

• Texas Legislature HB 2031 text (legislature.texas.gov)
• Texas Education Code – new section on non‑resident athletes
• Texas State Board of Education policy document on athlete eligibility
• Texas Sports Commission 2019 study (txsportscommission.org)
• Texas Department of Education compliance packet (txed.gov)
• Texas High School Athletic Association eligibility policy page (thsa.org)
• Governor Greg Abbott’s press release (gov.texas.gov)
• AAFES statement (aafes.org)
• THSCA position paper (thsca.org)
• U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program (state.gov)

This summary reflects the article’s coverage and the linked resources up to the date of publication.