KEY POINTS:
College Sport will get wider powers to investigate claims of high schools poaching up-and-coming sports stars, if a proposed change to rules is passed at a special meeting today.
The change - one of several to be voted on by Auckland Secondary Schools Heads Association members - would allow the Auckland college sports body to investigate when allegations are made of schools recruiting emerging athletes who play below premier-level competition.
The vote follows the tightening of measures in December to discourage schools from poaching teenage sports stars in the top grade.
It comes as school sport becomes increasingly serious at the elite level.
College Sport chief executive Manoj Daji said some members told the organisation they were concerned the tougher bylaws might push down the recruitment of talented athletes to younger and younger age groups, which are outside the level of competition it at present investigates.
"At the moment we only investigate and look at and regulate premier-level transfers," said Mr Daji.
Another major proposal aimed to see fewer students stood down from competition while their eligibility to play was decided.
"We don't want to stop students from enjoying their sport and playing their sport," said Mr Daji.
Under the tougher rules, several students were sidelined this year while schools argued over eligibility, including Year 11 student Gabrielle Crothall, who missed more than two months of school water polo matches after moving from Baradene College to St Cuthbert's College before a ruling deemed her transfer legitimate and she could play.
In May, College Sport penalised three high school sports figures in what was described as an unprecedented crackdown after it found they breached bylaws.
The proposed changes follow a review of College Sport bylaws.
Principals told the Herald yesterday they largely supported the plans but put forward minor amendments.
"The kid is at the heart of the matter, which is good," said Mt Albert Grammar headmaster Dale Burden.
Papatoetoe High School principal Peter Gall said cutting recruitment fostered better competition.
