Narbonne Fallout Prompts Tightened Transfer Rules in LA City Section

Narbonne High School’s 2024 football season ended in controversy after the LA City Section found the program in violation of CIF transfer rules. Multiple players joined the team under questionable circumstances, including improper housing arrangements and incomplete eligibility documentation. Because of this, Narbonne was stripped of its City Section championship and banned from postseason play for three years.

The transfers came under scrutiny after four rival Marine League coaches—Banning, Carson, Gardena, and San Pedro—boycotted games against Narbonne, suggesting that the school had used transfers, improperly, to gain an unfair advantage. Their protest forced the Section to investigate and enforce compliance more strictly.

In response, the City Section has tightened its transfer oversight for 2025. The new rules include the following provisions:

• Autoflagging: Schools with multiple incoming transfers are automatically flagged for review.

• Documentation:  Players must submit full eligibility paperwork and proof of residence before they can compete.

• Housing Restrictions:Schools are prohibited from offering housing benefits to incentivize athletes to compete.

• Penalties: Violations can lead to vacated wins, probation, and multi-year postseason bans.
  

The penalties against Narbonne serve as a warning to schools across Los Angeles: while transfers are allowed, skirting CIF bylaws ma result in severe consequences.