If a student wants to participate in collegiate athletics, getting into top physical condition is important.
However, if a student-athlete isn't in good shape academically, her physical condition doesn't matter.
"Paying attention in class may help you pay for college".
There are three important variables to consider when it comes to being academically eligible to participate in college sports:
Completion of a required number of NCAA-approved core courses.
Test score results from either the ACT or SAT.
Grade-point average in only the NCAA-approved core courses.
Just like adults have to be truthful with themselves about their credit history when trying to qualify for a loan, student-athletes have to be honest about their academic standing.
by: Tensey Pricer
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"In order to participate in athletics and receive athletically based financial aid, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and meet academic and amateurism eligibility standards. "
NCAA Eligibility Center Online
The link below provides information for the college-bound student-athlete from the National Collegiate Athletic Association. It contains information on how student-athletes register with the Clearinghouse and can comply with NCAA bylaws in order to compete in intercollegiate athletics. It includes information on what high-school students need to do to be eligible to compete their first year in college, as well as guidelines that coaches and prospects must follow during the recruiting process.
NCAA College Recruiting Time-Line
National Letter of Intent signing dates.
*** What Coaches Can and Cannot Do! ***
1. Coaches may not contact recruits prior to contact period of the players’ junior year in high school. You may contact them but they cannot send you any softball material regarding their program.
2. Coaches may not contact you by phone or in person before the contact date after your Junior year in high school has been completed.
3. Coaches are prohibited from talking to senior players at tournaments until their team has been eliminated. They may speak to parents. For coaches this will be counted as an official contact.
4. One it is okay to speak with you Coaches may only call you once a week. You may call them as many times as you like.
5. Coaches are limited to three official contacts with a player. Speaking with Parents at tournaments is counted as one.
6. Players are allowed only five official visits to universities. You may take unofficial visits which are not paid for by the university. You must be in your senior year in High school to take an official visit.
7. Early signing is during the 2nd or 3rd week of November of your senior year. The next signing period is in April of your senior year. Only during these times can you sign a letter of intent.
Junior & Senior Year Checklists
1. Make general decisions about what is best for you regarding a potential university.
2. Access your playing ability honestly and choose what level of collegiate softball would be best for you.
3. Make a list of Div.I, II, III, NAIA, Junior Colleges, that will potentially work academically and athletically for you. Send a letter of introduction to each of the schools. Personalize each letter.
4. Make a skills video for the universities who request one. Do not enclose a video with each letter you send.
5. Send a letter of introduction to each of the schools. Personalize each letter to the Head Coach. Include your high school and summer team schedules.
6. Return softball questionnaires sent by coaches as soon as possible.
7. Take your SAT and ACT at the end of your junior year.
8. Send in all Clearinghouse material by the end of your junior year.
Senior Year Checklist
1. Check and know status of your clearinghouse eligibility.
2. Complete and mail applications (no the application deadline). Coaches feel more comfortable when you have applied to the university.
3. Decide on the colleges you would like to visit for your allowable five official visits.
4. If you are not going to a 4-year, register with your local junior college immediately following high school graduation (in June).
NOT PLANNING ON ATTENDING A 4-YEAR COLLEGE
Junior College Softball
No signing period. Contact a junior college softball coach in your high school recruiting area. Take your math/english placement tests, make an appointment with a counselor and register in junior college courses at age 18 or immediately following your high school softball season (in June). Your commitment begins when you attend classes.
