1. NCAA Initial-Eligibility Requirements

2. What is the NCAA? The National Collegiate Athletic Association
Membership consists of over 1,000 colleges and universities
Divided into three classifications
Division I
Division II
Division III
Each division creates its own rules
Recruiting rules are in place for coaches that restrict how they can communicate with high school students

3. What is the difference between the divisions?
Division I
Athletic scholarships
Full and partial depending on sport
Minimum academic standards for eligibility
Initial Requirements for incoming freshmen and transfers
Minimum benchmarks based on number of semesters/quarters in school
Strict eligibility clock
4 seasons to be completed in 5 years from first full time term
More sport opportunities
Minimum 14 at each institution

4. What is the difference between the divisions?
Division II
Athletic scholarships
Majority partials
Minimum academic standards for eligibility
Initial Requirements for incoming freshmen and transfers
Different than Division I
Minimum benchmarks based on number of semesters/quarters in school
Flexible eligibility clock
4 seasons to be completed in 10 full time semesters of 15 full time quarters
Fewer sport opportunities
Minimum 10 at each institution

5. What is the difference between the divisions?
Division III
No athletic scholarships
Mostly private schools
Academic requirements are based on each college or university standards
Flexible eligibility clock
4 seasons to be completed in 10 full time semesters of 15 full time quarters
Fewer sport opportunities
Minimum 5 or 6 at each institution based on total student enrollment

6. What is the process to get there?
Must be admitted to a four-year university
Admission requirements are different than NCAA requirements
For Divisions I and II students must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
Registration can only be done online at
There is a fee with this process
$75 for U.S. students and $130 for international students
Fee waivers available for those on Free/Reduced Lunch or receiving ACT/SAT Waivers
Students can register any time
Ideal time is at the end of junior year

7. How do I find the NCAA Eligibility Center

9. Document Requirements
High school transcripts must be sent by every high school the student attends
Only official sealed documents will be accepted
Transcripts should be sent once six semesters of grades are available
The earlier transcripts are sent the earlier a decision can be rendered
SAT and/or ACT test scores must be sent by testing agency
NCAA code is 9999
Include this code at the time of the test
Will not accept test scores from transcripts

10. What can you do to help with this process?
Register early and make sure it is complete
Payment of fees, including fee waivers (if applicable)
Submission of all documents in a timely manner
Request test scores at time of test
Communicate with college coaches so that students can be activated by the institution
Check NCAA Eligibility Center account regularly for new task assignments
Respond quickly to new task assignments so that the Eligibility Center can continuing review of student’s record
Keep address updated

11. NEW College Freshmen Academic Requirements
Class of 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019

12. NEW Freshmen Academic Requirements
Effective for students who enroll on or after August 1, 2016
Three possible certification outcomes
Qualifier = competition, practice and athletic scholarship during first year
Academic Redshirt = athletic scholarship first year and practice first regular academic term (semester/quarter)
Nonqualifier = no competition, practice or athletic scholarship during first year
Changed 4/25 to Was previously 2015

13. Qualifier Requirements for competition, practice and athletic aid
16 Core Courses
10 to be completed prior to beginning of senior year
Minimum 2.30 GPA in core courses
Minimum SAT/ACT test score based on GPA in core courses
High school graduation

14. Qualifier Requirements for competition, practice and athletic aid
One core course can be taken after high school graduation
Nontraditional courses must meet specific criteria to be counted
SAT test score is based on math and verbal sections only
The changes to the SAT in spring 2016 is not expected to impact how they are used for NCAA eligibility

15. Qualifier Requirements for competition, practice and athletic aid
Core course progression
Must complete 10 courses prior to the start of seventh semester (e.g., senior year)
Of the 10 courses completed, 7 must be in English, math or science
Those 10 core courses become “locked in” for the purpose of the GPA calculation
A repeat of one of the “locked in” courses will not be used if taken after the seventh semester begins

16. Academic Redshirt Requirements for practice and athletic aid
A student-athlete who does not meet the qualifier requirements, but does have the following:
Complete a minimum of 16 core courses
Minimum SAT/ACT test score based on GPA in core courses
A minimum 2.00 core-course GPA
Can practice first semester/quarter and receive aid first year
After the first semester/quarter is complete, in order to continue to practice for the rest of the year, the student must pass at least 9 units

17. Nonqualifier
What if a student does not meet either set of requirements?
He/She is a nonqualifier
Cannot receive aid their first year
Cannot practice or compete during their first year

18. General Reminders

19. Nontraditional Courses
A nontraditional course is one that is taught through the Internet, distance learning, independent study, computer software program, or other similar means
Must meet the following:
Provide ongoing access between instructor and student
Have a defined time period for completion
Be considered a college preparatory course
Refer to the NCAA approved course list for course eligibility

20. Does a Course Meet NCAA Requirements?
Check the approved course list frequently
Under the “Resources” tab you can find the list of approved courses
If a course is not listed it may not be accepted by the NCAA
Check lists for each school attended

21. Approved Course Lists

22. Approved Course Lists

23. Approved Course Lists

24. Questions?????

25. Contact Information
Tim Rowe, Guidance Counselor – NCAA Eligibility
Legacy High School
Main Office
(702) ext. 4307
NCAA Eligibility Center
Public (877)