Only about 20% of Colleges that Compete in the NCAA are Division I.

“If you are only looking at Division I, you may be eliminating nearly 80% of any potential scholarship and/or playing opportunities.”

The college planning process is difficult in itself.  Take into consideration being a student-athlete and suddenly the process becomes much more complicated and complex. For many families, the entire recruiting process is overwhelming and frustrating because families may not understand what is involved in college recruiting.

RECRUITING MISCONCEPTIONS

• If you are good enough, college coaches will find out about you.
• Your high school or club coach has connections and will get you recruited.
• You have plenty of time to get recruited.
• Attending college camps, exposure and/or showcase tournaments will get college coaches to notice you.
• Online Recruiting Services will get college coaches interested in you.

NCAA & NAIA RECRUITING RULES

If you are an NCAA Division I or Division II "prospective student-athlete (PSA)" below are dates that you need to become familiar with.  Also included are NCAA Division III and NAIA recruiting rules.

• Prior to September 1^st of the junior year in high school, all sports (except Men’s Basketball & Men’s Ice Hockey) college coaches may send a prospect brochures for camps and questionnaires.
• NCAA, all sports (except Men’s Basketball & Men’s Ice Hockey), September 1st of the junior year in high school, a prospect may begin receiving recruiting materials.  For Men’s Basketball & Men’s Ice Hockey, a prospect may begin receiving recruiting materials June 15^th after the sophomore year.
• NCAA, Division I, Men’s Basketball, College coaches may telephone a prospect ONE time per month starting June 15th before the junior year through July 31 after the junior year. NCAA rules change starting August 1st after the junior year.
• NCAA, Division I, Football, College coaches may telephone a prospect ONE time between April 15th and May 31st of the junior year high school, and then not again until September 1st of the senior year.
• NCAA, Division I, Women’s Basketball, College coaches may telephone a prospect ONE time per month during April, May and June1-20 of the junior year in high school. NCAA rules change starting June 21st after the junior year.
• NCAA, Division I, all sports (except Football & Ice Hockey) college coaches may telephone a prospect twice per week starting August 1st before the start of the senior year in high school.
• NCAA, Division II, all sports, college coaches may telephone a prospect ONE time per week starting June 15th after the junior year.

NCAA, Division III, all sports, a prospect may receive printed materials any time.  There are no limits on the number of phone calls or when they can be made by the college coach. 

NAIA, all sports, recruiting rules are less restrictive than NCAA rules.

NCAA & NAIA INFORMATION

The NCAA
The NCAA is comprised of three division or competition levels, consisting of about 1,300 colleges. The division is a function of the level of competition.

The NCAA, Division I
Offers athletic scholarships, and is the most competitive level in college.

The NCAA, Division II
Offers athletic scholarships, and is less competitive than Division I, although still very competitive.

The NCAA. Division III
No athletic scholarships, although scholarships are offered based on merit or academics.

The NAIA
The NAIA is comprised of about 300 member schools that are smaller, religious affiliated with excellent educational opportunities. 90% of all NAIA colleges offer athletic scholarships. 

NCAA & NAIA ELIGIBILITY CENTER'S

• What is the NCAA Eligibility Center? An organization that determines the eligibility for athletics participation in a student-athlete's first year of college.  The Eligibility Center certifies both the academic and amateurism status of a prospective student-athlete.
• Who Needs to Register? Any individual who thinks there is a chance that he or she will participate in athletics at an NCAA Division I or Division II school. 
• When should a Student-Athlete Register? A student-athlete should register after the completion of your junior year in high school.  At that time, a transcript that includes six semesters of grades should be sent to the eligibility center from the high school.
•  Select Code “9999” to Report SAT & ACT Test Scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center.  A student should request all SAT and/or ACT test scores be forwarded directly to the Eligibility Center by entering Code "9999" as a reporting selection when registering for the SAT or ACT Exam. 
• Select Code "9876" to Report SAT & ACT Test Scores to the NAIA Eligibility Center.  A student should request all SAT and/or ACT test scores be forwarded directly to the Eligibility Center by entering Code "9876" as a reporting selection when registering for the SAT and/or ACT Exam.