ACC eliminates 1-year sit-out rule for intraconference transfers

The ACC announced Monday the elimination of its intraconference transfer rule.

The league's board of directors unanimously decided on the change.

Created in 1996, the rule required student-athletes without a degree to sit out one year if they intended to transfer from one ACC school to another.

"The time has come for all student-athletes to have the opportunity to transfer and be permitted to compete immediately," ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said in a statement. "This decision is in the best interest of our student-athletes as it allows greater flexibility during their collegiate career."

Most transferring athletes are required to sit out a year following their commitment, so the decision will likely increase the number of future intraconference moves.

Other major conferences could join the ACC in eliminating such rules later in 2021.