Advice for College Athletes Regarding Transfer Situations
Are you thinking about a possible transfer from one NCAA or NAIA university to another?
Maybe you’re looking for more playing time elsewhere, or just want to be back closer to home?
If you’re planning to transfer to an NCAA or an NAIA university, you need to remember that you need to receive written permission from your current school to talk with other coaches. So, the first thing you should do is talk to your coach and explain that you would like to request permission to speak with other schools.
But, how do you do that in the middle of your season without being benched or even cut from your team by an angered coach?
We’ve had the privilege of guiding thousands of athletes and parents through the steps in the transfer process, including when and how to approach the coach, and by providing other tips about transfers. We also inform clients of their rights if their transfer request is denied, and how to approach an appeal, if necessary.
A transfer can be a very stressful situation, but in a phone or Skype consultation we’ll guide you through each step in the process so that you’re prepared for the “what ifs.”
To schedule a transfer consultation, please call 913-766-1235 or email rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick,
I got recruited to and played baseball at a division 2 school for my freshman and sophomore years. I’m going to be a junior but want to transfer to another division 2 school but it is in the SAME conference I am In now. Will I be eligible to play if I transfer to an in conference d2 school?
Hi Renate,
If you would be eligible to compete at your NAIA school this Fall if you were staying there, you should be able to be immediately eligible at a Div. III school and not have to sit out from competition for a year.
Rick
Hello, I’m a freshman saying basketball & track at an NAIA school, can I transfer to a NCAA D3 school & still be legible, without taking a year off?
Hi T,
As a 4-4-4 transfer, this athlete will be ineligible for competition during his first year at a another Div. I (or Div. II) university. Also, he will need to receive “permission to contact” other schools from the Div. II school that he played for last Fall.
Rick
My son’s friend got a D1 FB scholarship and enrolled in January. Because he got in some trouble the ACC school dismissed him. He then enrolled and played in the fall at a D2 school. Now he has the opportunity to return to a D1 university. What are the double transfer and does he only need to get a release??
Jake,
If you weren’t enrolled as a full-time student last year when you took 6 credit hours in the Fall and 6 in the Spring, then your eligibility will depend upon whether you are a Qualifier based on your HS academic record. Otherwise, you may not be eligible since you didn’t earn at least 18 credit hours during the regular academic year.
Rick
Hi, I went to I was wondering if I would have to sit out a year due to only taking 6 credits last fall, 6 credits this spring, and I am also taking 12 credits this summer, which equals 24 credits. However, I am trying to play football for a newly named division II school (UVa-Wise) and they say I might not be able to play because I wasn’t a full time student the year before. Is there any advice you could give me that would help me be able to play? I have never played Divison II football before.
Thanks
Jake
Derek,
Whether she is too old for a JUCO will depend upon her age, and whether she attended any HS years in the US. You may want to contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com to discuss her options.
Rick
Ditte,
If he transfers to a Div. III school, and is doing well academically, it’s quite possible that he won’t have to sit out from competition next year. He would have to, however, if he were transferring to another Div. II school, or back to the Div. I level.
Rick
Rick,
My son is going to a D2 school now and plans to transfer to a D3 university closer to home next year. He played some D1 sports already. Would he need to sit out after his second transfer next year? Thank you
Matt,
Since Div. III doesn’t offer athletic scholarships or utilize the NLI, he doesn’t need any permission to talk to the Div. II coach or to sign with that school.
Rick
My brother has enrolled and committed to play at a DIv 3 school this fall. He was recently offered a spot on a Div 2 team. Does he now need permission from the Div 3 school to talk to the DIv 2 coach or to sign a NLI (there was no NLI for the Div 3 school).
Hello Rick,
My daughter attended D1 school for two years and is planning to transfer. I was told that she is too old for JUCO’s ( she is an international student), so we are looking for a DII or NAIA school which we could choose for a year and then possibly bounce back to D1 or go to a stronger academically D3 school. Would she have to sit out even if she moved from D1 to D2 and then to D3?
Take care and thanks
Kelsey,
No permission is needed since you’re transferring from a two-year college. That’s only when an athlete is looking to transfer between four-year schools.
Rick
HI, I’m currently looking to transfer into a D2 school for lacrosse. Currently I am enrolled in a Community College and not playing lacrosse for them since there is no team. I don’t need a permission to contact from the institution to contact coaches correct?
Janet,
Approach the Athletic Director at the JUCO, as he and the President or a VP will need to sign an NJCAA Transfer Waiver Form for your son to be able to play at another JUCO.
Rick
My son signed a letter of intent to play baseball (after he was 18) at a junior college on his way to living his dream of playing professional baseball since he was 3. However this coach who sounded more like a salesman was full of broken empty promises and my son would just as soon leave his dream than play here. He wanted to transfer to a school closer to home and possibly play ball. But the coach told him he wouldn’t release him and this is after he had told my son he didn’t want him on the team. What can we do to get a release?
Thanks! Your answers above and Transfer Guide were very helpful.
Rick,
He would sit out from competition for a year, and then would be eligible for his remaining three seasons of eligibility starting Spring 2016.
Rick
Rick,
Thanks for the clarification. On the last point, if he practices in the Fall of 2014 with the current Division 1 school then transfers to a different Division 1 school in the Winter for the Spring semester of 2015, it sounds like he would then sit out a year and then be eligible to play in the Spring of 2016. Would the 2016 season be his second year of eligibility with 2 remaining?
Thanks,
Rick K.
Rick,
Your son could be eligible to play at a Div. III school in the Spring after attending the same Div. I school this Fall, as long as he is academically eligible at the time that he leaves the Div. I school. However, the Div. I rules don’t permit incoming mid-year transfers to be immediately eligible, so he could not be eligible as a mid-year transfer to a Div. I school until the following academic year.
Whether the Fall semester counts toward eligibility depends upon whether transferring to Div. I or Div. III in the Spring.
Rick
My son just completed his freshman year at a D1 school where he played baseball. He didn’t have a great experience and got almost no opportunity to play and doesn’t expect much the upcoming season. Given the transfer application deadlines have mostly past, I assume it is too late for a Fall transfer to a good academic D1 or D3 school. Given that, if he were to transfer in the Winter after returning for the Fall Semester, would he be eligible to play for a D3 school in the Spring? When would he be eligible to play for a D1 school? Does the Fall semester count toward eligibility or is only the Spring season?
M,
As long as you haven’t attended any college (or combination of colleges) for more than ten semesters as a full-time student, you can do that.
Rick
Hi I Played DIV I tennis for two years (2008-2010). I would like to finish my degree and so would like to know if I can come back to a DIV II school (I am 24 years old).
Maggie,
Under the Div. III rules, she can be eligible at another Div. III school next Fall as long as the Div. II school can state that she would be eligible if returning there rather than transferring.
Rick
William,
This will depend upon a number of things including your recruiting status, whether you were on scholarship at the Div. II, and your academic standing.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My daughter played D3 volleyball her freshman yr. transfered last fall to our local d2 school to play her soph yr. It was a brand new program that became a train wreck. Worst experience with a coach ever. She told the coach in Jan. that she was very unhappy and decided to not play any longer.
She decided to try to go to the the D3 school she orignally wanted to go for her major. while still in high school but we could not afford it. Once that coach heard she was interested in the school again she told her she wants her to play for her. She did not mention anything about sitting out a yr. If she transfers again and decides to play would she be sitting out a yr?
In case i rambled basically it is d3 to d2 back to d3 (but notthe same one). 🙂
I played football at a division 2 school. I couldn’t afford to go there anymore so I took a year off to work and save up. If I wanted to play now at a division 1 school would I have to sit out a year?
Chuck,
My primary expertise is the NCAA rules, so you should check with the NAIA, or an NAIA school about that.j
Rick
Got it. NAIA transfer would be an option if he found a college he could continue his Bachelor studies at if he doesn’t complete it at present college by fall. Am I correct? He could attend part time in the fall 11 units and play/practice fall, if he met all the other rule requirements. Then continue full time in the Spring and play provided he can meet the 24 hour rule for the 2 semesters prior to transfer.
Chuck,
Here’s the Div. II rule as copied from the Div. II Manual: “A student-athlete may practice or compete while enrolled in a full-time graduate program as defined by the institution for all graduate students in that program.” This would count as a semester toward the 10-semester limit.
Rick
Would he need to be full time in the fall to practice with the team if he trasferred with his B.S.completed to another D2 for his Graduate Degree provided that degree wasn’t offered at his present school? Trying to figure out if there is another strategy so he can practice that first fall with team withhout using up a season of play.
Chuck,
That’s correct. The downside of that strategy is that he won’t be able to practice with the team in the Fall if he’s not a full-time student.
Rick
Thanks Rick you are a great guy and I appreciate that. I will email you. Sorry for being long winded. I just don’t get how he could play the 2 baseball season’s he has left if he was enrolled in 8 full time semesters already. That leaves only 2 full time semesters for 2 Spring seasons. I guess he could take 11 units each fall part time with winter/summer school part time like he did for his A.A and B.S. Is that how it could be done?
Chuck,
The simplest way to answer your questions is that he could be eligible at another Div. II school next year as a Graduate student, regardless of how many times he has transferred already. He wouldn’t need summer hours in order to do that. If you want to discuss other options, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
My son has attended 8 fulltime semesters total in collge since 2009 and played 2 Spring seasons of baseball. 1 at JUCO and 1 at an NAIA. He is graduating at a D2 he’s attending since fall 2012 but never played or was recruited at. He’s 4-2-4-4 right now. Could he use the 2 year non-participation rule and play next Spring 2015 if he transfers in fall to another D2 and gets a Masters or another BA. Would he have 2 Spring seasons left to play D2 baseball at either the D2 he’s at as a walk on or would he have to transfer? He last played NAIA baseball Spring 2012. He took 12 units Fall 2013 semester and 9 units this past Spring 2014. He is considering taking 3 units this summer 2014. Is it necessary to take that summer coure to achieve 24 for the year prior to transfer with 2 years non-participation? Is ther a way he could play the 2 remaining years at a NAIA college if he delayed getting the BA or chose another major on transfer?
Robbie,
My primary expertise is with NCAA rather than NAIA rules, but from what I know about NAIA, I believe that is accurate.
Rick
Sabine,
You can as long as your coach will welcome you back on the team.
Rick
Rick,
After I got release from my coach can I change my mind and stay in same team and college ?
Rick,
A college is starting an NAIA basketball progran and has never had a team. The coach is telling my son will they are transitioning they will be a club basketball team and he will use any eligibility his first year and can transfer without penalty. Is this true?
Emily,
You have one year remaining.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I’m a student at an NAIA school in Pennsylvania, but I would like to transfer to a NCAA school and change my major next semester. Now I’ve already used up 3 years of eligibility, would I get another 4 years as an NCAA Division II athlete or would I only get one year?
Ty,
There are a number of factors involved, but this will be possible depending upon those various factors. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you are interested in more detailed information.
Rick
Rick,
I will be attending a NAIA school in the fall as a incoming Junior and will be playing football. I didn’t play football at my old school. With that I will play two years at the NAIA school. I was wondering if after my two years, I will be able to play at a Division 1 school while getting a graduate degree?
Anthony,
Assuming that you only attended college for 6 semesters as a full-time student based on your information, you may have four semesters available in which to still compete for an NAIA school. Whether you can be eligible in your first semester, or will need to sit out from competition, will depend upon your academic status when you last attended college as a full-time student.
Rick
I am looking to transfer to a NAIA school. I played 2 years of Ncaa division 2 ball and transferred to a 1aa non scholarship school in which I red shirted, this was in 04….am I still eligible to play NAIA ball? Please help
Hayley,
If you would like to discuss all the steps in the transfer process, I’ll be glad to do so. I frequently consult with athletes and/or parents to help them navigate the NCAA transfer process. All consultations are completely confidential.
If a consultation is of interest, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Gino,
If you would like to discuss all the steps in the transfer process, I’ll be glad to do so. I frequently consult with athletes and/or parents to help them understand the NCAA eligibility and transfer rules. All consultations are completely confidential.
If a consultation is of interest, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
As an alternative, you may be interested in our “Informed Athlete’s Guide to Transfers” which can be purchased from the Store of our website. Here’s a link to the Guide to Transfers:
http://www.informedathlete.com/informed-athletes-transfer-guide
Rick
Hello, I am currently on athletic scholarship at a D1 school. I play field hockey( a fall sport) and my coach just recently suggested to me( at an extremely inconvenient time, making it difficult for me to transfer) I should leave based on the academic pressure this school has. I want to transfer to another D1 program closer to home. What are the steps for that if the baseline academic transfer time has already passed?
My son is currently a baseball player at a prominent Div 3 school and is unhappy with his situation. I know there are several colleges interested in him including several division 1’s (and D3’s). What would he need to do to transfer to a given Div 1 or Div 3? Does he need to initiate contact with other schools? Obtain a formal release from his present one? Can he go to a private workout without a release? Can I as a parent do this? What is the “redshirt” policy for moving to the different Divisions?
J,
His release doesn’t directly effect his scholarship in a technical sense, but many coaches won’t grant a release at mid-year unless the athlete signs a statement forfeiting their scholarship for the second semester. Bottom line – most coaches will want to know if he’s staying or going – period.
Rick
Kelsey,
This will be possible if you weren’t “recruited” to the Div. III school as defined by the NCAA, and as long as you meet the academic requirements for a transfer. Here’s the link to a blog I wrote about the definition of a recruited athlete:
http://www.informedathlete.com/ncaa-rules-definintion-of-a-recruited-athlete
Rick
Thanks Rick, the other question I had related to this is that my son is under scholarship and he is interested in this school but won’t be 100 percent sure he wants to transfer until he see’s the school and meets with the coaching staff. If he was granted his release after football season and then decided that he wants to stay at his current school will the release affect his scholarship if he decides he wants to remain? The main reason he is thinking of transferring is because my job is relocating me out of state. Thanks
I am currently enrolled and played one basketball season at a D III school. However, the cost of the school is too much–could I transfer to a D 1 school as a walk on and still be able to play and participate without setting out like D 1 athletes do when they transfer to another D 1 school?
J,
Yes to both questions.
Rick
Hi Rick, my son played as a freshman on a D2 football team, and will be playing for the same school as a sophomore. He is interested in transferring to another D2 school that was just awarded a football program (starting in 2016). I was told that for the 2015 season the team would only practice and have intra-squad scrimmages. If my son was able to transfer to this school and participate in practices and scrimmages in 2015 would he still have 2 years of eligibility starting in 2016. I would think his 2015 year would be red-shirted. Also would the best time for him to ask for a release from his current school be after this upcoming season? I would like to get communication with the coach as soon as possible. Thanks
Oana,
The coach is allowed to do that if he wants to do so and has scholarship funds available for next year.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I have recently asked my coach for a release however I am not satisfied with the offers I received and I would prefer to stay at my current school. If I asked him if I could stay would he be allowed to give me a scholarship next year even though I signed a paper that I don’t want the scholarship next year?
Thanks.
Demarea,
You’ll need a release form only if you are transferring to another two-year college.
Rick
I am moving to California and have been emailing coaches about playing in their basketball programs. I played at a Community College in Washington. DO I still need a release form?
Jeffrey,
That’s correct.
Rick
Thanks for the information. I assume the reason he would have to sit another year at D2 is because he already has one transfer?
Jeffrey,
Your son will have to sit another year if he transfers to an NCAA Div. II school, but he would have the chance to be eligible this Fall at another Div. III school if he meets the academic requirements.
Rick
Anna,
Your son will need “permission to contact” from his current school before coaches at other NCAA schools are allowed to talk with him about a possible transfer. It doesn’t matter whether he is a scholarship or walk-on athlete.
Rick
My son is a sophomore football player at an FCS school. He initially played at a d3 school as a freshman and then transferred to the FCS school and sat out this year as his mandatory redshirt as a transfer. Spring camp is now over and he is disappointed in his place in the depth chart and is concerned that he may not see the field at this level. He has not mentioned a transfer but I believe it is coming. Would he have to sit another year if he transferred to d2 or d3 program at the end of this semester.
Thanks for your time.
My son plays at a D1 school and is a preferred walk on (not on scholarship). If he wants to transfer, does he still need a written consent from his coach to start talking to other coaches? Does the fact that he is not on scholarship give him permission to communicate on his own?
Lynn,
If you contact other coaches, they should respond with something like “We would be happy to talk with you, but we can’t do so until we receive written or e-mailed permission from his current school.”
If you want to discuss your son’s situation and his options, as well as a strategy to address your question, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
My son is in the middle of his track season at a D1 school. He is now wanting to transfer. He has ask the head coach for permission letter, however the coach will not give it to him. As his parent am I allowed to contact coaches from other schools to find out what they may offer my son for the next school year?
Roy,
I obviously don’t know which Div. II school your son plays for, but be aware that there are a substantial number of Div. II schools that don’t have sufficient funds to even offer the full allotment of scholarships allowed by the NCAA rules. With that said, I think using his possible transfer as a “bargaining chip” is a bad idea.
However, when your son asks for permission to contact other schools about a possible transfer, that will be the coach’s opportunity to offer him a larger scholarship next year. If he doesn’t make a larger offer, then you’ll have the answer you’re looking for anyway.
Rick
Rick
My son is finishing his true freshman year at a D2 school and is on a partial football scholarship. He played a very significant role his true freshman year and now we are not happy with the partial scholarship being offered for his second (soph) year. If I understand correctly, my son would need a signed permission to contact form from his current head coach for him to consider other schools. He would still have his redshirt year and 3 additional years left.
Is this form ever used as a “bargaining chip” to get schools to UP the scholarship offer or is that just plain a horrible idea???
Amar,
Yes, you can do that. If your goal is to return to the Div. I level, keep in mind that you’ll need to graduate from the JUCO with your Associates Degree, and satisfy other academic requirements in order to be immediately eligible when you transfer to the next Div. I school.
Rick
Hi Rick!
I’m finishing my first semester of freshman year in NCAA D1 school which I do not like. Can I transfer to juco in the fall 2014?
Barry,
College athletes, no matter whether NAIA or NCAA, are limited to four years of eligibility, unless they are granted an additional year through some type of medical or hardship waiver. In addition, if an athlete played their first two years at a JUCO, such athlete would only have two years left for either NAIA or NCAA competition.
Rick
I have a question that I don’t think has been answered. My cousin is a rising star basketball player at a school that was NAIA his first 2 years, but now is Division II. His last season will begin this upcoming school year 2014-15. If he was to go get a Master’s at a D-1 school, would he be eligible to play basketball for 2 more years since he actually only played 2 years at a NCAA program? Or does NAIA eligibility years count with the NCAA eligible years?
Amar,
If you are willing to transfer to a two-year college and play at that level with the desire to be re-recruited to the Div. I level, there is no requirement that you must have permission or a release from your current Div. I school to transfer to another Div. I school. However, to be eligible immediately when you go to another Div. I school, you must stay at the two-year college long enough to graduate with your Associates Degree.
Otherwise, you can transfer to another NCAA school as if you were just a general student, but without permission from your current school, you won’t be able to communicate with the coaches or athletic staff at another school, and won’t be eligible to play or receive an athletic scholarship in your first year at the next four-year college.
Rick
I am playing tennis for D1 school.This is my first semester (I started in January 2014).I am playing 1 or 2 singles and 1 or 2 doubles in the team.I am not satisfied with their facility, my coach and the university.I need a better level of tennis and more practices and this whole situation makes me depressed. I would like to transfer in D1 school.It does not have to be ranked school,I just need a really good tennis program. I am thinking of asking for the release paper but I am not sure if coach and school would give me that because I am probably the best guy on the team. What can I do?
Tim,
Assuming you’re at an NCAA institution, they should process the form within seven business days. Many do it within a day or so, but they are allowed a week to complete the process.
Rick
Darren,
Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you’re interested in a consultation about this situation. I do have a strategy for this situation that I have shared with others in consultations.
Rick
How long does it usually take for schools to process the release form? Is it usually something done in a day or does it usually take several days?
Hi Rick,
If asking for a release would render an athlete ineligible per school rules, can the athlete have someone outside of themselves or their family contact other potential schools so the athlete can finish the season?
Thanks!
Ron,
Yes, he will need to talk to the head coach to obtain his release from his NLI commitment to attend that school for at least one full academic year. If he doesn’t obtain the release, and enrolls at another Div. I school, he’ll be ineligible for his first year of enrollment and will lose a season of eligibility.
The other way to get out of that commitment is to go to a JUCO for two years and graduate with his Associates Degree.
Rick
Hi Mr. Allen!
My son is a senior and signed his NLI to play baseball at a D1 school. His older brother is also a Freshman pitcher at the same school. My youngest decided that the baseball program at the said school is not for him and would like to go to another D1. Does he need to talk to the head coach of the said school so he can get released from the NLI he signed? Is there any other way for him to get out of that commitment? Thanks in advance Sir.
Coleen,
The NAIA school can’t prohibit your son from going where he wants to go. They can make it difficult, and he may not be able to be eligible right away at the next school, but they can’t completely block his transfer.
If you would like to discuss his situation and your questions in detail, I’ll be glad to do so. I frequently consult with athletes and/or parents regarding eligibility and transfer rules. All consultations are completely confidential.
If a consultation is of interest, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
My son is attending an NAIA college [Bethel] in Newton Kansas. He has asked for a release from the football coach and was told no. Then he went to the AD. The AD also would not release him and said the the school had to approve the transfer of where my son wants to go. He has already had 3 schools request his release. This does NOT sound right to me that the college he is attending has to approve where he wants to go. I am looking forward to hearin g from you! Thank You!! Coleen
Theodis,
Have the schools send a Permission to Contact request to his current school.
Rick
How do I go about getting an Permission to Contact Form for my son. He currently play basketball at NAIA Div.1 school. He wants to transfer to a NCAA Div 2 school that has his major. He has about 4 school that he want to try out for. Do I get the schools to send a Permission to Contact form to his current school or can I get the form myself.
Chris,
You will have to weigh the difference between telling your coach earlier and possibly losing playing time, compared with waiting until the end of the season, and possibly missing some opportunities at the other schools you might be interested in because they have recruited to fill your position.
Rick
I play baseball at a d1 school and I am not happy at all with the way things are going. I would really like to transfer but am unsure of when to tell my coach. When do you think is the right time to approach my coach. Should I wait until later in the season so that I don’t lose playing time until then?
Alvin,
Because your son is a member of the football team, he’ll need “permission to contact” before coaches at other NCAA schools can talk with him about a possible transfer. If he’s receiving a football scholarship, or was recruited to his school as defined by the NCAA, then he’ll have to sit out a year if he goes to a Div. I program. If he goes to another Div. II program, or an NAIA school, he’ll have the chance to be immediately eligible if he is academically eligible, and is released by his current school to transfer.
If you would like to discuss his situation and his options, I’ll be glad to do so. I frequently consult with athletes and/or parents regarding NCAA eligibility and transfer rules. All consultations are completely confidential.
Rick
Eric,
If you get a “blanket release” or “unconditional release” from your NAIA school, you should be able to talk to multiple coaches in California. You can run in your first year if you are released by your NAIA school and meet the academic requirements for transfer eligibility.
Rick
Lucky,
Since you aren’t on the team, and haven’t been, at your current Div. III school, you shouldn’t need the “permission to contact” form to talk with another Div. III coach. However, that coach may want you or your school to send or fill out something to confirm that you aren’t a current member of the team.
Rick
I was recurited to play basketball at a D3 school. I did not play beucase I injured myself on the first offical day of try out. I have not used any of my eligibilty. Do I still need to use the persion to contact forms when talking to other D3 school when I was never really on the team?
Hi Mr. Allen,
I am currently at a NAIA school in Kansas if I get a release form from my coach can I talk to multiple coaches in California? And can I transfer to a D 1 2 or 3 and be able to run that first year?
Rick –
Thanks for the info – the potential new school did direct him to the form you are referencing. We will have him complete that and deliver it to them and do our best to have them keep the contact confidential.
Appreciate all that you do –
Glenn
My son plays football at Div 2 College. He’s considered a red shirt freshman. This football team had their “Club” season in 2012. Here are my questions:
• He has never signed a national letter of intent (not sure why). Does he still need to be formally released from the team or can he transfer without penalty (he is a sophomore academically)
• Does he qualify for the one-time transfer exception? I didn’t understand the definition on your site.
Overall…he is looking to transfer to a different school and play football without sitting out a year. I have an illness that prevents me from traveling often.
Nate,
I can discuss this possibility with you in a scheduled consultation session. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if that is of interest.
Rick
Taylor,
Regardless of whether it is now or the summer, coaches at NCAA schools will need a “permission to contact” form or e-mail from your school before they can talk with you about a possible transfer.
Rick
Hello,
I am currently at a NAIA school I run track here I really want to transfer but do not want to get a release form from my coach. Am I aloud to talk to other coaches over summer and when my season is over? And can I still apply to that school over summer?
Glenn,
Your son can utilize the NCAA “self-release” which is available to Div. III athletes who want to transfer to another Div. III school. He should be able to find this form by searching the NCAA website at http://www.ncaa.org. A coach at the potential new school is supposed to keep any contact with your son via a “self-release” as confidential information, but I know that some coaches choose to ignore that requirement.
Rick
Rick –
My son played baseball at a DIII his freshman season. Due to multiple issues – he decided not to play this year, his sophomore season. He is not listed on the roster and is not considered to be a part of the current baseball program. He did play 2 weeks of fall before making his decision.
He advised the current schools coach that he would like to return to the program during his junior year but is also considering a transfer to another DIII school. Being that he is not in the baseball program this year at his current school, is he still required to complete the form that allows the new school to have contact with him? If yes, am I correct in my understanding that the new school can not contact the current schools coach unless my son provides a waiver to do so?
Is there any possible way under the rules to get to know the coaching staff without my coach discovering?
Nate,
The best way would be to do online research about the NAIA program by carefully reviewing their website, especially past rosters to see how successful transfers are at the school, and you can also ask the admissions folks about the school as if you were going to transfer as a general student (not mentioning that you’re an athlete).
Rick
Hi I am currently a freshman at a D2 school and I am thinking about transferring to a nearby program due to bad relations with an assistant coach and a bleak outlook on future playing time. I am not sure I want to transfer and I don’t want my coach to discover that I am entertaining the possibility, but I also want to possibly move forward to making the move to this NAIA program. What is the best way for me to get more information about this program and to evaluate my options while not letting this get back to my coach?
Paul,
In this situation, I would wait to ask for the permission to contact until the season has concluded. The issue with being redshirted, and then asking to transfer right after, is that the school may not release the athlete to another school. The coach/athletic department may feel that she didn’t fulfill her “end of the bargain” by getting an athletic scholarship, but then not participating for a full season.
Rick
Rick thank you for the reply. I have a couple more questions: if we ask for her to be red shirted and then she decided to also transfer – when should we ask for the release letter ?
I would assume wait until her status is changed to red shirted ? Is there any issue with being redshirted the first year and then asking to be transferred right after .
Riana,
You’ll only have one year left to play.
Rick
I played 2 years (4 semesters) at NJCAA level and 1 year (2 semesters) at NCAA level. So I have 4 semesters left of college level. So if I transfer to NAIA, with an account that I met academic requirements, I will only have 1 years left to play (2 semesters) or 2 years to play (4 semesters) ?
Riana,
You are allowed up to four seasons to play at the college level, NCAA and NAIA combined, within 10 semesters of full-time attendance. When you contact NAIA coaches, they will inform your school that you have contacted them if they want to continue to discuss a possible transfer with you.
Rick
Hello, my I’m currently at NCAA D2 my junior year womens basketball and looking to transfer to NAIA next upcoming season. How many years will I have eligible to play at NAIA? Will I have to redshirt? Can I contacts coaches in NAIA because its different from NCAA?
Rick,
The NJCAA rules prohibit your son from talking with other JUCOs, or prohibits other JUCO coaches talking with your son, until his season is concluded. He will need a transfer release to transfer to another JUCO.
He doesn’t need permission to talk with Div. II coaches, but will need to meet the academic requirements to be eligible at a Div. II school next year as a 2-4 transfer. I suggest he be cautious, however, about contacting Div. II coaches in the middle of his season. If a Div. II coach calls his current JUCO coach to ask how he is doing, his coach might get upset if he’s not fully focused on the season at hand, but instead is already thinking ahead to next year.
Rick
Rick,
My son is a freshman currently playing baseball at a JUCO on scholarship. He wants to attend another JUCO or DII school next year because of playing time. Does he need permission from his current coach/school to contact other JUCO or DII schools
Nolen,
Since you haven’t been through this process before, you may be interested in talking with me directly to walk you through the steps in the transfer process. I frequently consult with athletes and/or parents on the transfer rules and process. If a consultation is of interest, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com. All consultations are completely confidential.
As an alternative, you may be interested in downloading our “Informed Athlete’s Guide to Transfers” which can be purchased from the Store of our website. Here’s a link to the Transfer Guide:
http://www.informedathlete.com/informed-athletes-transfer-guide
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am a div. 1 baseball player regarding a transfer situation. This freshman year has not turned out what I expected it to be like, regarding the coach and some aspects about him and his ways. I am on an athletic scholarship, and I have been inquiring about ways to go about the transfer process. I have a certain school in mind, also they were interested in me during my recruitment process. They are also a div. 3 school, closer to home, which would be more fitting for me. My first question is, when do I apply to the school? Secondly, when do I talk to my coach about transferring? I’m just generally confused about this process as I have never been through it before.
Thank you
Kalen,
If you’ve already played in games for your school, even if at the JV level, it’s too late for you to redshirt.
Rick
I’m an NAIA baseball player looking to transfer to a JUCO. I’ve played 7 fall games and 2 spring games, all for JV though, is a redshirt still a possibility for me? If so how many games can I still play in? Also if I do redshirt will I have 1 or 2 years of eligibility at a JUCO?
Paul, to answer your questions:
1. That would be possible.
2. Yes, “permission to contact” is required.
3. Not necessarily. Like the answer to #1, that will depend upon her academic standing and if she is released by her school.
Rick
Clarence,
They can deny her request for release, but if they do, they are required to provide an appeal opportunity for her.
If you would like to discuss her situation and her options, I’ll be glad to do so. I frequently consult with athletes and/or parents on the eligibility rules, and the steps in the transfer process. All consultations are completely confidential.
If a consultation is of interest, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com and we’ll schedule a time to talk.
Rick
Good Morning,
My daughter just completed her freshman year on a full D1 scholarship to play basketball. Great School but the basketball is not at all how it was presented to her and her family. There are various reasons why she wants to transfer and one big reason being homesick. She went to the School’s compliance dept. They told her to speak with her coach. She had a 2 hour conversation with the coaching staff and ultimately, they would not release her. They flat out told her that she was a good fit at the school and they wouldn’t release her. As far as her parents are concerned, She has fulfilled her commitment to the school, can they really “Not Release Her”???
Thank You
Clarence
Our daughter is currently attending a D1 school and playing lacrosse on a athletic scholarship. She may be redshirted due to an injury which we will know within the next two weeks before she starts the second half of her year.
She is thinking about transferring to a D3 school for next school year. would she be elligible to play her first year at the d3 school ? does she still need to have the current schools permission to talk to this D3 school ? What if she was considering another D1 program- would she have to sit out the first year at the new school ??
Scott,
The 35 man roster is only a rule for NCAA Div. I baseball. To be eligible at a JUCO, your son must earn at least 12 credit hours for each semester of full-time enrollment with at least a 2.00 GPA.
Rick
Christina,
She’ll have to be released from her NLI commitment to attend the school she signed with for one full academic year. If she’s not released, she’ll be ineligible and lose a year of competition at the other Div. I school. See http://www.national-letter.org for more info on the NLI release.
Rick
my son received a scholarship to play baseball for an NAIA school. he didn’t make the varsity team and is currently playing for the JV team. he is considering transferring to a ncaa juco.what are the rules for tranferring to a juco and does playing on the jv team considered the 35 man roster?
thanks
My daughter signed an NLI to play soccer at a DI program for very little scholarship money. She had applied to a lot of schools before she committed at the end of January and was just offered a FULL academic ride at a different DI school in their honors program(she has her 4.0 and a high ACT). It will cost her 11,000 dollars to attend the school she is signed with and 0 to go to the other school. She still wants to play soccer. What do we need to do so she is eligible to play at the new school?
Tammy,
If your son is on a football scholarship and refuses to participate in spring practice, the coach could interpret that as having quit his team, and would have the right to immediately cancel his scholarship. Since he already has permission to contact other schools, he should ask them if they recommend that he participate in spring practice. If he chooses not to, they might question his work ethic and commitment to improve his skills.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son plays D1aa football for a school and wants to transfer schools at the end of the spring semester. He has already obtained his permission to contact to other schools and coaches and is drawing interest and I consider it pointless for him to continue practicing with his current team and he may risk injury and he will no longer be with them. He feels the same way I do how should we approach the situation?
Karen,
Your son will still need to request “permission to contact” before other NCAA coaches can talk with him about a possible transfer.
Rick
My son wants to transfer after this semester. He is div 1, baseball, freshman. If he waits until after his exit interview/meeting with his coaches and we are about 100% sure they are not going to renew his scholarship, does he still need to get consent to speak to another div 1 school at that point?
D,
The answer from those coaches should be the same – that they can’t talk with you about his transfer until they receive permission from his school.
Rick
Thanks, also is it okay if I talk to other coaches about his interest in transferring to their school in the mean time?
D,
The school may choose to grant a release, or not grant a release if he asks for “permission to contact.” Even though his coaches are leaving the school, he is still required to obtain “permission to contact” before coaches at other schools can discuss a possible transfer with him.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My boyfriend is thinking about transferring schools as his current coaches are leaving at the end of this season. Is he able to ask for a permission to contact letter without getting a release?
Thanks,
D
Lydia,
1. The term redshirt simply means that an athlete has not appeared in a game, even for just one pitch to get the game-ending double play. So, yes, the pitcher can be redshirted if he doesn’t appear in a game this season.
2. The Div. I player will have the chance to be immediately eligible next year at an NCAA Div. II, III, or an NAIA school. It may even be possible at a JUCO, and will also be possible at another Div. I school if the athlete is not on scholarship at the Div. I, or wasn’t recruited to the Div. I school.
Rick
Hello Mr Allen,
I have 2 questions if it is possible for you to answer.
1. If a player is playing in a college Div 1 can he be redshirted althoguh the season has started?
2. What college can he transfer to without sitting out a year? He is currently finihsing his second year (sophmore).
Thank you so much.
Mike,
You will need to go through your coach to discuss the medical hardship waiver and here’s why. If the coach believes you have recovered sufficiently after a few weeks of rehab and puts you into a game in the 2nd half of the season, then you will not be eligible to receive the medical hardship waiver. You will at least need to talk with your team’s athletic trainer and discuss whether your injury is serious enough to keep you from playing for the rest of the season. If he can’t justify keeping you on the bench because of your injury, then you will need to talk with the coach.
Rick
Hello Mr. Allen! I am currently playing baseball at a D2 college that I am not very happy with. I had one appearance in a preseason scrimmage with one AB and another appearance in a league game as a substitute runner. I know I can no longer receive a redshirt, but I can apply for a medical hardship especially after seein my doctor for knee problems. Do I have to go through my cosh to get an medical redshirt or can I apply for it through other means? I know I have to eventually talk to my coaches for the release but do I have to get the medical through my coach?
Kelsey,
I frequently consult with athletes and/or parents on the transfer rules.
I would be happy to talk with you to discuss your situation and walk you through the steps in the transfer process. All consultations are completely confidential.
If a consultation is of interest, contact me directly and we’ll schedule a time to talk. My contact info is on the “About Us” page of our website.
Rick
Hello Rick,
I am currently a D1 athlete and I have been thinking about transferring to other schools. I have not started to talk to other schools and I have not yet mentioned it to my coach or anyone about transferring to play at a different school. How do I go about talking to my coach and how do I go about approaching other schools in an appropriate way?
Thank You
Nate,
Whether you play this year is not a factor in your eligibility to play at Div. II next year. Your eligibility to play elsewhere next year is based on your academic performance.
Rick
Nate,
You don’t have to sit out your first year at a Div. II school as long as you meet the academic requirements for a transfer. Whether you play this year is not a factor in your eligibility to play at Div. II next year. You may be interested in our “Informed Athlete’s Guide to Transfers” which can be purchased from the Store of our website. Here’s a link to the Transfer Guide:
http://www.informedathlete.com/informed-athletes-transfer-guide
Rick
I apologize for making another comment before you could get back to me on my first question. I’m also interested in knowing my eligibility for next year if I DO play at some point this season.
I play baseball and I am thinking of transferring from a D1 to a D2 school. However, I have not played a game yet, as I redshirted my freshman year and have yet to play a game my sophomore year due to an elbow injury. If I were not to play a game this year, would I still lose a year of eligibility? In other words, would I have to sit out my first year at the D2 school? I would like to know how this works. Thank you
Ashley,
Since my primary expertise is with NCAA rules rather than NAIA, I’m unsure whether she would need to sit. The answer may depend somewhat upon whether she was kicked off the team by the coach for violating team rules, or by the university administration for a violation of school policy.
Rick
A friend of mine plays basketball. At her first school she red shirted her first year and then played a year. She transferred to a D2 school and played 2 years. She got kicked off the team today bc she went to a party last night. She has one year left to play. If she transferred to a NAIA school, would she have to sit? Any info would be helpful! Thanks.
Chris,
You’ll have three years of eligibility remaining, and won’t be able to get that first year back.
Rick
Ok once I’m eligible how many years of eligibility do I have?Will I able to get back the first year I lost?
Chris,
Based on your information, you’ll need to complete another semester at the Div. I school enrolled as a full-time student before you can be eligible to participate in competition for your school.
Rick
I went to a division two school for one semester.I competed in two meets before winter break. I did not return to the school for financial reasons. I did not attend school for the spring semester. I transferred to a division one school and was able to get released, but did not meet the one time transfer rule falling two credits short. I am currently spending a year in residence I have already completed one semester. What is my current athletic eligibility?
Donald,
Calling other schools before talking with her current coach can backfire if the coach gets a reference call from another school before hearing it from her first.
I frequently consult with athletes and/or parents on the transfer rules and steps in the transfer process. I would be happy to talk with you to discuss your daughter’s situation and her transfer options. All consultations are completely confidential.
If a consultation is of interest, contact me directly. Our contact info is on the About Us page of our website.
Rick
My daughter is a freshman at a d-1 school on a softball scholarship. She is very unhappy with the entire program and would like to look elsewhere. Can she call other schools (d-I, II or III) to see if they would have a spot for her on their team. If not how would she go about finding another school.
Jake,
I would secure the medical hardship waiver first and then inquire about the release.
Rick
Jennifer,
You should check your conference website to research the rules for an intra-conference transfer. The rules for one conference may be different than those in another conference, and may also differ depending upon your sport, and whether you are a scholarship athlete.
Rick
Hi Rick,
Is it true that if you want to transfer from a school within the conference you are in,that you have to sit out a year and will lose one season of your sport? Is it worth it to transfer if you are academically a junior but athletically a sophomore? Is there any way to transfer within your conference without having to sit out a year or lose a season?
Hi Rick,
I am a Division II athlete looking to go to a D3 school in the Fall of 2014. I am preparing to ask my coach/AD about a release form so I can speak with other coaches about playing baseball and football at their D3 schools next year. That being said, I am currently dealing with an injury and would like a medical redshirt to ensure my full eligibility going forward. Would you predict any problems in me asking for a release and a redshirt at the same time or should I secure the medical redshirt first and then inquire about the release?
Kim,
It would be best if you contact me directly to discuss the issue of getting a third party involved.
Rick
Jonovan,
As long as you complete one full academic year of attendance at your current four-year school as a full-time enrolled student, you have fulfilled your commitment under the NLI, and it is no longer a factor.
Rick
I currently attend a 4 year NCAA school and signed a NLI my senior year in high school. I am now a redshirt freshman and would like to transfer to a juco. Do I need to be released from my current NLI to eventually sign another NLI with a 4 year NCAA school after I complete a semester or 2 at the juco?
Hi Rick,
I’m am transferring schools after the season is up, I haven’t requested my release form yet because I want to finish the season. However I want to start talking to other schools to see if there interested. Is it possible to have a third party contacting schools and if so, when will be the appropriate time for them to start contacting other school.
Thanks
Nicole,
Our contact info is on the “About Us” page of our website.
Rick
AM A INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SO I DONT REALLY KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT NOTHING IN AMERICA AND HOW DO I CONTACT YOU FOR THE CONSULATION…..
Nicole,
For information on how to navigate the transfer process, you can contact me directly to schedule a 30-minute phone consultation. I frequently consult with athletes and/or parents regarding the transfer process and academic eligibility rules. All consultations are completely confidential.
Rick
HI AM AT A JUCO SCHOOL ABOUT TO COMPLETE A YEAR AFTER THIS SPRING ,I PLAY BASKETBALL BUT AM NOT CONFORTABLE HERE WHERE I COULD PLAY TO MY FULL POTENTAIL I WOULD LIKE TO TRANSFER TO ANOTHER SCHOOL BUT I DONT KNOW IF I COULD AND HOW COULD I DO IT.
Dale,
Yes, it would be a good idea for him to send out e-mails with highlights. He should also talk with his coaches to ask what they are or will be doing to help him get recruited. He may also want to research the rosters and signing lists of the schools that he has a particular interest in.
Be sure that he is aware of what he needs to do to meet the NCAA Div. I academic requirements so he’ll be eligible when he transfers. He’ll need to make sure that he has a sufficient number of transferable credit hours that will be accepted at the NCAA school. For info on those academic requirements, you may be interested in our “Informed Athlete’s Guide to Transfers” which lists those NCAA requirements for a 2-4 transfer. Here’s a link to the Guide:
http://www.informedathlete.com/informed-athletes-transfer-guide
Rick
Hello Rick,
My son plays Juco football for a team that finished the year ranked in the top 10 nationally. He was red-shirted his first year. He was the starting center at the beginning of this past season, but suffered a MCL tear in his right knee in the first game of the season. No surgery, just rehab. He was able to return for the final four games of the year, including bowl game.
He will be back next season. He has completed all core classes, and actually came to the school NCAA qualified with 12 college credit hours.
What should he be doing to self-promote himself to prospective D1 programs? Should he be sending emails with HUDL highlights now? I know the school is pretty heavily visited for their Spring game, but if there is something else for him to do regarding reaching other schools, your advise is most appreciated.
Thanks!
Stan,
That can be a tricky situation which can backfire on the athlete. I frequently consult with athletes and/or parents on the transfer process, and do have some strategies regarding your question.
I would be happy to talk with you to discuss your daughter’s situation and her options. If a consultation is of interest, contact me directly and we’ll schedule a time to talk.
Rick
Hello Rick,
My daughter plays D1 basketball. She redshirted her freshman year(injury). The head coach departed at the end of her freashman year. She considered transfering at that time but she satyed…now that her sophmoore season his half over she knows its not a good fit for her. Can a third party contact schools that were interested during the recruiting process. Before she ask for a relaese at the end of the season she wants to have an ideal what schools would be interested in her now.
Benson,
Don’t let your son leave the school now if classes have started for this semester, as that will negatively effect his ability to be eligible upon transfer. He needs to complete the semester in good academic standing at his school to have a chance to be eligible next year elsewhere. I suggest asking for permission to contact other schools as soon as the season is over.
Rick
Andrew,
That Div. I coach may not have understood your complete circumstances, and may not have been thinking about the “five-year clock” issue.
Rick
Rick,
I was just wondering because a D1 coach told me that if I graduated with an associates degree then I would have all 4 years but if I didn’t graduate then my years would count against me.
Andrew
My son wasted a year by sitting on the bench the whole season last year when he should have redshirted but chose not to because of stubbornness. now he is red shirting this year and the season is quite about over and he has decided that he wants to transfer. do we finish out the season before asking his coach for being released and permission for other schools to contact him or can we leave now?
Andrew,
If you follow the plan that you’ve noted here, you would have 3 years of NCAA eligibility remaining at most, and possibly only 2 (swimming club while attending college full-time may count as two years of eligibility used). As you know, in a sport like swimming, it’s all about your times. A good Div. I school will certainly accept you as a two-year college transfer if your times are good enough.
Rick
Rick,
I am a current High School Swimmer and I am not quite good enough to swim for the schools that I feel are the best fit for me. I am considering going to a local community college while still swimming club to get better. If I go to community college for two years graduate with an associates degree will I still have 4 years of NCAA eligibility left of will I only have two? Also do you know the likelyhood that good d1 schools will accept a transfer from a community college?
Thanks
Jade,
Coaches at other NCAA schools can’t discuss a possible transfer with you until they have received written or e-mailed permission from your current school. So, you would need to start the process by approaching your coach to ask permission when you are prepared to do so.
Rick
Rick,
I am currently a sophomore at a division 2 school and I am seriously considering transferring. I am stuck because I don’t know what I am supposed to do. I asked my current school for a scholarship increase but they weren’t much help. I am wanting to transfer to another division 2 school. At this point do I need to ask my athletic director for written permission to contact? Am I not allowed to contact a school unless if they give me permission. Thanks you
Mark,
Coaches at other schools can’t talk with you or your son about a possible transfer until they receive “permission to contact” from his current school. I suggest he wait until the end of the season to ask for his release.
I frequently consult directly with athletes and parents regarding the transfer process. I also have some strategies for gaining the interest of other schools. Contact me directly if a consult is of interest.
Rick
L,
Since your son “has an offer to a Div. III school”, he might be penalized for transferring to a Div. I program if he is considered “recruited” to the Div. III school in that he would not be eligible in his first year at the Div. I program.
In most cases, it is better and easier to go from JUCO to a Div. I program than from Div. III to a Div. I program. First off, Div. I schools can recruit from JUCOs but can’t recruit from Div. III schools. Many Div. I recruiting coaches also believe they can better judge talent of athletes competing at the JUCO level compared to the Div. III level.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son is currently playing D1 basketball on an Athletic scholarship. It’s a MID-Major and he is getting some time as a freshman. So basketball part is fine. As for the school, it turns out to be more of commuter school. He has no social life and the school is located out in the middle of nowhere. He wants to tranfer at the end of the current year. We would like to know when we can start contacting other schools. Do I have to wait for his release or can I start contacting coaches for him? When should he officialy ask for his release? I do have a list of schools in mind.
My son has an offer to a D3 school for football. After the season he would like to transfer to a D1 school. He had an injury and his offers to D1 schools were taken. However, the recruits have told him to go to a JUCO for a year, provide them film, and they may still honor his previous offer. He’s not interested in JUCO, he has a 3.7 GPA and scored high on his ACT. He would rather go to a D3 school first. Would he be penalized for transferring? How soon can he transfer after the season? Would he need to speak to his current coach first? Thanks!
Steven,
You may be able to be eligible at the Div. III school if you were eligible under the Div. I rules at the time that you left the Div. I program.
Rick
Hey Rick,
Quick question for you: I played div 2 baseball out of highschool, transferred to div 1 juco for fall semester, got elbow surgery and took the spring off, played d1 this fall, and now am going to a d3 school for the spring, will i be eligible to play right away at the Div 3 school?
AJ,
Yes, that would be possible.
Rick
Hello,
I am currently skiing for a Div 1 school. This is my first season competing in the NCAA but is my final year of eligibility for Div 1 due to the the five year clock rule ( I started my first full time semester in Sept 2009 at a school internationally). Is it possible to transfer to a Div II school next year, because of the 10 semester rule? I’ll only have completed 6 full time semesters by the end of this year.
DJ,
If you haven’t attended a class yet and have not signed an NLI with this school (which midyear JUCO transfers can do, so make sure that you haven’t signed an NLI commitment), then yes, you can still change schools. Be aware that it may be hard to find another school in such a short period of time before classes start at another school, but it would be possible to do so.
Rick
Hello,
Classes started today at my D1 football school. I just found out my coach had left for a new program. I have not been to a class yet and am a juco transfer so I did not sign an NLI to the current school. Can I still Change schools as long as I haven’t been to a class yet?
Joe,
I would send an e-mail to the programs you are interested in with video clips attached. Let them know that you are looking to play at a higher level, and tell them how you can help their team. The best thing to do, however, is to have a former HS or travel ball coach call on your behalf.
Rick
Rick,
I am a D2 baseball player looking to transfer to a D1. Just a general question – once I receive my permission to contact, what is the best way to contact the baseball programs that I am interested in and what exactly should I say? Just wanting to make sure I do this right.
Thanks!
John,
Yes, you should do that unless you’ve already alerted your current coach that you are considering a transfer. Must coaches don’t like to be “surprised” as he will be if he receives a request to talk with you from another school before he hears it from you directly.
Rick
Hi,
I play d2 men’s volleyball and I am interested in transferring to another institution. I sent school B an email regarding the transfer but I didn’t get a “permission to contact” from school A. Should I contact school B and tell them that I didn’t have a permission to contact at the time of my email and ask them not to contact school A about the transfer until I have requested the permission to contact myself?
Thank you.
Mike,
The first letter is no longer active since it was issued during a previous academic year.
Rick
Mike,
The first letter is no longer active since it was issued during a previous academic year.
Rick
Hey Rick, My son received a permission to contact letter in May 2013, how long is that letter in effect? He redshirted his freshman year and requested the release after that season but decided to stay, he played his sophomore season and is still thinking about transferring, he requested another release but the AD has refused to give it, so we would like to know if the original letter is still in effect?
Hey Rick, My son was given permission to contact on May 1st of 2013, how long is that letter good for? He just finished his 1st semester of his 2nd year and is thinking about transferring. He redshirted his first year and was given the letter post season, he then played another season and asked for the letter again and the AD refused, so we would like to act on the first letter if it is still active. his coach is aware of the request.
Lynn,
This situation would probably be best discussed in a phone consultation. Contact me directly if that is of interest.
Rick
Bailey,
That would be possible.
Rick
Hi Rick, if I am a D1 athlete (no scholarship, freshmen walk on, no recruiting) would I be able to transfer to another D1 school, or even a DII school, without having to sit out a year? Grades are good also.
Hi Rick-
My daughter plays Division 1 volleyball and has been a 2 year starter. There have been several incidents of verbal abuse/emotional abuse with her and the other players. She is tired of playing for coaches that behave this way. She told the AD liason in her end of the season the concerns that she had, with no indication that she was considering transferring. When she got home, she let us know how serious she was about leaving and we support her 100%. She sent the AD her request for release yesterday and after he informed the coaches she spoke with the head coach briefly and told her she was shocked and saddened and just couldn’t agree with it when she told her she felt like she was putting in more than she was getting out and she didn’t like the personal attacks on herself and others. We have heard nothing since. If her request is denied, how do we prepare for the appeal? It’s hard to believe they would want to destroy a kid’s remaining college career, but I’m concerned. Thank You!
Nicole,
It would be possible for you to transfer to another Div. I program without the need to sit out in your first year. As far as a transfer within the same conference, that will depend upon the rules of the conference. Each conference determines their own rules for an intra-conference transfer.
Rick
Quick question,if I attended JC for one year ( played softball) and graduated with my asscosiates. I then walked on to a DI team my second year as a sophmore. Can I transfer to another DI program without sitting out a year? What is the rule about the same conference? Thanks
Philip,
Basically, your NAIA school would have to be able to certify that you would be academically eligible if you were staying at their school rather than transferring.
Rick
What do you mean by in good academic standing?
Thank you!
Philip,
Your first step is that you must obtain “permission to contact” from your current NAIA school before coaches at an NCAA school can talk with you about a possible transfer. It would be possible for you to be immediately eligible and not lose a year if you are released by your current school and are in good academic standing.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am currently playing soccer at an NAIA school but looking to transfer to a D1 school. What procedure would i need to take and would i lose any eligibility?
Michael,
That will be possible depending upon your academic performance at each school. If you want to discuss the roadblocks or hurdles you would face, you can contact me directly for a consultation.
Rick
I play soccer at a JC school as a Freshmen in WA. I was wondering how difficult it would be to go to an NAIA school Sophomore year to play then transfer the following year to an NCAA school to play Junior and Senior year. Would I have any scholarship implications or general roadblocks? I also am in good standing academically in high school and college
Alec,
Given the number of questions you have, it would probably be best to contact me directly for a private consultation.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I play soccer at a DII school in the northeast and am halfway through my sophomore year. During my meeting with my coach, he seemed alright with me talking to other schools because he understand my financial situation and due to recent cuts in our program, he is unable to give me more money. What permissions do i need in order to contact other schools. If other schools end up not wanting to transfer there will i still be on the program at my current school? Also I am considering transferring within my conference. Will i have to sit out a year if i do transfer? or can i play right away? Please help! Thanks!
Alec
Shane,
You don’t actually need permission to contact an NAIA school, but it is still a good idea to talk to your coach first so that he/she doesn’t get caught off-guard by an inquiry about you from an NAIA coach. Rather than asking permission from your school before they speak with you, the NAIA rules require that they simply inform your school of your contact with them.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I play soccer at a DIII university and just finished my sophomore year. I was thinking about transferring to an NAIA school. What kind of permission do i need to get to contact a school about playing there. Can i do a self release form like transferring from a DIII school to another or do i need a different form? thanks!
Robert,
You should tell your coach at the end of the semester. If you quit your team, the school has the right to immediately cancel your scholarship.
Rick
Katie,
It will be possible for you to transfer to a Div. II or NAIA school without the requirement that you sit out for a year. You can find the steps and the academic requirements for your transfer in our “Informed Athlete’s Guide to Transfers” which can be purchased from the Store of our website.
Rick
Darrell,
Any Division II schools that want to talk to you about a possible transfer will need to seek permission to speak with you from your Div. III school.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I’m having trouble figuring out this whole transferring issue. I am a cross country and track runner. I attended a JUCO for two years and received my AA. I redshirted my sophomore year of track at the JUCO due to an injury. I transferred to a DI school on scholarship and am currently red-shirting this cross country season this fall. I cannot stand this college and it is in no way the place for me, and I refuse to stay here for another two years. I have a DII school and a NAIA school that I want to transfer to. I’ve known the coaches for years and I know they would give me a spot on the team. Assuming my current coaches at the DI school would give me a release would I have to sit out the next year or would I be eligible to run immediately upon starting at the new college? I am in good academic standing with a plenty good GPA, on track to graduate as expected. I absolutely do not want to stay at this college after this year because it’s making me miserable, but I also don’t want to transfer somewhere and lose a year of eligibility.
Joey,
You’ll need “permission to contact” from your school before coaches at any other NCAA school can talk with you about a possible transfer.
Rick
Joey,
This will need to be clarified with the JUCO.
Rick
Hey, I’m a freshman at a D3 college, and I’m thinking about transferring to a D2 or NAIA School. Since D3 do not give scholarships or have a NLI, will I face any restrictions?
Danny,
You wouldn’t necessarily have to sit out a year in going from an NAIA school to a Div. II school. To answer your question about what would happen in a situation like this, I suggest you contact me directly for a private consultation.
Rick
Hi Rick
I am a junior who just transferred from a JUCO and I am now at a NAIA school for this year.I am thinking about leaving after the year is done but I am not sure if the trouble will be worth it. A D2 school that was recruiting me before I choose this school said if I didn’t like the school I could always contact them. Basically my question is would I have to sit out a year and play the following year? Would they typically still give me a scholarship? What would happen in a situation like this ? Or should I just put up with it for my last year ?
Thanks
Jacob,
NCAA Div. III doesn’t allow participation by a graduate student, unless the student attended the same Div. III school as an undergrad.
Rick
I am in my junior year at a D1 school for basketball. I have not used a red shirt year yet. I want to spend my junior and senior year at this D1 school. And after I want to transfer to a D3 to obtain my masters Degree. Would I have to use my red shirt year to do so?
What if I don’t want to play anymore and transfer back home to that d2 college next semester anyway ? I am going to quitt. When should I tell my coach? Do I owe any money? I might start up playing d2 tennis after a semester off if that’s okay? I’m going home regardless because I’m not happy.
Robert,
You need to talk to your coach to request your permission to contact the Div. II school, and get your release for the One-Time Transfer Exception. If he denies your request, you can seek an appeal.
Rick
Jeremy,
As long as he meets the academic requirements this semester at the NAIA school to be eligible at the two-year college (which is basically to earn at least 12 credit hours with a 2.00 GPA), he should be able to transfer without penalty.
Rick
My son is almost in the same exact position. He broke his arm durin the last game of his high school season. He has had problems with it and is just now able to fully participate in practices. He has missed all of the fall scrimmages at his current school and since signing, a new head coach was brought in. Obviously this coach has never seen him play and he is worried about being cut. His current school is an NAIA program and if he is cut, would it be possible to transfer to a community college without penalty?
John,
If you are on a baseball scholarship at your school, or were “recruited” to your school as defined by the NCAA, you’ll have to sit out your first year at another Div. I school. You can find the definition of a recruited athlete on our website.
Rick
Hello Rick,
I’m a d1 tennis player on 80% scholarship in my junior year fall semester. I’m unhappy and I’m transferring back home no matter what. This d2 team near home will offer me a scholarship if I leave at the end of this fall and start in the spring. What should I do right now to get a release? And Permission? And my coach will be upset. I already applied to the other school and sent my transcripts because I’ll quit the team and pay to go there if I have too. It’s a month away from the end of the semester too
Thanks for any reply. Rob
Also, if I do stay at the D1 school this year do I need my coaches permission to transfer to a D2 or D3 for next year?
I attend a D1 school on a full baseball scholarship. I played my freshman year and medical redshirted my Sophomore year after an injury. I am currently in my Junior year (fall season) ..I have played in intersquad scrimmages and also in a game vs another D1 school (fall season exibition game). Can I transfer at this time to a Junior college and be eligible to play?
I am currently enrolled at D1 baseball institution and I am not happy with my situation. The school just overall isn’t for me. I am going to try and transfer to another D1 school. I was wondering if its possible to transfer without having to sit out a year.
Mason,
You can find my contact info on the “About Us” page of our website to contact me directly to schedule a phone consultation. Or you may be interested in purchasing our “Informed Athlete’s Guide to Transfers” which can be found in the “Store” of our website.
Rick
James,
I believe your son can be immediately eligible at a Div. III school as long as the NAIA school will be able to state on a transfer info form that he would have been academically eligible if he were staying at the NAIA school rather than transferring.
Due to the Div. III rules regarding “seasons of participation” rather than “seasons of eligibility” as in NCAA Div. I and II, I am uncertain as to whether he has two or three seasons available to him.
Rick
KP,
At the Div. I level, you’ll have two years of eligibility remaining at most after this year. You’ll have to do well academically at the Div. II school to be eligible when you return to the Div. I level. If you want to know exactly what your requirements and options are, you can contact me directly for a private consultation.
Rick
I can’t understand why any coach wouldn’t let a student athlete transfer if they want/need to. But I guess what the appeals process is for.
Hello Rick Allen,
I have a personal problem regarding transferring and I could seriously, seriously use some advise. I’m just a young baseball D1 athlete looking to make the best of my life and I know you could be a tremendous help in doing so. So if you could please find the time to email me so we could discuss my situation in privacy I would greatly appreciate it.
– Mason
Allen,
One would be his current coach not granting your son a release to the next school, and another would be if the next school (or their conference) has academic requirements that are more restrictive than the standard transfer requirements.
Rick
Thanks Rick,
If everything stated above falls in place what could be the possible stumbling blocks that would keep him from being eligible to run.
Allen
Angie,
It would be possible for you to play softball at the two-year college this Spring if you earn at least 12 transferable credit hours this Fall at the NAIA school with at least a 2.00 GPA.
Rick
Kim,
Given the nature of your questions and your son’s situation, I think it would be a good idea for you to contact me directly for a private consultation. Our consultations are completely confidential, and we’ll answer all your questions and provide advice and suggestions regarding his options.
Rick
Rico,
My expertise is with NCAA rules rather than NAIA rules, so I’m not certain of the answer to your question. I can tell you, however, that if you’ve already played two seasons at a JUCO, you have no more JUCO eligibility remaining.
Rick
Allen,
As long as the school he will be leaving can say – at the time that he leaves – that he would be eligible to compete if he were returning to their school the following semester/year rather than transferring, there is a high probability that he can compete next Fall at the new school.
Rick
Keenan,
If you are still interested in help and advice on navigating the transfer process, contact me directly for a private consultation. All consultations are completely confidential.
Rick
Alex,
All the factors are explained in our new downloadable transcript titled “Informed Athlete’s Guide to Transfers” which is featured on the front page of our website, and which can be purchased as a PDF which will then be sent to you as an e-mail attachment.
Rick
D,
All the factors are explained in our new downloadable transcript titled “Informed Athlete’s Guide to Transfers” which is featured on the front page of our website, and which can be purchased as a PDF which will then be sent to you as an e-mail attachment.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son walked on at a D2 basketball program during the 2012-2013 season but never played. He transferred to an NAIA school as a walk-on for 2013-2014. Major coaching changes and new athletic director just weeks before the season starts and the athletics program is a mess! This NAIA school has played 2 games but my son has not stepped on the court and played at all. He now wants to transfer to a D3 basketball school that wanted him badly a year ago. He had been accepted academically at this D3 school this past fall (2012-2013). Would my son be eligible to play immediately during the spring semester if he transfer to this D3 school since he has not played in an official college game? If he can play during spring semester, how much eligibility would he have left? Thank You.
My son is currently at a DII out of state school He is on a partial XC scholarship He is considering transferring to his home state. Maybe a NAIA or another DII. He has above a 2.0 GPA. If he gets permission and transfers what would be the probability he can compete next fall in XC at new school.
Thanks
Hi Leah,
It doesn’t matter whether you plan to go to a Div. I or II school. You can just e-mail the coaches and attach the PDF and then they’ll be able to respond to your inquiry.
Good luck!
Rick
can you transfer from an NAIA to a community college at semester once you have signed a letter of intent and then if I did transfer to a community college could I play softball there. we have played no actual games at my NAIA college
Hello! I am currently a freshman Division 2 athlete and I am planning on transferring after this year and/or semester of college. I have issued my release and I am eligible to talk to other schools and coaches, but I’m curious to how I am suppose to talk to other coaches. I have a PDF file of my issued release, so could I simply email coaches and attach the PDF and they will be able to respond? Or do I need to send that information to the college’s athletic director and then contact the coach? I am also planning on transferring to a Division 1 school, if that makes any difference.
Thanks so much!
Leah
I REALLY wish we had your advise back when my son was a senior in HS since high coaches did nothing to help him with football so he went the baseball route. He played two of three years at JUCO college with a crazy coach who didn’t deserve an ounce of respect, but we smile and don’t burn bridges, right. One full year was never even on a roster due to acl injury. He should have left after the first year away from that coach. But where do you go your second year with the injury. To say the least we have done ALOT of kicking ourselves with the should of’s. He is now in his 4th year academically for the first time at a NAIA school which he is not happy with. He played this fall, baseball, and due to a signed letter will have to stay and will play in the Spring. He likes the coach but not the school and situation. Are we stupid to even consider having him leave and go to a NCAA school and possibly walk on for baseball or football and just have “fun” his final year of college? Does that year of not being on a roster (because of injury) even count as redshirt? My son seems to think he didn’t get charged with a redshirt since not on the roster. Should he really just stick it out for one more year at the NAIA school? Thanks for your insight.
Robert,
The athlete should be eligible to play at the Div. III school this Spring, IF the Div. I school the athlete is leaving can state on a transfer form that the athlete would have been eligible in the Spring if the athlete were staying at the Div. I school rather than transferring.
Rick
Rick
Have a student athlete that went to a D2 school for 1 year and played baseball (left academically eligible)…then transferred to a Jr. College for a semester(left academically eligible)…is now at a D1 and is planning on leaving with the intention of playing at a D3 program this spring…he has not played at the D1 school…is he going to be able to play this spring at the D3 school, if not is there anything he can do to change this prior to the spring..thanks
If i played at a juco for two year 09-10 10-11… didn’t go to school for a year then transferred to a D3 school where i didn’t play a game or practiced and i got on academic suspended … Can i transfer to a NAIA to play my last two years or do i need to go back juco to pick my GPA back up…
Will you please email me at my email with the answer. But out of hs 2010-11 football season I went to a D1 school 2011-12 and completed a full year of school there but I red-shirted my first year there but got kicked out the end of the semester but I finished the year out. Then I sat out the whole school year of 2012-13. Now I just transferred to a D2 school but Im not involved with football and trying to go back to a D1 school and play football again. How many eligibility years I have left and what I got to do to get back into a D1 school to play football again?
Kev,
I think waiting until this season is over is the right approach. You will have had a full year to determine if having a new coach makes a difference in your decision. Also, it could hurt your playing time for this spring if you talk to him prior to or during the season.
Rick
JR,
He will need to sit out for one full academic year (two semesters) at a Div. I or II school before he can be eligible. It would be possible to be eligible sooner at a Div. III school.
Rick
I am currently a sophomore at a NAIA school and I play baseball and I’ve been thinking about transferring to a D2. I wanted to transfer last year because I really did not like the school but we got a new coach this year, but I am still thinking about transferring. I was thinking that I might wait until this upcoming season is over to talk to my coach about transferring, what do you think the best solution is?
Peter,
It would be best if you contact me directly for a private consultation to discuss your daughter’s situation in detail, and review her options.
Rick
Lz,
Based on this information, JUCO may be his best option.
Rick
My son plays NAIA baseball and transferred from a DII school. He has just had a season ending injury and should be getting a medical hardship waiver. Can he transfer in January to a D1,II or III school and this be considered his sit out season because of his 2nd transfer?
Hi Rick,
My Daughter is a softball player. She finished with 20 out of 24 credits and would not be eligible had she stayed with that Div II school. She wound up taking some courses too difficult her first year and basically bit off more than she could chew. At this point she needs a fresh start. Just don’t know the implications now that she’s taken a year off.
Thank you.
Rachel,
You need to start by requesting “permission to contact” from your current school. Coaches at Div. II schools can’t discuss a possible transfer with you without it. It would be possible for you to transfer without incurring any penalty.
Rick
MY son is academically ineligible at his D1 school but he never was on the team. RHP
If he wants to play this spring what are his options.
Any D1 jucos available for this spring?
How to stay baseball ready? Local tournaments?
Not sure what to do.
Hey,
I’m at a NAIA a school for my freshmen year swimming. I honestly just don’t feel very much a part of the team or like the school is a good fit for me. How would I go about transferring to a D2 school? And would I receive penalty for changing schools?
Thanks
Isaiah,
That will depend upon a number of things, such as his sport, whether his school will release him, and his academic standing. You may want to contact me directly for further information.
Rick
My son played two years for a juco then transferred to a d1 he played in every game but still doesn’t like it there can he transfer to another d1 and be immediately eligible for his senior year ?
Marlon,
That will depend upon whether he was a Qualifier for NCAA Div. I when he finished HS. You can learn more about this by going to http://www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org, or .com.
Rick
Casey,
Yes, that would be possible.
Rick
My cousin was wondering if he could transfer after his first year of community college to an d1 school and try to walk on because he didnt play in his first year of college is it possible for him to play
could I apply to the school before I obtain the “permission to contact”
Casey,
That would be possible.
Rick
I’m currently a junior at a division 1 school. I should have transferred freshman year but did not under the assumption things would improve when in fact they have not. I fear that I have now wasted two possibly three years of eligibility. I now wish to transfer to a D3 school this coming spring semester. does this seem at all logical and/or doable?
Fran,
Under the NCAA rules, your son can continue to train with the team next semester as long as he is enrolled in a full-time courseload. However, the coach may have his own set of rules and he might restrict your son to the study hall rather than include him in practice.
If you want to discuss the academic requirements as a transfer to a two-year school, and then to another four-year school, contact me directly for a consultation.
Rick
My son is a freshman and it looks very likely that he will be academically ineligible for his team at a DIII school after this semester. Would he still be allowed to train with his team next semester?
Or,if he were to come home and try to raise his GPA at a local community college during spring and summer semesters, what would be the academic requirements for competing at another DIII school or NAIA school again in the fall?
You are definitely not wasting your time. Many athletes move on from a JUCO to a four-year school with only two seasons of eligibiilty remaining. However, if you haven’t played softball in a couple of years, that will definitely hurt your chances.
I encourage you to contact the college(s) you’re interested in, but I also encourage you to also have your former HS or club coach contact schools on your behalf.
Rick
Hi Rick, I am currently attending a community college whereby does not have a softball program. I am a sophomore with a 2.9 gpa. I have speed which can in fact be a great assets to a program. However being that I’m a sophomore should I still reach out to schools. I’m interested in attending the college of New Jersey which is a d3 school in central New Jersey & to my understanding they’re in need of speed. But am I wasting my time being that I’m a sophomore and merely have 2 years worth of season left ? What are your suggestions ? Thank you in advance.
Sharon,
Yes, that would be possible.
Rick
Wesley,
You can definitely transfer to a JUCO. There are many examples of 4-2-4 transfers.
Rick
Hello,
I am currently attending a D2 school for women’s soccer, but my school does not have my major and I need to transfer now. I am looking to get a scholarship at the next D1 or D2 school that I transfer to.. am I able to take my spring semester off and still successfully transfer?
I’m looking to transfer from a D 3 school to a JUCO. I started nearly every game last year so my first year of eligibilty is used up but i still have my sophmore season. Is this possible to do or can you not transfer to a JUCO after already attending a 4 year school.
Peter,
To answer those questions, I would need to know her sport, how many hours she passed in each semester that first year, and whether she would/could have been eligible had she stayed at the Div. II school the next year. This would be better discussed in a private consultation. Contact me directly if that is of interest.
Rick
Hi Rick,
In 2012, My daughter received a partial scholarship, went on academic probation, received permission to contact, was released and had her scholarship revoked and finished her year at the same Div II school without playing any games. She finished the year below a 2.0 GPA.
She is taking 2013 off from school. What are her options for 2014? For example: Where would she be eligible to play (JC, NAIA, Div I,II,III) and receive another scholarship. Would she have to sit out for another year if she returned to a different Div II or new Div I school?
Thank you
Addee,
The answers to your questions are:
1. Yes
2. Only if she is released by the school for transfer and also released from her NLI commitment to attend the school for one year (assuming she signed an NLI).
3. That would be possible.
4. No
Rick
My daughter is on a partial scholarship at at D1 University as a Freshman on the Cross Country/Track team. They are still in season, however, the coach has chosen to redshirt her this fall season. She is extremely unpleased with the training and the team. She has progressed backwards in her times and the coaching philosphy from time of recruitment to current has changed dramatically. My questions:
If she asks for permission to contact other coaches can he un-redshirt her and force her to complete?
Can she transfer Mid-Year and not have to sit out a year?
Can she obtain scholarshp money at another DI school?
This is an SEC school can she transfer to another SEC school and not have to sit out a year?
Thank you
Cortnee,
That depends upon whether you were considered a Qualifier based on your HS academic record as determined by the NCAA Eligibility Center. If you were a Qualifier, you don’t have to graduate from the JUCO, but you will if you were a NonQualifier.
You can learn more about Qualifier status by going to http://www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org or .com.
Rick
I have an eligibility question to ask. If you transfer from a juco to a D1 program to play a sport do you have to graduate from that juco to be eligible to play at the D1 level?
Dan,
She can certainly tell her coach that she doesn’t want to redshirt, but if the coach doesn’t think she’s ready to play as a freshman, the coach isn’t going to put her in a game, and she won’t have an option to “refuse.”
Rick
James,
Next year will be the last year of your “five-year clock.” You’ll need to meet NCAA transfer requirements, but not Qualifier standards based on your HS academic record.
Rick
Hi rick,
I am 2010 HS graduate and I was not a qualifer coming out of HS. I am currently at a 4 year NAIA school playing soccer. I want to transfer to a D1 program Next Fall. Do I still need to meet NCAA acadmic standards? or do I just have to get accepted to the school of my choice. Also will I have any eligibility left at NCAA?
My daughter is an freshman athlete at a D1 university. If her coach were to ask her to redshirt could she refuse? Or can they just do it without he wanting to? She knows that she isn’t quite up to par for this season YET but she does not want to redshirt under any circumstances.
Thanks,
Dan
David,
Nothing that happens now after he has already enrolled will change the status that he has based on the school’s interaction with him prior to his enrollment.
Rick
Hi Rick,
Thank you for the service you provide.
My son is a Freshman student at a DI. He is “non-recruited” under the rules and is not on an athletic roster (golf). I understand he would still need a written release to talk to other D1 coaches regarding potential Fall ’14 roster spots and/or athletic aid, but does the coach at his current school have any recruiting restrictions or rules to follow to discuss the same? And would any of those discussions then qualify him as a “recruited athlete” relating to transfer rules/eligibility?
Kevin,
Yes, because she has been withdrawn from her previous school for less than one year.
Rick
There is a former student-athlete from a NCAA DII school who’s scholarship was dropped after 3 years of competing, after which she withdrew from the school after Spring ’13. She is currently not attending any school this fall. Does another NCAA DII school need permission from her former school to contact her even though she is no longer enrolled in any institution currently?
Kaitlyn,
As long as you are certain that you won’t play at another school in the future, there are no specific rules that you need to follow.
Rick
I play women’s basketball at a Division II college and I plan on finishing up this year and transferring to another school for my sophomore year. The thing is, I don’t want to play at the college I plan on transferring to. I just want to get an education. So my question is, are there certain rules that I have to follow as well, or after the season can I break the news to my coach and leave as planned? (I’m asking because I plan on starting to apply to different schools toward the end of the season but I don’t want to let the coach know until the season has ended.)
Jon,
Because you are a walk-on, you can transfer as early as the end of the current semester if you choose to do that. You will have the chance to be immediately eligible at an NCAA Div. II school, and will have the same chance at a Div. I school if you were not considered “recruited” to your current school as defined by NCAA rules.
Rick
Hi Rick Iam currently at a D1 basketball college as a preferred walk on, Iam very unhappy with the team, and as I can see the walk ons are not given the chance to prove themselves on the court, because the coach is only using the scholarship students in practice, and all I do is just sit on the bench and clap for others and dont train much with the team, however I had scholarship offers by D2 schools and also another prefered walk on from another D1 school but was promised to be treated like the scholarship players, but unfortunately i declined these offers and went for my present offer,
I wanted to ask you when if I receive my clearance from my school to contact other schools, when is the earliest I can transfer to another school either D1 or D2? and will the eligibility apply the same to me even if I was a walk on that was not recruited at my current school,
Wish to hear from you soon,
JON
Bobbijo,
Since your son is a walk-on, it will be possible for him to transfer at the end of the semester.
Rick
Hello,
Son in a preferred walk-on D2 football-made the traveling team-second string-then had a level 1 concussion and was red-shirted (fall 2013). He did not play in any games. Can he transfer next semester or does he have to finish the year out? He wants to finish the year and would possible stay at the program-but it depends on possible scholarship, I was just getting an answer if he decide to transfer in the winter of 2014. thank you so much!
Aaron,
If you are (or have been) practicing with the team, you will still need permission to talk with other schools about a transfer.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am currently playing football at a d2 school. I transfer from a D1 school where I did not participate in football.I just recently found out i was ineligible due to the second year semester hour rule. I am unhappy here and the school has just not lived up to expectations at all. I am thinking of transferring back to my D1 school at the end of the semester. if i leave the team now(seeing how im ineligible) would I still need a release to talk to other schools?
Kristina,
Whether you would have to pay back the money for the scholarship is the decision of the school.
Rick
Courtney,
You might have eligibility at a Div. II school, or NAIA, but not Div. III.
Rick
Ahmad,
The end of the season. They don’t have time during the season.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am a graduate of a D-1 school where I played volleyball for 2 out of those four years on full athletic scholarship. Eligibility-wise, do I have any for D-3 or NAIA? Or really anything at all? Thanks in advance for any help…
Hi, I am currently attending a NAIA school for softball. I do have a scholorship at this school, however I have made the decision to leave at semester for many reasons..My question is do I have to pay back the money that the coach gave to me in a scholarship at all? Or am I just free to leave upon telling the coach about it. I am very confused and need some information. Thank you.
Rick, around what time of the year is it best to email a college coach about transferring to their school?
Marcie,
He’ll need to obtain a signed NJCAA Release Agreement to play at another JUCO in the Spring.
Rick
Abbey,
If you contact an NAIA school and they are interested in talking with you about a transfer, they are required to notify your current school. Your eligibility will depend upon how well you do academically at your current school.
Rick
I too am wondering about transferring. My situation is going from NCCAA DII to a school that is NAIA. Would I have eligibilty restrictions or not? and what are the contact rules with it. I am currently a freshmen and I want to play volleyball elsewhere. Can you give me some details?
Rick,
My son is currently enrolled and playing baseball for a JUCO. He is completely dissatisfied with the coaching style. He is not on scholarship nor did we ever sign a letter of intent. We had the tryout, the coach liked him, we moved him down there and paid for tuition and room and board out of pocket. Is there any way he can transfer to another JUCO and be eligible to play in the spring? If not, what are his options? What procedures do we need to follow to allow him the opportunity to speak with other coaches about the 2014-2015 season and what types of schools would he be eligible to play for, i.e., JUCO’s, DI’s or DII’s? Thank you.
Marcie
Mom,
That depends upon whether she was certified as a Qualifier by the NCAA Eligibility Center when she finished HS. Google that website for more info on that process.
Rick
My daugter is at a Jucco playing Volleyball. Can she transfer to a D1 or D2 School after her first year at a Jucco? Can she contact other schools to go watch her play Volleyball.
Ken,
She should wait until the end of this year, and then request her release and “permission to contact” other schools. She will have to sit a year if she goes to a Div. I program.
Rick
Hello Rick, My daughter signed a NLI and plays basketball at a DII school. 300 miles from home.. She would like to transfer to a DI school in home town and walk on to the basketball team there. what does she have to do?? Does she have to sit a year?
Thank You
Dave,
Thanks for the compliment about the last time you wrote. She can use her redshirt year if she needs to sit for a year, but in the sport of golf it probably won’t be necessary.
Rick
Hi Rick – this would be the second time I have written you. The first was a couple years ago and you provided solid and helpful advice so I have come back for more. My lil sister n law is currently in her sophomore year on a partial golf scholarship at a NAIA school. As a freshman she was the teams best golfer and they finished 3rd in the nation. Long story short she is not happy, tried to tough it out but her Coach’s ego is making the entire team miserable. Fall season has already begun. The coach and AD know that she wants to transfer so at least it’s not a secret. How difficult is transferring mid-year between semesters? Should she expect to sit for a year or is there a way to avoid that? This is assuming she transfers to a D1 or D2 school but for argument sake would things be different if she were to transfer to another NAIA school? Juco is not the end of the world but its a last resort. Also, can she use her redshirt year if she did have to sit for a year?
Thank you again,
Dave
Yes.
Cesar,
Depends upon your sport, and if you are on scholarship or were recruited to your school.
Rick
If I withdraw would I still be required to get a permission to contact form to talk to other coaches?
Hi,
I have a doubt.
Im playing for a NCAA Division 2 school and I wanna transfer to a Division 1, will I have to sit out one season when I transfer?
Thank you so much.
Alex,
If you are on scholarship at the FCS school, you will be required to sit out for a year (serve a “year in residence) if you transfer directly to an FCS or FBS school. You won’t be required to “sit out” if you go to a JUCO or an NCAA Div. II school (or an FCS school that doesn’t give athletic scholarships).
If you go the JUCO route and plan to return to the Div. I level, you’ll need to stay at the JUCO long enough to graduate with your Associates Degree.
Rick
I ‘m currently a freshman at a D1 (AA) college playing football. I’m not happy with the academic side or the athletic side. Furthermore our current coaching staff will be out by the end of the year. I have several options 1 to go to another D1 AA school or a top Junior College. My question is would I have to sit out one year before I can play.
Note: Pre Qualified NCAA Clearing House before entering my freshman college.
Alexia,
If you transfer to any Div. II school other than your original one, yes.
Rick
So I would have to sit out next fall if i transferred to a DII?
Alexia,
Yes, the 4-4-4 transfer rule applies to you. If you want to be eligible at a Div. II school without being required to “sit out” for a year, you would need to return to your original Div. II school. Or you could consider going to a Div. III school, or an NAIA school. At those schools, you may be able to be eligible by next Fall.
Rick
I played volleyball for a DII my freshmen year of college, this year (my sophmore year) i transfered to a DI school to just attend as a student, i want to play volleyball again and am trying to transfer and play at a DII, does the 4-4-4 transfer rule apply to me? Or no because im not playing this year? Im pretty confused about it
Alexia
Marco,
It is possible, but certainly not guaranteed, that you can be eligible for tennis at a Div. I school next year. As far as whether you can get scholarship money next year if you are sitting out, that is the decision of the coach at the Div. I school.
Rick
I was wondering, this is my sophomore year at a d2 school. I played my freshman year and had an athletic scholarship. I am a tennis player and considering attempting to attend a D1 college. I know I have to get permission but I was wondering would I have to sit out a year and if so do I still get scholarship money while sitting out.
Ted,
Asking about the “various factors” is kind of an open-ended question that could have lots of follow-up questions. A private consultation would probably be more appropriate when he is ready to consider such a move.
Rick
Rick, My son is the consummate late bloomer having started HS at 5’11” and maybe 135 lbs. He just started a D2 College (which he loves!) at 6’8″ and 212 lbs. I may be getting way ahead of myself, but what are the “various factors” to go from D2 to D1?
Tim,
Div. I schools are only allowed to offer tryouts to currently enrolled students, so she would have to be enrolled at that other Div. I to try out there. If she is willing to consider an NCAA Div. II school, they are allowed to offer tryouts to prospective student-athletes who are not yet enrolled.
Rick
question … daughter Freshman at D1 school in Ohio wanted to walk on at her current school, but they didn’t have walk on tryouts this season. would like to try out at a different D1 school in the spring … does she have to be enrolled at the other D1 school to try out ? and as a second year college student , can she try out at the other school when they have tryouts ? she was not recruited at her current school and wasn’t a preferred walk-on. she was never given oppertunity to walk on.
she did try out for softball , and did well but it turned out they were not able to add anymore players to their roster .
What factors are considered?
Same question but what are those various factors
Phil,
It would be possible for you to be eligible next academic year at a Div. II school if the NAIA school releases you and you meet the academic requirements for a transfer.
Rick
I am a NAIA freshman trying to go to a div.2 school next year would I be eligible? I am on a full track scholarship.
Paul,
Your son (and any member of the family) needs permission to talk to any other NCAA school. The HS coach can contact the Div. III coach, but there is some risk involved, in the event that the Div. III coach calls your son’s current coach to ask about him before your son has had a talk with his coach.
Rick
Rick,
My son is part of a D1 soccer program and is looking to transfer to a D3 program. Can he speak to the coach of the D3 school or does he need permission from his current D1 coach? Also, can his HS coach reach out to the D3 coach and let him know he is interested in his program?
Thanks for your help.
Paul
Larry,
The two-step process is the permission to contact other schools about a possible transfer, and then the granting of the One-Time Transfer Exception to be immediately eligible at the next school (assuming he meets the academic requirements to use that Exception). If his current school denies either one of these, he’ll need to serve a “year in residence” before he can be eligible for competition.
Rick
Rick,
Thanks. If permission is not granted when would he be allowed to play again for a DII school? By two step process you mean the compliance officer and coach? So essentially he has to go out on a limb hoping the school he initially rejected has a spot for him. Conceievably that school could have moved on and he will just have ruined his relationship with the coach at his current school. Will be buying your book for my other kids.
Larry,
It would be possible for your son to be immediately eligible at a Div. II school in the spring if he is released by his current school (including the permission from his coach – a two-step process), and meets the academic requirements for a transfer (basically, earning at least 12 credit hours with at least a 2.00 GPA).
Rick
Rick,
Good stuff on this website. My question concerns my son currently in the fall of his freshman year at a DI school for baseball. It’s early but he feels he made a mistake and would like to transfer to a DII school that made him an offer last fall. From reading your website I’ve learned he is considered a recruited walk-on so he would need to go to the compliance officer and head coach if he wants to contact the DII coach. If he does that and the offer at the other school still stands could he play in the Spring. The offer was primarly an academic one and I expect that is all that is left now. The baseball portion from the DII school was only $1000. The DI offer was all academic and financial aid. If he just transferred to the DII school without contacting the coach could he try out in the Spring once enrolled? Would he be free to play for them next year if not in the Spring?
Luke,
Yes, you can do that.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I am a division 2 athlete who has played football at my school for two strait years. I did not red-shirt..and I was wondering if I could use my red-shirt year as my year to sit out.
Thanks,
Luke
Taylor,
If he will be a 4-2-4 transfer (NAIA to JUCO, and then to EKU), he will have to stay at the JUCO long enough to graduate with his Associates Degree in order to be eligible when he gets to EKU.
Rick
Sam,
This should be able to be done, but you should check with the compliance director at the Div. II school to be sure.
Rick
Jake,
This would be possible, but you would not be eligible until after you have attended a Div. II or III school for one full academic year.
Rick
Taylor,
If you are not certified as a Qualifier for NCAA Div. I by the NCAA Eligibility Center, you won’t be able to be eligible at a Div. I school until you have graduated from the JUCO. To have personal contact with the coach, call or e-mail them.
Rick
Kei,
You should send the release letter to your coach at the new school.
Rick
Rashaun,
The first thing you should do is talk with your parents to make sure you are all on the same page, before they get a huge tuition bill after you quit the team. If you then decide that you definitely want to quit the team, then you just go tell the head coach, and follow up with a written e-mail to him.
Rick
Wondering how it works for a juco transfer student goes to division 1 and is going to redshirt due to the fact he is non qualifier an decides at the end of fall semester he does not want to redshirt any more because he wants to play, so he wants to transfer to a division 2 or 3 is this possible ?
I competed for a D1 school in track and field last year. I was not pleased with the program so I told the coach I wanted to transfer and I was emailed a letter of release in May at the end of our season. I am due to transfer in the spring semester. Do I send my release letter to the coach at the new school or does the athletic department at my old school send it? If the school has to send it, how will I know when the new school has received it? Am I allowed to call the new coach before he receives the release letter?
Hi Rick,
I competed in track for 2 seasons and attended 7 semesters at a D1 school before I graduated. I took the spring off, but plan to do my graduate work at a D2 school and continue competing. From what I understand, I have 5 quarters and 2 seasons of eligibility left, and there is a graduate student exemption to the progress towards degree rule. I want to attend school full-time my first 3 quarters (fall, winter, spring) and compete, then take off the next fall, and attend full-time winter and spring to compete my final season. Would I be eligible to do this because of the 15 quarter rule?
My boyfriend is currently enrolled at a NAIA private school playing baseball there. This is his freshman year and he already knows that he doesn’t want to be there. He is looking at transferring to a two-year college Juko and wants to play baseball. What would be his restrictions on that? Also could he transfer to the two-year spring semester (or sooner) and then transfer with me to the University of Eastern Kentucky fall of 2014? Would he have any restrictions playing baseball there? Thank you! Taylor
Hi Rick!
I am currently a athlete at a junior college in California. I am only a freshman and have not competed in track yet. Yet my high school coach has gotten me a offer at a D1 Track school for me. What would I need to do in order to get personal contact with the college coach? How would I be able to retain my eligibility without ruining NCAA rules?
I am a college freshman and I play football. But my passion for it isn’t there anymore I was wondering what I can do to get off of my athletic scholarship. I would still like to attend my university.
John,
An athlete must complete their college eligibility within a five-year period. The NCAA will only grant an extension of the “five-year clock” when an athlete has lost MORE THAN one year of competition due to injury, serious financial hardship, or other circumstances beyond their control.
Rick
Thank you. I’m a bit confused about how it may only benefit him if he gets injured again. Couldn’t he use the medical waiver, if granted, to play as a grad student? I thought he’d qualify for an extra year since he only played 1.5 games of 2011, didn’t play 2010(RS), played 2012 and is active currently. Or does he only get 1 redshirt, medical or otherwise?
E-mail. And have a former HS coach call on your behalf to endorse you and let them know what a quality person and player that you are.
Rick
Hey Rick
When trying to transfer to another school to play football what is the best way to contact the coach? Phone or email? and then what would be the best thing to say to them?
Brian,
a. No, if going to Div. II and he meets academic eligibility requirements. Yes, if to Div. I and he is currently on a football scholarship.
b. No, he will have one year of eligibility left, so it is best if he finish out the season, as he has already triggered his 3rd year of eligibility.
Rick
MR. Allen,
My son is a Junior football player at an NAIA school. He is unhappy with his playing time (new coaching staff)after being a 2 year starter. He is thinking of transferring to a NCAA Div. II or higher school. My question is, if he leaves the football team now, after 3 games, finishes the semester, then transfers to another school, will he a)have to sit out a year? b)be able to have 2 years of eligibility left since he only played in 3 games? Sure appreciate your advice here Rick…we’re very confused as to what our options are.
Brian
Hi Teegan,
Not as long as the school you are leaving will be able to state that you would be eligible if you were returning to their school the next semester rather than transferring.
Rick
Ahmad,
Frankly, you should not “expect” a reply. You should consider yourself fortunate if you receive one.
Rick
Rick,
I play soccer at a D2 school but I am looking to transfer to a D3 school. I am planning on getting a release and letting my coach know, but would I have to sit out a year by going down?
Teegan
Also, Upon emailing the coach, how long until I expect a reply?
John,
He may qualify for the waiver, but since he redshirted his first year, it will only benefit him if he becomes injured again. The second Div. I school will probably need to submit the waiver for him, unless the JUCO will do it, but given the small staffs that many JUCOs have, that may be difficult to convince them to do since it was two years ago.
Rick
Hi Rick, My son plays football and red-shirted his 1st year(2010) at a 4 year D1 program. He left, went to a J.C. where he had a season ending injury and surgery(2011)in the 2nd game, played the following year(2012) and has now transferred(on scholarship)to a 4 Year D1-A(2013). Do you think he qualifies for a Medical Hardship Waiver? Which school should assist him?
Thank you so much.
John
Thanks Rick
Hi Ian,
He can contact the Div. III coach once he receives “permission to contact” from his current school.
Rick
Hello Rick,
My son is a freshman playing D2 football. He is not happy and is considering transfering to a D3 school closer to home. When is he allowed to contact the D3 coach? Does he need to get a permission to contact letter? He is not on an athletic scholarship.
Thanks very much.
Ahmad,
Since you are going to NAIA, no permission from the Div. III school is necessary. Just contact the coaches at the NAIA school(s).
Rick
Hey Rick,
I am currently at a division 3 school to play football but I decided to leave the team during camp. I am looking into transferring but I don’t know if I need a permission to contact or not since I technically am not playing this year. How should I go about transferring to another school to play football? The school I’m at is NCAA and I’m trying to go to NAIA but like I stated earlier I am not playing this year
Hey, I am a college freshman currently at a NAIA div. 1 school on a basketball scholarship. I am either wanting to redshirt and transfer, or just transfer to another NAIA div.1 school or to a NCAA div. 1 school. The rules are so confusing and I am lost. Could you please tell me how to go through with this, and please explain how to do it.
Thanks,
Keenan
Luke,
For this information, you can purchase our downloadable transcript “What You Should Know About Transfers”, which can be found in the Store of our website.
Rick
Lee,
If your school doesn’t release you, you will not be able to talk with coaches at the FCS school. You can still transfer there, but you will have to do so as a non-athlete regular student.
Rick
Hey, I am a College freshman, I play for D2. I am getting redshirted this year, and i am scholorship player. However I do want to transfer to a D1AA school who does not offer scholarships, they are a member of the pioneer league. They are closer to home, and I like the school better. I have a B average, so I am not in academic trouble. If my school does not release me for contact, how can I transfer and talk to the coach at the school I want to switch too.
Codey,
You have 8 semesters remaining, since you’ve enrolled for two, and would have to have 12 credit hours per semester of full-time enrollment with a GPA of at least 2.00. That’s if you were a Div. II Qualifier when you graduated HS.
Rick
Hi, I am a sophomore at a D1 school playing golf. I want to transfer but I am not sure how to do it. Should I contact other golf coaches first to tell them that I want to transfer for my junior year, or should i ask my present coach for a release first? And what if my coach does not want to give me a release, will i still be able to play for my current school? If a get my permission to contact an other school, how will they know that i have it?
Thank you
Rick. I graduated in 2011 and had a D1-AA Scholarship and Signed a Letter of Intent but then backed out for numerous reasons…I went and took 13 Hours at a community college in 2011 and then dropped out for a year to work and then went full time for one more semester. I currently have 23 Credits. What would I have to do to walk on to a D2 football school, and how much elgibility would I have left.
Mike,
You can, but you won’t get any benefit from it, as you are permitted four seasons of eligibility within a five-year period. If you redshirt two years, you’re only going to have 3 years remaining available to you.
Rick
Hi if i redshirted at a NAIA program then transfer to a ncaa 1aa program can i redshirt?
Bill,
He must wait until next year, and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Rick
I have a basketball player who attended a juco for two years after graduating from high school. He has enrolled at an NAIA school, is not playing this semester, and wishes to transfer to a DI school for the second semester. Is he eligible immediately at the DI school or must he wait until the second semester of the next year. How many years of eligibility would he have after transferring?
Based on his history as you’ve provided it, he’ll have one year of eligibility remaining if he transfers “laterally” to another Div. I program. If he transfers “down”, say from an FBS program to an FCS program, or from an FCS program to a Div. II program, he would have the chance to be immediately eligible and be able to play for two years.
Rick
My son has full football scholarship at a D1 school. He was redshirt his freshman year. He saw minimal playing time his redshirt freshman year. He just started his redshirt sophomore year and is very unhappy. He wants to transfer to another D1 school. We are aware that he will have to seat out a year. We will like to know if he will have one or two year eligibility after his seat out year.
Zayne,
It is possible, although most scholarships are given out when a student starts at a school in the Fall rather than at mid-year.
Rick
Hi, I am currently in my first semester of college and playing baseball at a D1 school, but I am hoping to transfer to an NAIA school for my Spring semester. Is it possible for me to get either an academic or baseball scholarship from the NAIA school if I go there for the second half of the year?
Ben,
Your redshirt status will be intact in any of these scenarios.
Rick
Hi Rick, if I were to red shirt this year (I am a freshman) then transfer to a community college in the spring and not play golf, just go to school, would I still be a freshman the next fall when i decided to go to a junior college to play golf? Would it even be possible to transfer in the middle of a redshirt and still retain the redshirt? What if I redshirted my freshman year then tried to transfer after my freshman year to a juco(I am at a D2), would I be a redshirt freshman at the juco or would the redshirt be invalid?
JC,
If classes have already started at the school and your son has been attending class, he needs to finish the semester to have a chance to be immediately eligible next year at a new school. If he withdraws from classes now, he’ll be leaving that school with zero credit hours earned, and it will hurt his eligibility when he transfers.
If he still feels like leaving at the end of the semester, he should ask the coach for permission to talk with other schools at that time, and then explore his options.
Rick
Rick,
My son was verbally told they would give him a scholarship this past summer . He graduated from high this past May. Going by the verbal information, he signed the letter on intent to attend. He reported to summer camp as suggested and enrolled in summer school as suggested . When the session started no scholarship was awarded and they red-shirted him. Now he wants to transfer to another DII school but wants to play football this season if its not too late.
What can be done? I thought the DII school mid-lead my son and should honor the verbal agreement and give him a scholarship.
JC
Brad,
Your coach can refuse to let you be immediately eligible if you go directly to another four-year college, but he can’t restrict you from going to a CC. You are obliged to attend the school for one full academic year under the terms of the NLI, unless your school will release you from your NLI commitment, or unless you graduate from a two-year college before moving on to another four-year school.
Rick
Since I signed the NLI am I obliged to attend the University for one FULL YEAR? Can my coach refuse to let me go to a local CC and NOT play golf for the spring?
Brad,
Either option is possible. Your coach could make the transfer more difficult by refusing to release you to a Div. I program.
Rick
Rick,
I am a freshman golfer at a D2 school. It is nothing like I thought it would be and I would like to transfer to a JC or walk on at the D1 in my home town in the spring. Is this possible? Can my coach do anything to keep me from leaving after I have successfully completed my fall term and want to transfer for the spring?
KC,
Yes, it would be possible for you to do that.
Rick
Rick,
I had d2 & d3 schools interested in me while in high school playing vb, I was unsure if I wanted to play in college so didn’t go that route, last minute I decided to atleast try it so played for juco, couldn’t stand the coach or the program, quit after a week, my question is could I transfer my soph year to a d 3 and play right away, I did sign a nli but never played in one game..thanks!
Elizabeth,
It would be best for your son to complete the semester at the Div. I program and then transfer to the JUCO with the hours and GPA earned during this Fall term. If he leaves the Div. I now and earns zero academic credits this term, he won’t be able to be eligible for the JUCO this Spring.
Rick
Devin,
If you enroll at the community college as a full-time student and are/were a Non-Qualifier for NCAA Div. I when you begin full-time enrollment, then you’ll be required to complete your Associates Degree and other academic requirements in order to be eligible when you transfer to a Div. I school.
Rick
G,
He can do that, but the coach at that school won’t be able to discuss a transfer with your son until he receives a “permission to contact” form, letter, or e-mail from your son’s school.
Rick
Rick,
My son is a freshman at a Pac-12 school. He is on the soccer team but is not on scholarship. Can he contact another coach about transferring?
Rick,
My son is on scholarship for a D1 baseball program seven hours from home. He has started classes and training, but feels like he may have made the wrong decision in selecting the school, as he is feeling very unhappy. He is considering transferring to a junior college closer to home. Assuming that he is able to transfer right away, would he have to sit out for 2014 spring season and also 2015 since he has already started the D1 semester? Or do those rules only apply to transfers to another D1 or D2 program. Thanks!
Hi, my name is Devin and I just graduated high school and I’m going to a community college for 1 year to raise my GPA for more options. I received All-State in football and also All-State in track and field. Do you think I could transfer to play football at a division 1 school after skipping that year?
Jeremy,
It’s hard to answer your question, because it would depend upon your academic standing, and also upon the policies of the athletic department and lacrosse coach at that school. However, it will be very hard for you to get on a team by transferring at mid-year when you weren’t at that school to go through Fall practices and scrimmages.
Rick
Cameron,
Because basketball crosses over two semesters, you have one year of eligibility remaining.
Rick
Rick,
I am currently attending a Division II school and I am planning on walking on to the basketball team. I have been in school off and on since 2006, and have started 8 full-time semesters, but have only completed 2 of those semesters with credit for full-time classes (Due to withdrawls, dropping under full time). With the Division II 10 semester rule, how many years of eligibility do I have left?
Ryan,
As long as your academically eligible, there should not be a penalty. You should be able to do as you state in your question.
Rick
Hello Rick,
I am currently taking one more semester at my current College which is D3 and looking to transfer to in the Spring of 2014 to play at a annually ranked top 15 D1 school for Lacrosse, I did not play last season and I was not recruited by any schools for the sport whatsoever, I am wondering if you know anything about me being able to walk on without being recruited at all, I’ve heard several different things from people, one said I wouldnt be able to play for the team if I wasnt recruited and one said I wouldnt be able to play because I would miss the fall semester?
Malcolm,
Based on what you’ve stated, you will not be able to be eligible because you don’t have a total of 24 credit hours over your last two semesters of full-time enrollment. YOu’ll also need a GPA of at least 2.00.
Rick
Hello Rick
I want to walk on to a division 2 school an I’m not gonna get any aid from athletics. I have 3 semesters but only have 18 hours what are my requirements of a non financial seeking walk on.
Stephen,
It could, depending upon if he signed an NLI commitment to attend that school for one full year.
Rick
Charles,
If you are/were on an athletic scholarship at the NAIA school or were recruited there, it is true that you will have to attend a Div. I school for a year before you can be eligible for competition. If you have not already had a redshirt year, you could take that “sit out” year as a redshirt year. If you already sat out one season at the NAIA school, then it is true that you would lose a year of eligibility.
Rick
Hello Rick,
I am an NAIA Baseball player possibly looking to transfer to a D1 school. Is it correct that I would have to sit out a year, and possibly lose a year of eligibility in the process?
Thank you
Rick, thanks. My son is tab trimester school. If he transfers in January he will only have completed 1/3 of a year. Will that affect his eligibility.
Hi I am currently playing baseball at a naia school but I don’t feel like the school is the right fit for me and I don’t know or don’t think I`ll be happy here at this school. My question is Whats the penalty for transferring from an naia college to a juco school, or could I transfer from the school I am to a community college for a semester and then go to the juco school and play baseball on the team that spring?
Todd,
He will only be able to participate in intra-squad scrimmages. No games against outside competition.
Rick
Rick:
Son is transferring within the the conference (Big Ten) and will have to sit out this fall (2013) season and lose a year of eligibility. Question: Is he allowed to play in 1) fall 2013 preseason exhibition games or 2) postseason spring 2014 exhibition games?
Maria,
Even if she quits the team, she will still need permission from her current school before she can contact coaches at other schools about a possible transfer. It is probably too late to walk-on somewhere else because it would be hard to get admitted to a school and get enrolled in time, unless she goes to a school that starts late, like some that start in mid-to late September.
Rick
My daughter does not get along with her D1 coach and was going to try again this season to turn things around but the coach is still very negative towards her. She doesn’t want to waste another year of eligibility with this coach. Is it too late to walk on somewhere else? I assume you have to have applied for the school and been admitted prior to walking on so would her only other alternative be to quit the team and contact other schools after that in order to transfer in the spring?
Jackie,
Yes, that would be possible.
Rick
Dawna,
Does the conference have a restriction about transfers within the same conference? If you haven’t checked that out, I would be sure to do so, as that may make the appeal a moot point.
Rick
Hello my daughter just signed to a DIV II school after completing 2 years at a JUCO. The school she attends does not have her paticular major but does have something similar. Would she be able to transfer to another DIV I or II school following her 1 year signing and get another atletic scholarship and still be eligible to play?
My daughter is going to request an appeal as she was denied permission to contact for schools within the same conference. Any advice on this process. She was guided to be very specific and honest about the fact that she was not a fit with the current coach who was hired after she decided to attend that university (D1) Additionally she was not a scholarship athlete (and I know this is not a factor) She is a swimmer. She is already applying to colleges and university where she could be a good fit both academically and swim wise. Thanks!
Morgan,
Yes, this is possible.
Rick
Hi. My friend wanted to play football in college. He tried to get some schools interested but he didn’t reach out far enough. He said he regretted not being able to play. He ran out of time to get a coach interested but he is good enough to walk on to a team. He is currently going to attend a school that doesn’t have a football team at all. I know he wants to transfer colleges as a sophomore but can he transfer and be able to play on a football team as well even though he wasn’t picked up before freshman year? Thanks!
Diane,
Because my primary expertise is with NCAA rules, I don’t know if participation in NAIA scrimmages is allowed. My hunch is that they would be allowed since they would not affect regular season standings and an opposing team’s opportunity to advance to the postseason.
Rick
HI my daughter played soccer her freshman year at an NAIA school. She didn’t like the program or coach so is transferring to another NAIA school. Unfortunately the conference she is in has made a transfer rule that started in January that if you transfer to another NAIA school in the same conference you must sit out. Her new coach has her listed as a redshirt. We understand she cannot compete in the Fall but do you know, if the team has scrimmages against other schools in the Spring is she allowed to participate in those or would that still be part of this ‘year’. thanks!
Shannon,
Yes, that is normal. Different schools handle this in different ways. Some schools will provide a “blanket” release, while others will only provide a release to specific schools. The schools have the right to determine how they will handle the process, as long as they make an appeal opportunity available when a request is denied.
Rick
So I did what you said and asked the school and they told me to give them a list of the colleges and that they would send it direct to the schools. Is that normal. I thought she would get a release to talk to any school?
Shannon,
Yes, any athlete – walk-on or scholarship athlete – must receive “permission to contact” another school if they are considering a transfer.
Rick
My daughter played soccer at a DII school last year and was a walk on that did not receive any money. She is looking to transfer this year and still has not signed a letter of intent. Does she need to get permission to talk to another coach?
Jesse,
To receive a hardship waiver for that first season, the Div. III school would need to submit the waiver on your behalf, and would need to submit documentation to support the position that you were not able to play in any more games that season due to circumstances beyond your control, such as a serious injury or illness, or a serious financial hardship which forced you to withdraw from school.
Rick
Rick,
I was a freshman at a DIII college for the 2011-2012 season. I only played in 3 games and none were after the mid-way point in the season. I also stopped practicing with the team after the midway point due to eligibility problems. I sat out all of last season(2012-2013) waiting to attend a JUCO back in my home state of Arizona. Is there any way to receive a hardship waiver for that first season spent at the DIII school since it was pretty much a wasted year? Thanks, Jesse
Hi Stephen,
Since Div. III doesn’t offer athletic scholarships, the key question is whether your son was “recruited” to the Div. III school. (You may want to look for our blog titled “NCAA Rules: Definition of a Recruited Athlete.”) If no, then it would be possible for him to transfer to a Div. I school and be immediately eligible. Be aware, however, that midyear transfers to a Div. I baseball program can’t become eligible until the following academic year.
If he does sit out a season, that could be his “redshirt” year, and he could still have 3 seasons to play.
Rick
Yes.
Rick,
My Son is a D3 Rising Sophomore. He has had some real growth as a player and is now throwing 92 MPH in a strong college summer league. He surprised me last night saying he was interested in transferring to a D1 program. The one time exemption language seemed as if the excemption was subjective, is that correct? If he transferred and sat out a season would he still have 3 years of eligability and in that case does it matter if he transfers in the fall or January. Thank you for your thoughtful responses. Great Blog!
Could I redshirt if I’m not eligible to play as a transfer student?
Jamaye,
If he transfers twice between four-year schools, he will definitely have to sit out when he makes the second transfer.
Rick
Hello
My boyfriend is transferring from a D1 football team he wants to transfer to another d1 but does not want to sit out a year he has many d2 schools thT are interested but can he go to a d2 school and transfer to another d1 after a year. Or will he still have to sit out? He’s a red shirt freshman btw
Andrea,
Depending upon where your son is attending school and all of the circumstances involved, it is possible that his request for permission to contact another school about a transfer could damage his relationship with his current coach at the least, and could possibly result in his scholarship being taken away.
Rick
Dear MR Allen,
I have a doubt, by requesting the Permission-to-contact letter, the current scholarship and admission on the present university isnt lost, is it?
I would like to contact a new university that my son likes very much but without loosing the current university he is playing for , is this possible? Does this apply for international athletes also?
So once We’ve found a better offer wich is a secure offer we will start with the transfering process and filling the release form.
Thanks for your help
Camila
Tom,
That is a concept that is being discussed by an NCAA committee, but it has not been proposed as legislation to be voted on yet. Given that, the earliest that it would possibly become effective is probably August of 2014.
Rick
Dear Mr. Allen,
I heard some rumors, that if an athlete will have a gpa at least 2.6, he could transfer from any to any other school without sitting out a year. Can you explain something about that? Is that true?
Cheshire,
In a 4-2-4-4 scenario, the One-Time Transfer Exception can only be used when going to the 3rd four-year college if the first four-year college either did not sponsor the sport, or discontinued the sport while you were attending there.
Rick
4-2-4-4 scenrio
if i transfer from my first four year school because of sanction rules to a 2 year school where there no athletics nore athletics compliance does that take away my one time transfer exception and do you have to be granted a one time exception
also if the first four year school does not grant you yor one time transfer rule do you still have it
Hi “Mickey”,
I would be glad to help, and I can walk you through every step of the transfer process. Please contact me directly to arrange a paid consultation, since this is the 4th question you’ve asked using 3 different screen names.
Rick
I was reading your blog and found a lot of it helpful. I am going into my junior year and have decided not to compete at my current school because of various reasons. I am set on competing at another school and do not want to sit out. Are there exemptions to redshirting as a transfer? also, since the school year is coming up I feel like a mid year transfer would be better since I have not figured out where I want to transfer to, or talked to any schools, but I’m not sure how those work. I know I still want to compete but do not know where to start and how the different timing of transfers work. My current school is (academically) based on semesters, and the school that I hope to transfer to is on the quarter system. Do you know how this would affect academics or the timing of a transfer?
Please let me know if you can help
Thanks!
Joe,
That will depend upon the policies of the school and the athletic department.
Rick
Cj,
That will depend upon his sport, upon whether he is released by the NAIA school, and upon his academic standing.
Rick
Hi My son is looking to transfer from an naia school for the spring semester to a Division 1 school and I wanted to know will he be requred to sit out for a year even its his current school a 4 year school but in the naia?
if i am receiving my athletic scholarship for the current summer school session, but decide not to compete for the upcoming season and look to transfer, will I have to pay back my summer aid i am receiving from the athletic department?
Garrett,
Whether it is too late will depend upon the admission requirements and deadlines of the Div. III school. Before coaches or athletic staff at the Div. III school can talk with you about a transfer, they’ll need to receive “permission to contact” from your current school.
Rick
Jamaal,
Yes, you will still need “permission to contact” other schools. As far as eligibility, it will depend upon whether you still have time remaining on your “five-year clock.”
Rick
I am going to a NAIA school but looking to transfer elsewhere. I have completed two years already, but things just aren’t working out. If I were to transfer to a d3 school, what are the necessary protocol to follow? Is it too late? If it is then I will have to bear with it another year, but this is not ideal.
My question is at a Div-I mid major school and thinking of transferring after I graduate. Once I graduate do the same rules apply as far as release permission? I will still have eligibility. And if you never took a red shirt year are you still eligible to receive that year ?
ally,
You mentioned that you will swim on a club team but not your school’s team for the upcoming year. If this is a local club team not affiliated with the university, that shouldn’t be an issue.
However, be aware that if the club team IS affiliated with the school (if it is part of the school’s recreational/club sports program, that might also sponsor, for example, an archery club, a disc golf team, or a fishing club that competes against other schools), then swimming for this club will count as one of your four seasons of eligibility. This occurs when a Div. I institution sponsors a competitive team at both the varsity intercollegiate and the club level.
By the way, it should not be too late for the medical hardship waiver paperwork to be submitted to your school’s conference office.
Finally, you will still need permission from your school before coaches at other schools can speak with you about a possible transfer.
Rick
I am going into my junior year as a scholarship Div 1. NCAA swimmer. My freshman year was a disaster and sophomore year was supposed to be a medical red shirt but for some reason the papers were not sent to compliance. After the last two years I don’t want to continue on the team I am on. I haven’t decided if I will stay at my current school or try to transfer. I want to be closer to home but am in one of the best programs for my major. If I do decide I want to transfer, but stay at my current school for another semester for academics, how will that affect eligibility? I am on a club team but do not plan to be on my schools team for the upcoming season. Do I still need to request a permission to contact if I do not practice or compete this upcoming semester or can I just tell my coaches I wont continue on the team and start looking else where??
Yes, as long as he meets the academic requirements to be immediately eligible when he transfers so that he doesn’t have to sit out a year from competition.
Rick
Rick,
He completed one year at Div I. T+F and decided to go back to basketball. So he would have 4 years of eligibility, does that mean he could participate all 4 years(2 at JUCO + 2 elsewhere)?
Susan
Chris,
You will still have your freshman year of eligibility for outdoor track, but not indoor track. You won’t have to sit out a year at the Div. I school if the Div. II school will release you, and you meet the academic requirements for the One-Time Transfer Exception.
Rick
Susan,
The basic answer is that your son has five years from his first full-time college enrollment to complete his eligibility, regardless of where he has attended and what sport(s) he’s participated in. So, if he has completed one year at the Div. I school, he could have 4 years of eligibility remaining. He will only have 3 years left if he attended the Div. I for two years (with no more than two of those years at the JUCO level).
Rick
I competed in two track meets before leaving school for winter break. I did not return for the second semester resulting in me missing the rest of the indoor season and all of the out door season. I am now transferring from a Div.2 to a Div.1 school. Will I still have my freshmen year of eligibility, and will I have to sit out a year?
Rick,
My son attended a Div I school and competed on the track team as a recruited walk-on. He no longer wants to compete in track/field and wants to play basketball. He is interested in JUCOs. Even though he is changing sports, will he only have 3 years of eligibility to play basketball?
Yes, depending upon your sport and when the season ends. Usually not good to request before the end of the season.
Rick
By starting the process you mean requesting my release from my current school?
William,
Before coaches at NCAA schools can talk with you about a possible transfer, they must receive written or e-mailed permission from your current school.
Also, be aware that if you are on an athletic scholarship at your school, you will not be able to be eligible in your first year at a Div. I school, as you must first serve a “year in residence” at that school. And, you will have two years left on your Div. I “five-year clock” after this year, which means you will only have one year to compete if you have to sit out for a year.
Rick
Jackie,
The transfer process can vary greatly from one school to another. It is hard to predict. I suggest you start the process in mid-November.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I would like to know what must a sophmor basketball player who wishes to transfer out of an NAIA school (Note: this is a 4 year school and not a junior college) and into a NCAA school do to successfully transfer and play another 2 years or more. This fall, I will begin my 3rd year. I would like to transfer to a Division 1 NCAA school, but don’t know what protocol exists to accomplish this. Could you please help me with this? Thanks
William
I am a D1 partial scholarship athlete going in to my junior year. I want to transfer to a different school and have started researching schools with the academic program I want to pursue as well as their athletic program. I would like to continue my sport regardless if I am offered a scholarship from the school I would transfer to. I know I have to get a written permission to contact before I can talk to any other college coaches but have just started researching. I was wondering if you knew how long the transfer process takes in regards to acceptance, transfer credits, and athletic signing. I would like to transfer half way through the 2013-2014 school year if possible. Please let me know! thanks.
Larry,
That will depend upon your academic standing at your current school, and the transfer policies of the JUCO that you would transfer to.
Rick
I go to a Juco in California and have already played one year. However, I’ve decided to Redshirt this year to get healthy and get better. Would I be able to transfer to another Juco in Cali? and would be able to play next fall?
Jared,
It will depend upon the policie