Student Athletes

If you are interested in playing a sport in college, here are the steps to follow to ensure you are making the appropriate college choices and that you are approved by the NCAA when necessary:

1. Have an open and honest conversation with your TA coach to get a realistic sense of your ability to play at the college level. It is important to select colleges where your ability will be valued.
2. Talk with your school counselor and family about the priority of academic and athletic goals.
3. Remember that the Admissions Office, not the college coach, admits students.

When you make appointments to visit colleges, make appointments to meet with the college coaches also. Here are some questions you may want to ask them:

• What positions would I play on your team?
• Describe some of the players competing at the same position.
• What are the physical requirements each year?
• What is the game plan (offense, defense, seeding, tournaments)?
• How would you describe your coaching style?
• Describe the preferred invitation and walk-on situation.
• How are academics supported (can I miss practice for Biology lab?)?
• Describe the typical day for the student athlete.
• How long does my scholarship last?
• If I’m injured, what happens to my financial aid?

NCAA

Most college athletic programs are regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which establishes rules on eligibility, recruiting, and financial aid. There are three NCAA divisions: Division 1 (“D1”), Division II (“D2”) and Division III (“D3”). Colleges and universities are members of divisions according to size, scope of athletics, and whether they provide athletic scholarships. DIII colleges do not offer athletic scholarships.

If you want to participate in athletics at the DI or DII level, you must be certified by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. Registration occurs during spring of junior year or fall of senior year. You and your counselor will make sure you send to the Clearinghouse:

1. A completed and signed Student Release Form and fee
2. Official transcripts from every high school you have attended
3. A copy of any professional diagnosis of a disability
4. An official SAT or ACT score report

To contact: NCAA Clearinghouse, PO Box 4044, Iowa City, IA 52243-4044

FAX: 319-337-1556 SAT/ACT Code #: 9999 Web: www.ncaa.org