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.
PR: 
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 policies of that particular JUCO.
Rick
I was a scholarship basketball player at a Division 1 school this past year and I was released by the coach at the end of the year. Now I am looking to transfer to a juco to play and get recruited but my grades were not that good. I have been informed that Jucos take your best 24 credits and they have to be a 2.0 or better. My question is do juco accept D’s for those best 24 credits to receive a scholarship from that JUCO?
Katherine,
Go to the “Store” of our website and download the transcript “What You Should Know About Transfers.”
Rick
Hello Rick,
I currently play for a NAIA university and I want to transfer to a NCAA. What should I do in order to be able to transfer from school.
Jason,
That info is not correct. If you transfer to another Div. I program, you will have to serve a “year in residence” attending the second Div. I school before you can be eligible.
The person who told you that you can be immediately eligible at another Div. I school must think that because you sat out this past year as a medical redshirt, that this counts as your “sit out” year. However, the “sit out” year must be served at the school you are transferring to, not the school you are leaving.
Rick
I play D1 baseball on scholarship. (I was a recruited athlete) I played my Freshman season and then medical redshirted my Sophomore season due to injury. I was told that I can transfer to another D1 school without sitting out because I just came off of a redshirt season. I have never heard this rule before…is this information correct?
Jerry,
Your son can be eligible at another Div. I program this year as long as he meets the requirements of the One-Time Transfer Exception. Basically, the school he was at this past year must certify that he would be eligible this Fall if he were staying there rather than transferring.
In addition, because he’ll be entering his fourth year of college, he’ll need to have completed at least 60% of the specific course requirements for his chosen degree, whether he stays at the school he’s at now, or transfers to another Div. I program.
Rick
Rick,
My son is not NCAA Clearinghouse certified. He played baseball for 2 years at a junior college but did not complete his associates degree so he had to sit out a year. He attended a D1 college this past year as a student only. At his current college the baseball coach has spoken to him about being a walk-on but nothing has been formalized. Another D1 college has shown interest in him to play baseball. Can he transfer to another D1 college and be eligible to play baseball this coming year?
Julie,
I don’t know the NAIA or JUCO rules quite as well as I know the NCAA rules. However, I can definitely tell you that if this one at bat and two games had occurred at an NCAA school, it would definitely count as a season of eligibility used.
Rick
My son played his Freshman year NAIA. His sophomore year during the first series he pinch hit for one at bat. This was the second game of the season. We decided at the time to have him withdraw from the team after this game as it became obvious due to the coach’s decisions during this series that this was not the program for our son with the understanding that he would save his year of eligibility since he had only had one at bat and was only 2 games into the season. He finished out the school year and academically is in good standing. The Athletic Director at the school has not been very useful or knowledgeable about how this one at bat affects my son’s eligibility. He is currently being talked to by two Junior Colleges and one Division I NCAA school. They want us to clarify his eligibility. How do we go about finding out: 1. If his one at bat in the second game of the season takes away a full year of eligibility. 2. If his one at bat does count as one full year of eligibility does the fact that he literally was not on a team for the 2013 season after the 2nd game of the year count as his NCAA sit out year, or will he lose a year of eligibility AND have to sit out a year, meaning he is not eligibile for NCAA play until 2015? We are on a time crunch here and are desperate to know how to handle this or what to do to determine eligibility issues. I am amazed at how many involved in collegiate athletics don’t really know the answers to these questions. Any help or direction you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks!
DJ,
To be eligible at another JUCO, you basically will need to have earned 12 credit hours for each term of full-time enrollment at the first JUCO and have at least a 2.00 GPA.
To be eligible at a Div. I school as a JUCO transfer, and assuming that you are a NonQualifier for Div. I, you’ll need to graduate from the JUCO with your Associates Degree and satisfy other academic requirements. Also, be aware that you have a “five-year clock” from when you first enrolled as a full-time college student to complete your four years of college participation.
Rick
Chap,
You could only practice with the team in the spring if you are on the 35-man roster, which most coaches are not going to put you on since they know that you’re not eligible to play.
Rick
Chap,
Transfers to Div. I at mid-year cannot be eligible until the following academic year. Also, if you’ll be a full-time student at the community college this Fall, you will be a 4-2-4 transfer, which means you’ll have to graduate from teh two-year college with your Associates Degree.
Rick
I’m not an expert at NAIA rules, but I believe that you need to have 48 credit hours (for 4 semesters of enrollment) in order to be eligible this Fall.
Rick
DJ,
It’s my understanding that you must have earned at least 24 credit hours with a 2.00 GPA to be eligible at a second JUCO upon transfer. However, the fact that you didn’t participate at the first JUCO may allow you to exempt from that rule.
Rick
Jan,
Most hearings are held in person, but can also be done via conference call. Often, both the athlete and the coach have a chance to present their reasons for their position, and may receive questions from the committee members. There is a better chance for a successful outcome for the athlete if the transfer is for non-athletic reasons (such as a serious illness in the family, or to pursue a major not offered at the current school), or if their scholarship was taken away by the coach.
Rick
You shouldn’t need a “permission to contact” since you weren’t on the team. However, the other Div. II school may still want to receive something from your current school to confirm that information.
Rick
I go to a D2 school but was not on the football team my first year. However I want to transfer to another D2 school but I wasn’t sure IF I still need “permission to contact” because I was not on the team at my current school
Deann,
She does not need permission to talk to a JC coach. Also, it will be possible for her to be eligible as a 4-2-4 transfer after earning her Associates Degree at the JUCO. There may be other academic requirements depending upon what level she will be transferring to after the JUCO.
Rick
Hope someone can answer this for me…Fall 2011 I attended 1 semester at a college, then transfered to a diffent college spring 2012 & did 1 semester. Fall 2012 I went back to the college I transfered from and completed 2 semesters. Now for Fall 2013 I’m transferring back to the college I went to Spring 2012 to play basketball…..I currently have 41 credits, because 1 semester I messed up. I haven’t played any sports, this will be my 1st time..Question: Am I eligible for the NAIA to play basketball?
My daughter playes soccer at a D1 school but under no scholarship, she is a walk on, and absolutely not happy and our family has moved 500 miles away, now she wants to transfer to a JC closer to us, since she still has three years eligibility so it would be her second year and possible play at the JC school. Does she need permission to talk to the JC college coach? And after finishing her AA wants to transfer back to a NAIA or DI DII or DIII, can she do that?
*Only passed 6 credits the second semester not 8 and actually 13 my first semester.
And to also clarify my question am i basically able to play this upcoming year at the transfer juco im going to or do i need to take summer school to get 5 more credits (for 24)or am i fine because i never played basketball at the other school and also what is the best route to have as many years of eligibility left to possibly play ncaa basketball preferably D1 and ho many years do i have on my 5 year clock since i was fulltime the fall semester but then dropped to part time the spring of 2013 semester ? Thanks Rick I know its a lot to ask but i just need to know basically if the dream of college ball is done for me I was just another 5 star bball recruit who took the wrong path
Alright i just found the answer to my above question on another page of your website. I see that i would not be eligable for the spring but would it be possible to practice with the team in the spring as if you were a red-shirt if the? That is if the coach wanted to work you out and stuff. Does the coach have the power to do that or would that be breaking rules?
I attended my freshmen year at an NAIA school on a baseball scholarship. I spent the whole year there and this summer i decided that i did not want to go back and got released. Instead i want to try walking on at a division I school. By now it is too late for me to apply and get accept for the fall classes at any division I school thus forth i am unable to walk on for the fall tryouts and practices. Instead i am going to attend a community collegefor the fall and catch up on my core classes. I would be enrolling at this division I school for the spring semester. Is it possible to walk on and tryout on the team in the spring or do i have to wait til the fall again. Or in order to get a spot in the spring do you have to be a recommended walk on by the coaches?
I sat out at a juco last year didnt play just attended school as a non recruited athlete I passed 12 credits my first semester and dropped one class and failed another so only passing 8 the second semester I currently have transferred to play basketball at another juco apart of the squad this year the full package, but will i be eligible to play at this juco right away since its my first transfer and first year of juco basketball ? Thanks Rick
What is a ncaa transfer hearing like if your coach doesn’t grant you a release? What advice and tips do you have?
Trevor,
The term “redshirt” simply means you didn’t participate in a game, and didn’t use a season of eligibility. No form necessary.
Rick
how do i make it a redshirt year any paper work or comfirmation?
Trevor,
You could take this year as your “redshirt” year and still have two years of eligibility remaining at a Div. I school.
Rick
one more question because football goes through the fall would that burn a year of my elgibility even though i’m not playing
Yes.
hello rick i have a question i am a juco player who has finished up my two years but i am not academically ready to transfer and it might take me through summer and fall to get my grades up is it still possible for me to go D1 after i get my grades up and get my AA ?
Mel,
There is an NAIA Eligibility Center which is totally different from the NCAA Eligibility Center. Because she will be a transfer to an NAIA school rather than an entering freshman, I’m not sure if she will need to go through the NAIA center. You’ll have to check with the NAIA school about that, and also about any special rules they might have for international students.
You also mentioned that the NAIA school “…wants to become a Div. II school in the future..” You should check to see if they are just in the planning stages for this move, or if they have already started this transition. It may mean she will be transferring under NCAA rules rather than NAIA rules.
Rick
Hey Rick,
my daughter played her freshmen year on a full sholarship at a DII school. She got her release and now wants to transfer to a NAIA school. Do we have to go through the whole clearing process again or is there an easier way. The NAIA school wants become a DII school in the future what happens with her eligibility then ? Are there any special rules for international students ? Thanks for your help :)
Paula,
The rule as stated in the NCAA Manual doesn’t go to that level of detail. The way I read it, I believe the intention is that the athlete receives an answer within 7 business days, but it could probably be argued either way. Here’s the rule:
“If the student is transferring from an NCAA or NAIA member institution, the student’s previous institution shall certify in writing that it has no objection to the student being granted an exception to the transfer-residence requirement. If an institution receives a written request for a release from a student-athlete, the institution shall grant or deny the request within seven business days. If the institution fails to respond to the student-athlete’s written request within seven business days, the release shall be granted by default and the institution shall provide a written release to the student-athlete.”
Rick
Thank you so much for clarifying. I’m assuming they need to have it postmarked within 7 days – not we need to receive it within 7 days. We have a bit of a situation going on. :-(
Susan,
For details on all these options, you may want to contact me directly for a personal consultation. I can tell you that the Associates Degree is not a requirement in all situations.
Rick
Paula,
See answer to previous question.
Rick
Paula,
The same “7 business day” rule applies to the One-Time Transfer Exception request. (NCAA Bylaw 14.5.5.2.10(d).
Rick
Steven,
If you do the 4-2-4-4 as you have laid it out, you will have to sit out during your first year at the 3rd four-year school (the Div. I in your scenario).
Rick
Thank you for the info you provide! Can you tell me about the disadvantages and advantages of this thought. Daughter just completed freshman year as a recruited D1 softball player at a state university. Very unhappy with the program but loved the school and said she can’t give up the game she loves. 3 private not for profit schools, a D2, D3 and NAIA are all interested and we have been talking to them after our permission to contact was given. Now, 2 JUCOs are interested. The financial aid is all over the place and we need a substantial amount of financial aid. What are the disadvantages and disadvantages of leaving the D1, going to a good JUCO for a year and then going to either a D1, D2, D3 or NAIA? The D3 and one of the D2 are VERY expensive even with the scholarships available to her based on her GPA. On the outside it seems like a nightmare with all the transferring but have heard that people do it successfully. I know she would need the Associates Degree at a JUCO before the next transfer. Thanks for your info on this confusing situation.
To further clarify – the athlete meets all criteria under the One Time Transfer Exception. What we need is the written release. We do not know how long they can wait to either grant or deny so we could appeal (they really have no reason to deny other than to be spiteful) since this athlete has broken every single season record, conference record and most career records in first two seasons). The reason for departing the school has nothing to do with the team or coach, or academics or potential at another school. It is something all together different that I could tell you offline. Just to make sure the question is clear.
When an D1 athlete is leaving their school (at end of academic year) and has made a formal written request to both the coach, AD and Compliance Office and requesting written permission to speak to other coaches and a One Time Transfer Exception (no specific school) about potential opportunities, how long does the Athletic Department have to respond? I understand the 7 day rule for permission to speak to other schools per NCAA, but there is no clear guidance on the timeframe for response to the One Time Transfer Exception request.
I am asking because due to the timing, we need to look for a school quickly to see if there is a possibility for an athletic need and not have to sit out the year. I am not sure how much we can press for a response on the request for the One Time Transfer Exception since there does not seem to be any guidance anywhere on how long they have to respond. Thank you for any clarity you can provide.
Rick,
I am a collegiate baseball player and have a few questions for you. Out of high school I attended a D2 four year institution to play baseball. After my freshman year of playing on varsity I felt that I had to find a new team to get a better playing experience.
I got my release and all my papers and for my sophomore year I went to a D1 JUCO In South Georgia.
After the first semester at my JUCO I underwent Tommy John Surgery and took my second semester of my sophomore year off of school.
My plan next year was to go to a D3 school for a rehab year, and then transfer to a D1 NCAA school. The coach of the D3 school told me I can transfer after a year, but I want to make sure I dont put myself somewhere and get stuck there for my last 3 years of baseball.
I guess the ultimate question is can I transfer 4(d2)-2(d1 JUCO)-4(d3)-4(d1)?
I know it is kind of long and confusing,but any helpful information would be great.
Thank you,
Steve
Stephanie,
Your daughter has a “five-year clock” from when she first began full-time college enrollment in order to complete her athletic eligibility in any and all sports. She will need a “permission to contact” form, letter, or e-mail from her current school before coaches at other schools can discuss a possible transfer with her.
Rick
hello rick,
my daughter is enrolled in a d2 school right now for t&f, in a year she will be done with her bachelor in a year and still has eligibility for 2 more years left in t&f. She would like to apply for a scholarship in fieldhockey. How many years would she have left and when can she start talking to coaches? Does she need a permit letter from her current coach? Thank you, Stephanie
Not at all.
Rick
Thank you. I know there is a charge for private consultation. Would you mind if I contacted you personally to discuss further?
Thanks
Stephen,
That is true when an athlete uses the “One-Time Transfer Exception.” However, I don’t believe this is necessary when this particular exception is used. There are academic criteria you will have to satisfy, such as making sure you earned at least 6 credit hours in your most recent term of full-time enrollment, but they are as extensive as they would be for the “One-Time Transfer Exception.”
Rick
Rick,
Thank you for the response…however, if I am able to use the “Return to Original Institution Without Participation Exception”, the FCS school would have to certify that I would have been eligible to participate if I had stayed, correct?
Hi Stephen,
You state that you tried out for the football team at the FCS school, but didn’t practice there. As long as you didn’t tryout or practice beyond a 14 day period, I believe you may be eligible for the “Return to Original Institution Without Participation Exception.”
Rick
Mr. Allen,
For Fall 2012 I transferred from an NCAA Div II school to a Div I FCS school.
1)I tried out for the football team at the new school and made it, however, I was subsequently told I would have to sit a year in residence.
2) After completing the year in residence, I was told that I was academically ineligible to compete for the upcoming fall 2013 season, because I was 3 credits shy of the 6 hr rule from fall 2012, and they are not willing to submit a waiver on my behalf.
3) Additionally, since I had not completed my registration with the NCAA clearinghouse, they were classifying me as a non-qualifier, so no exceptions would assist me, and I would have to seek a waiver, which the current school is not willing to do. As such, I am being forced to “sit-out” another year, which would leave me with only one year of remaining eligibility.
4) I wish to return to my original school, because I know that if I remain at the current school, with only one year of eligibility remaining (since I can’t compete for 2013)they will not give me the opportunity to even participate in 2014.
Additional Facts: 1) I was never recruited at my original school, 2)I have never received an athletic scholarship,3) I did not practice or compete at the current school.
Is returning to my original school even an option in my situation? Can the previous school submit a waiver on my behalf? Should I still register with the clearinghouse to confirm whether I am a qualifier?
Bruce,
Because this would be your third four-year college, you will not be able to be eligible at another Div. II school until you have attended that school for one full academic year.
Rick
Hi, I am in a very difficult situation. The first school I attended was a divison one, I tried out as a walk on, but did not make the team. I then transferred to a junior college and played there for 3 semesters. I then transferred to a divion two because my juco eligibility was up. Things did not work out at the divison two so I withdrew from school one week into the semester and went back home and took part time classes at my junior college. I am now trying to transfer to a division two closer to home. I have enough credits and a high enough gpa to be eligible, but I am not sure if I will be eligible next year.
Hi Eric,
I can confirm that you should have 4 to play 4 due to your time in the military stopping your clock. You may be eligible right away under the “Two-Year Nonparticipation Exception” as long as you didn’t participate in any amateur football participation during your time in the military. And, because you’ve been withdrawn from your first school for more than a year, you don’t need permission to contact other schools.
Good luck,
Rick
I played college football at a D1AA for one full year and then due to academic issues decided to join the military. It’s been three years now and I have been training with a local coach and have received quite a bit of interest from D1 schools as of late. To my understanding (and that of the NCAA clearinghouse) I will have 4 to play 4 due to the military stopping my clock, and will be able to play right away due to the fact that I have been out of school for over 2 years. Can you confirm or deny this? Also, do I need a “permission to contact” even if I have been out that long? Thank you for your time.
Hi Susan,
The permission to contact must be in the format of a letter, e-mail or form from your current school, it can’t just be oral. It is up to your school as to whether they will grant a generic or “blanket” release, or whether they will require you to name the specific schools you are interested in.
Rick
I have read a lot about the permission to contact requirement. Is this a form or can it be oral? Also, does the permission have to include the name(s) of specific schools or is it a generic permission to contact? I have a couple of schools in mind I may want to transfer to but obviously haven’t spoken to them yet. Just seems a little awkward if it names specific schools. Thanks!
Jones,
The school has until July 1 to inform your daughter in writing or by e-mail whether her scholarship will be renewed for next year. They are supposed to let her know by July 1 regardless of whether they are renewing it, or cancelling it. I suggest you not wait that long and encourage your daughter to approach the coach and ask about these “rumors.” The longer she waits to find out, the fewer transfer opportunities will be available at other schools if she desires to leave.
Rick
Hello Rick, I can find information of transfer rules, but nothing else. My daughter received a scholarship to a Division 1 school to play basketball. She is going to be a junior. She has heard that the coach is not going to renew her scholarship, but she hasn’t heard it from any of the coaches. My question is what is the deadline date for them to tell her, and the deadline dead line to renew.
thanks
Alex,
It’s like being recruited out of HS all over again.
Rick
Alex,
I think this is an even better reason to consider JUCO for a year and then get recruited to another four-year school after he has had time to properly use the velocity he hopes to gain through this summer program.
Rick
Also how do you approach the coaches from these other schools is it the same as high school send the dvd and everything or are they looking for something different?
Here’s the other thing is right now he throws mid eighties and has great placement, but this summer is doing a program to increase velocity. Could this effect the level of school he could get on at? We are just concerned if he does notify the school that he won’t find another team to get on, and it will ruin any of his chances?
Hi Alex,
The first step is that he must have permission from his current school if he wants to talk with any other four-year school about a possible transfer. That’s not necessary, however, if he is willing to go to JUCO for a year and then be recruited again by other four-year programs.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My boyfriend is a Freshmen Pitcher at a NAIA school, He is looking to further his career in baseball, and his coach has informed him that he doesn’t want him to seek outside coaching. However this coach or the team doesn’t have a credible pitching coach to help him to improve to where he wants to be. He feels as if he is stuck at this school for the next year because he is a freshmen, and is lacking in experience. He also had the 2nd most appearances out of the bull pen. What options does he have, and do you have any suggestions you would offer to us for helping him get where he wants to be?
DK,
From a strictly athletic standpoint, you will be a “freshman” and be able to play 2 years of JUCO as long as you are academically eligible to do so.
Rick
Hi Rick I graduated from 2012 class in high school and was a great bball player some things didnt work out and I chose to attend a juco I didnt play basketball at all at this juco just trained and kept in touch with some schools, I was a full time student I finished this last semester basically parttime as I dropped one class but I received some calls from the local jucos in my county out here in AZ ( Maricopa county) and this is the njcaa divisions, if I transfer to another juco since I didnt play any basketball at my current school will I be considered a freshman and can I basically start over with school or do my last credits play a role in coming to this new school I’ve also read that If I didn’t play at the other institution and this is my first time transferring to a community college in my region/county that I wont have to sit out a year but basically my question is will I be an “athletic freshman” and have 2 years at this juco for basketball ?
Hi Dean,
As long as he qualifies academically to be eligible this Fall at a JUCO (basically, 12 credits earned per semester with at least a 2.00 GPA), he can certainly do that. Keep in mind that to be eligible when he moves on from the JUCO to a Div. I school, that he will have to graduate from the JUCO with his Associates Degree in order to be eligible in his first year at a Div. I program.
Rick
Rick,
Our son is just finishing his freshman year at a D2 school on football scholarship. He was a medical redshirt his first year and did not play during any games at all this season. He has interest in D1 ball, but he thinks 1 year at a local well known JC might be a pathway. Could he play next year at a JC without sitting out since he did not play at all his medical redshirt freshman year?
Thanks very much.
Lorenzo,
Because you didn’t finish this semester, and therefore, probably didn’t earn any academic credit hours for this term, I’m not sure you can be eligible anywhere next Fall, but probably more likely at another junior college than at NAIA. Definitely not at an NCAA school.
Rick
Hi Rick thanks,
Probably NAIA, what about another junior college (NJCAA or California Community College’s system?
Thank you
Lorenzo
Hi Lorenzo,
That will depend upon whether you’re planning to transfer to an NCAA Div. I or II school, or an NAIA school, and whether you were determined a Qualifier for Div. I or II, or for NAIA.
Rick
Rick,
I played Soccer junior college for one year and missed one due injury. My first year was very basic because my English wasn’t very good, so I would take 3 years to get the associates’ degree. I would finish my second year this semester but I got sick and couldn’t handle the cold weather of north NY so I didn’t finish the semester there. I have more than 40 credits, but since I lost this semester can I transfer to another junior college or any 4year school and still play next fall? I dont know if I am still eligible, I had a 4.0 gpa before this semester.
Thank you, really appreciate!
Lorenzo
Rob,
You may be interested in the downloadable transcript titled “What You Should Know About Transfers” which can be purchased from the Store of our website.
Rick
Rick,
My son is a college runner that is just completing his Junior year academically. He still has 1 year of XC and 2 years of indoor and outdoor track eligibility.
Today he learned that he has been released from his scholarship by the coach/school.
If he decided he wanted to transfer to another school to continue to run, what steps would you recommend that he follow? Given the time of year, are there anythings he should do first? Is it best to pursue academic acceptance before contacting the coach, etc.?
Hi Larry,
If your son was not considered “recruited” to the Div. I school, he may be able to transfer to another Div. I school without need to sit out for one year. You may want to review the blog here on the website titled “NCAA Rules: Definition of a Recruited Athlete.”
He will be able to transfer to a Div. II or III program regardless of his “recruited” status.
Rick
Dear Mr. Allen,
In September, 2010 my son entered became a freshman at a community college on a baseball scholarship. After playing almost the entire Spring season there he was underwent surgery in April, 2011. In September,2011 he began attending a 4 year D1 university as a sophomore without a scholarship. He was not on the baseball team’s roster during his 2011 and 2012 sophomore year. During this his junior year beginning in September, 2012 he has been on the baseball team roster and has played very little. He is considering transferring. If he transfers to a D1 school would NCAA rules prevent him from playing for one year and would the same be true if he transfers to a D2 or D3? Any guidance you can give would be appreciated. Larry
Hi Richard,
You would be able to practice during the Fall of your “sit out” year, and could continue in the Spring if the coach keeps you on the 35-man roster. As you probably know from your current school, if you don’t make the 35-man roster, you’re not able to practice with the team. As far as the athletic scholarship, that will depend upon the policies of that school and coach.
Rick
Rick
Your website is very informative and I appreciate what you do for current student-athletes and their families. Currently I am a sophomore D1 pitcher and because of how the last two years of baseball have gone, I am greatly considering transferring if my coach does not leave. I know that I will have to get released from this current school, but I was wondering, if I get accepted by another D1 program, would I be able to practice with the team during the year that I was sitting out? I am in good health and have already committed to playing summer ball in a very competitive league. I want to transfer because of the restrictions and lack of individuality in pitching styles that this current school mandates. I am not on official athletic scholarship here, but have used up 2 years of my eligibility. Lastly, if I got an athletic scholarship from the new school, would it only be effective the year that I can compete in games?
Thanks for the help!!!
Hi Kelley,
First, your son doesn’t need to “do anything” to request the redshirt. The term redshirt simply means that an athlete has not participated in competition and therefore, hasn’t used a season of eligibility. So, if your son did not enter any games this season, then he is a redshirt.
As far as the steps in the transfer process, you may want to contact me directly about a consultation to review the process in detail.
Rick
Cheryl,
Keep in mind that athletes basically have a “5-year clock” during which they can use four years of eligibility. This is true even of international student-athletes who may have started enrollment at a college that doesn’t offer a sports program.
So, if he attended that school for two years, he has three years left on his clock. HOWEVER, if it was considered a junior college, there are certain transfer requirements that any athlete must satisfy. One of those is having the required number of transferable credit hours. If that school was not an accredited school, the problem may be that your son doesn’t have credit hours that are transferable to an NCAA school. In that case, he will have to attend the NCAA school for one year before he can be eligible, so will have two years remaining.
If you want to discuss this situation in detail, contact me at the contact info you can find here on the website.
Rick
Hi Barb,
First of all, since they’re two separate organizations, she can sign with the NAIA school and just let the Div. I program know that she’s not coming there. But be sure that she registers with the NAIA Eligibility Center to have her eligibility certified.
Rick
Hi Keith,
If your sport is other than baseball, basketball, football, or ice hockey, it will possible to be eligible without sitting out for one year. It’s also possible in those sports if you weren’t recruited to, or on scholarship, at your NAIA school.
Rick
if i were to transfer from a naia school to a d-1 AA school in the spring would i have to sit out the following year?
Rick,
My daughter, future freshman, has signed a letter of intent to run at a D1 college this fall…she no longer wants to run…she wants to play basketball at a NAIA school that offered her previously…would she be eligible?
Thank you for your help!
Rick,
My son is a freshman on a baseball scholarship at a Division II school. The season has ended and he did not play one inning or have one at bat although he practiced and traveled with the team. It is my understanding that he can ask to declare a redshirt. Is this correct? Also, he is planning to ask for a release because he wants to leave the program. The coach that originally recruited him is no longer there and he has had a horrible season with the new head coach. He would like to transfer to another Division II school to play. My second question is–If he is granted a release, does he still need the consent to contact to be able to talk to other coaches? Is this something that he needs to obtain or will the coaches he tries to contact obtain this? His coach does not communicate well about anything and has been very hard to get along with! Any advice is appreciated. We just need to know the steps to take to get him out of the bad situation he is in and we want to follow all NCAA rules.
Hello, I have a son who attended a Jr. college that is NOT sanctioned. NOT affiliated with the NCAA. Before we decided to attend the school we contacted the NCAA and they told me that since the school was not associated with the NCAA it is basically considered playing at the JV level and he would still be qualified for 4 years in the NCAA. If he attended two years he would still qualify for 3 years. We had a D1 coach tell us the very same thing.
So after attending two years we are now ready to transfer to a D11 college.
After inquiring a few places one place told me that he is only qualified for 2 because he was a full time student. 12 hours per semester taken. Some of those classes taken the first year were prerequisite courses.
After talking with the NCAA again they told me that it depends on the school attending and the compliance officer there.
I am so confused and feel like we wasted one year. I need to know how to handle this and what I should expect.
Hi Angie,
Because he received a scholarship (albeit a small one) for football, he’s not eligible for the One-Time Transfer Exception if he chooses a Div. I school. It is possible for an NCAA Div. II school, however. So, he would have 2 years left for Div. I, and could have 3 years for Div. II.
Rick
Rick,
My son is about to complete his second year at a NAIA University where he plays football. He was not recuited by this school but he did receive a very small scholarship after we visited the school and gave them his highlight CD. He played in a couple of games his freshman year and was red shirted due to an injury his second year. Because he is just not happy at this school and because we are paying a VERY large amount of private school tuition, he requested to be released from the team. He wants to transfer to a NCAA DI University and walk on the football team. Would the one time transfer rule apply to him so that he does not have to sit out a year? Would he have 3 more years of eligability? I apologize if this is a repeat question but I just did not have the time to read all of the above posts.
Thanks
Hi Chad,
Div. I (or II for that matter) coaches must receive a “permission to contact” form, letter, or e-mail from your current school before they can talk with you about a possible transfer.
Rick
Rick,
I am currently a freshman baseball player at a D3 school and have already talked to my current coach and my coach for next year that I am transferring. My current coach released me from the team last week to avoid any distractions with the team. I have sent out a few emails to D1 coaches to see if I could get a response from any of them. My question is if I need to sign any release form for them to email me back if they wanted to talk to me or if I am in the clear to talk to any coach at any level because I am now off the team.
Thanks.
Hi Austin,
Yes, the school does have the right to do that.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I’m a journalist that’s writing a story on a D1 women’s basketball player that is in a confusing situation. She just completed her redshirt junior year and will be graduating in August. She has decided that she will transfer for her senior season and be immediately eligible because of her graduation in the summer semester.
The university has decided that they will not award her financial aid for the classes she needs to take over the summer. However, she is confused because there is a player on the men’s team in a similar situation who we believe is going to be on scholarship for the summer term. Under NCAA rules can the school award the men’s player a scholarship and not her?
Thank you
Hi Fred,
Your best opportunity to transfer and play immediately would be to transfer to an NCAA Div. II program, unless you’re willing to go to a JUCO and then back to the Division I level.
I’m not sure what you mean by the 100 mile radius, as there is no such rule. Also, the proposed rule for athletes with a 2.6 or higher GPA probably will not go into effect until the Fall of 2014 at the earliest.
Rick
Hey I play basketball for a D1 major school. I would like to transfer to another school and play immediately. I played limited minutes and didnt red shirt. Is there any way that I could go to another school and play without having to sit out a year. Maybe an exception. I heard about the 100 mile radius and maybe thought that would help. Also I heard they would be starting a new rule which would allow transfers to play immediately with a 2.6 or higher gpa.
Hi Troy,
In NCAA Div. I, you have a 5-year clock that does not stop “ticking” when you take a year off from school. If you return to the NAIA school this Fall, stay there a year, and then sit out your first year at NCAA Div. I, you’ll have one year left on your clock.
NCAA Div. II goes by a 10-semester rule, where they only count your terms of full-time enrollment, so you won’t lose this year under Div. II rules as you will under Div. I rules.
Rick
Rick,
I play basketabll for a divsion 2 NAIA school, I played my freshman year there, had a injury and took my sophmore year off. I will be returning to school this fall as a sophmore. I am considereing transferring to a ncaa division 1 or 2 after my sophmore year. I understand I have to get permission to talk to other schools, my question for you is since you get 5 years to play 4, am I gonna be able to play all my years at the school i transfer to. Becasue i will have already played two years and sat out one. and i will have to sit out another year to transfer. So my question is im really gonna need 6 years to play 4. is this do able?
Thank you
Hi Rafi,
There would be no “fine” to pay or other financial obligation, but the way you may be “punished” is that your school may not grant you a release to be eligible at another school. This is especially possible if you are leaving them late in the summer when it is too late for them to recruit another player to take your place on the squad.
Rick
Rick,
Question for you. So I’m a student athlete at a NAIA school. I’m currently looking at a possibility of transferring to another school but it is not finalized and am still on waiting on a response. So I could end up staying at my current school next year. I’m also on scholarship at my current school and will be asked to sign for next year soon. My question is if i sign with my current school but by the end of the summer decide that I am transferring to the other school will i be obligated to pay a fine or get punished in any way? Or am I free to transfer schools even though I’v sign with one as long as the coming school year doesn’t start?
I hope all of that makes sense,
Rafi
Sam,
Confirmation is a good idea to make sure the courses will be acceptable for transfer.
Rick
Thank you. One last question. When you say ‘transferable’ credits…… Does that mean that prior to taking courses at a JUCO, is confirmation needed that those courses will be accepted at a particular 4 year school? Please note that I’m not referring to remedial type courses taken. Thank you!
Sam,
I was referring to that, as well as the Div. I requirements when he would return there for his 4th year of college. For 4-2-4 to Div. II, basically need to complete 12 transferable hours per term of enrollment at the JUCO and have a 2.00 GPA.
Rick
Thank you so much for your reply. You Mentioned that to go from a JUCO back to a D1 can be ‘tricky’. Are you referring to the requirement of having to obtain an Associates degree prior to going back to a D1?
What are the requirements if going from a JUCO to a D2?
Appreciate your time!!
Sam
Hi Sam,
As long as your son does not enter a game this season there is no paperwork that needs to be done. This would simply be considered a redshirt year. Also, a 4-2-4 transfer is an option, but can be tricky academically if/when going back to a Div. I school.
Rick
Hi Maurice,
If your son is on scholarship at, or was recruited to, the NAIA school, he will be ineligbile to compete during his first year at an NCAA Div. I school. It would be possible for him to be immediately eligible at a Div. II school depending upon his academic status.
Rick
My son is going to an NAIA school to play football. He had a few Division offers but academically he was a borderline qualifier so the offers were pulled. How would it affect him to transfer to a NCAA Division I or II school after one semester or even one year at the NAIA institution?
I was hoping you could assist me and what options we have. Son is currently a sophomore at a 4yr division 1 college(NCAA). This past fall he suffered an elbow injury which required rehab. His doctor finally cleared him to return to pitching in late February. He has not appeared in any games this season, nor does the coach plan on using him this season. On April 1st, head coach informed him that he didn’t feel his velocity would return and therefore will not be renewing his scholarship for the 2013-2014 season. Since he won’t play this year, we are assuming that he will not lose a year of eligibility – therefore having 3 years of eligibility remaining.(?) Is that a ‘given’ or is there some type paperwork/appeal that we have to obtain to insure that he retains this year of eligibility? Also, even though he will have completed his sophomore year academically (57 credit hrs) , would going to a JUCO for a year – then transferring to a 4yr (D1 or D2) be an option? Can it be done?
thank you!
Hi Todd,
This means that either the athletic department does not have enough money in their budget to pay for your son to go to the championship (less likely, but possible), or they are just “getting even” with him for expressing his desire to transfer to a Div. I program.
If this is a school that does NOT have a history of sending track athletes to the national championship, then the budget issue may be the problem. On the other hand, if this is a quality Div. II track program, then the latter is most likely.
I suggest you talk to the AD, and even possibly the President or a VP about this. You might want to pose this idea to them – since your son is the top seed, and if he does indeed win a national championship, you would expect to NOT see his name plastered all over their website if he must pay his own way to get there.
Rick
Okay that sounds great ! Thank you
Hi Nicky,
Making an online application does not commit you to that school. The coaches just want to make sure you are admissible to their school, and also want to see if you might qualify for any academic scholarships.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Ronnie,
She’ll be able to play next year at a Div. III school if her current school will be able to certify that she would have been eligible had she stayed there rather than transferring.
Rick
Hi Dennis,
Have your friend contact me if he’s interested in a consultation.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I currently am trying to transfer to an NAIA school and I’ve had two schools that are very interested, one of them already made me an offer. The thing is they both asked me to apply to their school online, but since I am waiting on the other school to see if they offer me a better scholarship, I was wondering if making an online application means that I committed to them or not? I do not want to jeopardize any of the opportunities before making my decision.
Thank you for your help
My daughter received a basketball scholarship from a NAIA school. She was redshirted her freshman yr for academics. She is not happy at this school and wants to be closer home. If transferring to a D3 school will she be able to play basketball next year
Hi Rick,
My son has received permission to contact to go from D2 to D1 college after his freshman year of track. He currently is the top seed and an automatic qualifier in D2. His current university is telling him he has to pay his own way to the national championships and can’t tell us if he has to pay for the three weeks of staying on campus to train for it. I’ve read the whole D2 manual but can’t find any comment on this. Any direction or resouces?
Hi Rick,
I have a friend who is 22 years old and is wondering what are his options for playing basketball collegiately. He went to a 4-year university for 2 years but he did not play. he then sat out a yr. from school to work. Now he is looking at possibly transferring into a junior college because he was told DI, DII and DIII were not an option. Can you give me any advice?
Thanks Rick.. Great site and advice.
Brian,
If the 1 inning in the JV game was against another team during the spring season, you used a season. Once you start a semester as a full-time student, even if you later drop below full-time, that semester counts against your 10-semester limit. If you dropped below full-time status before classes started, then it doesn’t count against the limit.
The medical redshirt for the previous year will only help you if you get hurt again.
Rick
Thanks Rick, However, I have some followups.
Did I use a season by pitching 1 inning in a JV game? What about only having 11 credits this current semester? Could I go back now and get a medical red shirt for the previous season (does it matter)?
Hi Tom,
She needs to receive a “permission to contact” form, letter, or email to speak to coaches at other schools. Once that happens, it’s like she’s being recruited out of HS all over again.
A coach leaving the school does not change these rules. Also, the rules are the same whether the athlete is on scholarship or a walk-on.
Rick
My daughter currently attends a DII university for lacrosse. She does have an athletic scholarship at the university to play lacrosse. The team is in turmoil and there are rumors that the coach may not be back next year. She is looking to leave this university and attend another university next year, with a more stable program. Does she need to be released to speak to other college coaches about attending their schools? Can she speak to them with just written permission to speak to them? What are the rules in the NCAA when it comes to the coach,who signed you, leaving the program? Does it open the door to allow signed players to seek out opportunities with other colleges?
Brian,
If you play next year at the JUCO after using a season this year, you’ll have two years left for another four-year school.
Rick
Hi Rick,
Hopefully you can help me out. I am currently at a D2. I am a redshirt freshman after sitting out last year with a torn ACL. It was a redshirt although probably could have been a medical redshirt. This year I decided to quit the team (for a number of reasons) after pitching just 1 inning (in a JV game) and transfer to a D1 juco to play. The other caveat I have, is I originally had 14 credits this semester, but due to some issues I have to drop a class so I only have 11. I think having 11 credits might be significant because of the 10 semester rule? I only want/can stay at the juco for 1 year and hopefully get an offer from another 4 year school. Will I have 2 or 3 years of eligibily left after next season?
I appreciate your help.
Thanks, Brian
thanks for your help. you have made things much easier for us.
Hi Moe,
Unless the rules change in the next couple of years, it is a given that your son will need to sit out a year if he transfers from an NAIA to an NCAA Div. I school. That’s not a requirement if he goes to a Div. II school.
Given that you personally know the coach, I believe that you should have that conversation up front with him. I suggest however, that you only refer to NCAA Div. I and not Div. II. NCAA Div. II isn’t that much different than NAIA in terms of the ability of the players.
Rick
Jeff,
Correct on all counts.
Rick
Is the reason he would be ineligible transferring to a d11 is because he already transferred one time from a d1 to a d1? And am I to understand it all falls under the NCAA rules. NAIA would be the best scenario because its not under the NCAA rules and association? thanks
Rick:
My son is getting offered scholarships to play NAIA DII basketball and a couple of JUCO offers. We are letting him make the decision but I think his only struggle is “what if”. He believes if he works hard in the off season and plays a year or 2 at a JUCO school he might be able to get a NCAA D1 or D2 offer (which might be true, he is a gym rat). But he really likes the coach and the NAIA school but doesnt want to leave the NCAA chances behind. I personally know the NAIA coach and he is all about the kids and their successes. I think if my son came in and really improved as a player the first 2 years at the NAIA school and the coach realized that he could play at an NCAA D1 or D2 school he would try to talk him into staying but if he wanted to pursue it I belive he would release him and even help him. We realize he would have to red-shirt a year if that would happen (is that a given?). Would you suggest this be an up front conversation with the NAIA coach before signing on with the program? Or would you suggest something different? Thanks.
Bob,
The permission to contact is only required for NCAA schools. He will, however, need a signed NJCAA Transfer Waiver Form signed by his school’s AD and President to be eligible at another JUCO. That’s not the same as a permission to contact, though.
Rick
Rick,
My son attends a JUCO and is on scholarship for baseball. He wants to transfer to another JUCO for next year. My question is does the permission to contact process have to be followed in this situation or does that just apply to DIV I and II?
If it does apply, can I act as his representative and proactively speak to other JUCO’s on his behalf without completing the requesting permission to contact? Very concerned about impact to playing time.
Thanks,
Hi Sue,
The self-release process is only available for an athlete who is at a Div. III school, and is wanting to go to another Div. III school. A transfer to or from an NCAA school at any other level requires the “permission to contact” process.
Keep in mind that while the form states that there will be no “notification” for 30 days, the schools don’t always adhere to this rule. I know of circumstances where Div. III coaches ignored that requirement because they are personal friends with the coach at the other school.
Rick
Hi Kat,
Your coach has the right to determine who is, and is not, a member of his team. While I don’t agree with his position, he does have the right to do that.
Rick
Hi Jeff,
If he transfers to a Div. II school, he will be ineligible for competition during his first year of attendance. At NAIA, he could possibly be eligible immediately, and the same is true for an NCAA Div. III school.
Rick
Rick,
Great web site, and I am defintily buying the book about transfering. I’m confused about “permission to contact” rules for D3. On many of your responses, you say that the student must gain permission from the current school to talk to a coach at another school. However, the Self-Release form on the NCAA website makes it sound like written permission can be given by the student themselves without their current school being notified, at least for an initial 30 day period, and if nothing comes of the contact there would be no notification to the current school. I understand it’s best to be direct and above-board with the current coach, but want to know the official “rules”, and maybe the unofficial consequences?? I’m specifically asking about D3 to D3 transfer of a “recruited” baseball athlete at the mid point of their eligibility. Thx
Hi Rick,
I am a D2 lacrosse player at a small college in Ohio. I recently told my coach i wanted to transfer.He told me that if i got released from his team that i could no longer be apart of the team, in other words, i would get kicked off. I understand if I get released i could potentially get less playing time but could he legally kick me off the team?
My son is a baseball player. He transferred from a d1 to a d1. He sat out last year due to the d1 to d1 transfer rule. He is playing this year but is interested in transferring to a d2 school for next year. If he gets a release can he be eligible next year to play the d2 level? And, if he decided to go naia instead of d2 does that make a difference? Thanks
Thanks for the information Rick, my son is recovering nicely from his knee surgery so hopefully this year he is going to play and use last year as his redshirt year.
Again Thanks for info.
jAY
Hi Christian,
I’m sure you were told, and know, that as a Div. II non-qualifier, you are required to serve one full academic year in residence before you can be eligible for competition. Based on what you’ve told me, the earliest you could be eligible is after another semester of full-time enrollment if you return to that same school. If you transfer elsewhere, it will likely be a full year.
Rick
I went to a div 2 school to play basketball. I was a non qualifier and now I have a 3.2 gpa from the fall semester. I withdrew for family reasons and sat out this spring. when will I be eligible to play d2 basketball?
Rick
Thank you very much!
Dan,
It depends upon how your school handles this process. Some schools will issue a “blanket release” that will allow you to talk with any other school. Other schools, however, will only provide “permission to contact” to specific schools that you identify.
Good luck!
Rick
Rick,
Thank you, and is there one form that I can get that allows me to talk to multiple schools? And do I need to tell my athletic director who I plan on talking to and get his permission to contact each school?
Hi Melissa,
Yes, it is possible to transfer from a Div. III school to a Div. I school after one academic year at the Div. III school. (You could possibly transfer after one semester at the Div. III if you are a Div. I Qualifier.) If you compete at the Div. III school, you will have three seasons of competition remaining.
You will need permission from the Div. III school before other four-year college coaches can talk with you about a possible transfer.
Rick
Dan,
You just need permission from your current school to talk with other schools. That can be an e-mail or form from your school to the others, or something your school gives you that you can forward to the other schools.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I play d3 basketball at a school and do not like the program or coaches that I am playing for and want to transfer. I have already told the coaches that I no longer wish to play for them. I have a few d2 schools looking at me but I need to get released from my current school to be able to talk with them. Can I just be released from my current school officially so I can talk to any other schools or do I need get permission by every other school athletic director and mine to contact each school individually?
Hi Rick!
I have a several questions pertaining to transferring, so senior year I denied an offer from a D1 school and was talking to my top interested D1 school for soccer and happened to have nationals in chicago the week I was suppose to commit/ give a decision and missed recruiting deadline for that D1 school so the coach told me that I could commit to another school and transfer that he would accept my transfer.
So I had three more offers but they were D3 and one was a D2 offer but its a junior college.
So is it possible to transfer from a D3 school to a D1 school. Would I have to stay a whole full year or just fall season? Would I loose a year of eligibility?
Do I need to get permission to contact/get contacted by other coaches?
Thanks,
Melissa
Hi Lauren,
It depends upon where your graduate school is. You have until the end of your 10th semester of full-time college enrollment in which to use your college eligibility. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you want further details.
Rick
ok now I get it. JUCO years go along with the NCAA. Thanks for your help as I go into my end-of-the-year meetings with all the information I need.
Hi Rick,
I played softball at a D3 school my freshman year of college. I transferred from this school after my second semester freshman year due to personal reasons. I did not play at my new college. I am about to graduate from this school and plan to attend graduate school in the fall, do I still have any eligibility to play at my grad school?
Connor,
If you had not redshirted during your sophomore year at the JUCO, the medical hardship would benefit you. But, you are limited to either 5 years or 10 semesters of full-time enrollment from when you first entered college as a full-time student in which to use your four seasons of competition.
Rick
ok thanks. what about my medical redshirt? wouldn’t that ensure me 3 years at the division 1 level instead of just 2 since this year wouldn’t technically count?
Hi Connor,
If you aren’t considered a “recruited walk-on” to your school (don’t meet the definition of recruited) it would be possible for you to be eligible next year at a Div. I school. You will have two years of eligibility remaining under the Div. I “five-year clock.”
Rick
Hi Rick here is my situation
I play baseball
First year of college baseball: JUCO (played the whole year)
2nd year of college baseball: transferred to another JUCO and then red-shirted
3rd year of college baseball: (Now a RS-Soph.) I was hurt in my 4th appearance and am out for the season, so I’m eligible for a medical red-shirt at the end of the season when i can file for it.
However, I want to transfer from this current school which is a D2, to a D1 school next year. I’m a walk-on which makes it easy as the coaches did not invest any money in me and I have the medical red-shirt which also confuses me. Will I be able to transfer to a D-1 from a D-2 and not have to sit out based on my circumstances? (medical red-shirt and walk-on transfer) Please e-mail me back if possible for assistance. I’m confident I will be able to since this season for me doesn’t really count as a season since I was injured in a game and I will have that medical red-shirt. Does the one-time transfer rule apply here? does it help that I am a non-recruited walk-on?
Hi Steve,
You get the release by contacting the compliance office of your former Div. I school. If you were recruited to that school, you won’t be able to be eligible in your first year at another Div. I program.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I was cut from my division 1 baseball team this past winter. I am currently doing an internship and not attending that school anymore. I then decided to transfer and I officially put my deposit down at my next school and will be attending there in the fall. They are Division 1 and I want to see if I could play for them, but I know I need some type of release. How do I exactly get that release?
I also never signed a National Letter of Intent when I was recruited that, thus I was a “recruited walk-on”. I also never received any baseball money. I’m not sure if that mattered or not.
Thanks Rick, I will start there.
Hi joliemarie,
It may be wise for her to redshirt if she doesn’t expect to get much playing time. However, think also about what the coach told you. “…no money this year maybe next year if she contributes.” If she’s not playing, she won’t be contributing to winning on the field, and what incentive does the coach have to give her a scholarship the following year?
She should also consider going to a JUCO for a year or two to work on improving her skills (while paying lower tuition) and then possibly being recruited on a scholarship from the JUCO.
Rick
Hi Dave,
As far as your son’s academic program and the pursuit of his degree, I would check with the Provost or VP for Academic Affairs at his school. Regarding athletic eligibility, it may be possible for him to transfer and be immediately eligible at another school under the “Discontinued Academic Program Exception” as long as he had officially chosen that field as his major.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My kid recieved a full ride scolarship at a division 2 school for sports. We were all very excited about the school he picked, do to the fact they had a great program in his chosen career. Now after two years of playing they have dropped the program. He must now transfer to finish his degree, are they on the hook to help us in any way?
Thanks,
Dave
My daughter is talking a walk on position next fall at a D II school. Coach said no money this year maybe next year though if she contributes. There is depth in her position and she does not expect play time. as a freshman. Would it be wise for her to red shirt her freshman year so she saves a year of elligibility? She may need 5 years to graduate so I was thinking this might be a good way to go and if she does get scholarship money she could get it for 4 years.
Hi CB,
It’s too late for your son to redshirt. Any amount of competition counts as a season of eligibility used, unless your son’s school seeks, and receives, a medical hardship waiver for him. In order for that to happen, they would need to submit medical documentation to support the argument that your son is injured or ill to the point that he can’t compete any more this season.
Rick
My Junior year son is playing at a D1 college baseball team. On scholarship. Recruitted from Jr. College. Pitcher. He just found out he is not on travel squad for team’s Division play beginning now. He has only pitched 1 inng. in spring and 3 or 4 games in fall. He was injured and very sick during fall and begining of spring. Should he red shirt? Should he ask coaches to red shirt? Do coaches frown on this? Dosnt look good for his Junior year and playing time. Afraid if dont play this year coach will cut him senior year. Afraid to request red shirt as afraid coach will for sure cut him next year. Need advice
Jax,
False. It is based on the number of games, not whether they were conference or non-conference.
Rick
Sorry for another question…promise this will be my last. Another player told me today that I also can not have played in a conference game. He seems to think that if I played in a conference game I cannot medical redshirt. ??
Hi Anne,
An appeal or waiver will be difficult to “win” unless her reasons for transferring were for something other than the sport and outside of her control, such as she needed to get back closer to home because of a serious illness in the family, or a parent’s loss of job and income, and she needed to move back in state where it’s less expensive.
Rick
So my daughter transfered out of a 4 year college into another 4 year, then back to her original one. She lost that year of playing completely without it being declared a redshirt. It is division 2 women’s lacrosse. I wanted to know if there was a way I could appeal this or try to waive it. Please let me know if anyone has information on this!
Thanks!
Jax,
You just have to make sure you have not played in a game past the halfway point of the season, and it is preferable that the diagnosis occur before the halfway point of the season.
Rick
Thank you for your help…one last question. Even though the orthopedic surgeon diagnosed a torn UCL I still have to get the MRI to confirm the diagnosis and insurance is slow to approve the procedure. Its finally scheduled for next week but we are getting close to the 1/2 way point of the season. I know there is paperwork involved. So does everything have to be complete (paperwork submitted) prior to the 1/2 point of the season or do they go by the date the doctor diagnosed the injury?
Jax,
That is correct.
Rick
Just to clarify….it is the games I have actually played in NOT the games my team has played while I was on the bench. I have to actually get in for an at bat or inning to count toward the 30% played correct?
Hi Jax,
The rule is that you can not have played in more than 30% of your team’s scheduled or completed games (and not past the half-way mark of the season). The school has the option to use the number of scheduled games, or number of completed games.
Good luck with your recovery!
Rick
I play D1 baseball on scholarship. I am in my sophomore season. I have played in 4 games (54 game season). An orthopedic surgeon just diagnosed me with a torn UCL and I will be out for the season. I am gettin conflicting answers on a “medical redshirt”. I was told I can’t have played in more than 11 games (20% of games) then someone else told me the rule changed to 30% (16.2 games) Is it 20% of the regular season games or 30%?
I was also told the rule applies to how many games I have actually competed in and someone said it was the number of games the team has played. Help! I’m in a time crunch and need to know today if it’s the number of games the team had played.
So:
1) does rule apply to games I have played in?
2) is the rule 20% or 30% of games?
Hi Stanley,
Because your son is at a JUCO, the only NCAA restriction on contacting coaches at a Div. I, II, or III school would be that, if your son is an NCAA Div. I Non-Qualifier as determined by the NCAA Eligibility Center, Div. I coaches can’t have in-person contact with him until he has completed his freshman year at the JUCO. Also, NCAA Div. II schools are allowed to offer tryouts on their campus, but Div. I and III can’t.
Rick
I have a freshmanson son that was redshirted at a d3 juco because the returning soph SS may be a draft guy. The coach considered putting him in the OF but he would still have limited playing time and the coach was nice enough to ask us what we wanted to do. We liked the redshirt because it gives him an extra year and he needed more time to get bigger anyway. Based on his abilities the coach and asst coach have told him he will start up the middle for them next year and then after that if he does not get bigger they think he will be a d2 player, if he does get bigger they think he could play d1.
If he does not want to return next year and go ahead and find a D3, D2 or D1 school how can he go about talking with coaches, trying out or can he even contact the coach?
Kate,
He will still need to get permission to talk to other schools, even if his scholarship isn’t renewed. As long as he completes this year at his school, he will have satisfied the NLI requirement, and will not need to be released from that.
Rick
Thank you for answering my question and for providing such invaluable insight. Just to make certain I understand here is a little background info. My son was provided a full academic scholarship as well as a smaller athletic scholarship. His GPA is 3.7. He was offered two D-2 scholarships but opted for the D-1 experience which was closer to home. With the coaching leaving the program simply has fallen apart. The new coach does not value his abilities and from our perspective is trying to break his confidence.
He will stay and finish this year and hopefully learn and grow from the experience. If his athletic scholarship is not renewed, will he still need to ask permission to talk to other schools? If cut will he need to ask to be released from his letter of intent or are they one in the same??
Again, thank you so much for the information.
Kate
Hi Ann,
Requesting a release does not mean that an athlete must transfer. However, it will depend in large part on the attitude of the coach. If the coach doesn’t feel that the athlete isn’t fully committed to his/her program, the coach may not welcome the athlete back to the team.
Rick
Hi Rick,
Does your coach signing a release form hold you to anything? Does it mean you HAVE to transfer? Or if you end up deciding against transferring, can you still stay at the same school?
Thank you!
Hi Alan,
#1. The self-release states that the school(s) she sends it to are supposed to keep her inquiry confidential. However, I know some schools are not honoring that requirement. Meaning that a coach at another school might contact her current coach when your niece hasn’t spoken with them yet. So, it’s still a good idea to talk with her coach(es) first before sending out the self-release.
#2. It would be possible to do that.
#3. Same as #2.
Rick
Hi Kate,
He could transfer to an NCAA Div. II or III school, or to an NAIA school, and possibly be immediately eligible next year. However, if he would then transfer again to another Div. I program, he would still have to sit out from competition during his first year at the Div. I school.
Rick
My son was recruited/signed a letter of intent to play baseball at a D 1 school and is “playing” this spring. Just prior to the season, the coach left the program and as a result his freshman year has been a disaster. I realize the NCAA rules require him to sit out a year if he transfers to another D-1 school. But are there any other transfer options for him other than transfering to a Community College?
Thank you
My niece wanted to play two sports at college. She had to goto a D3 to accomplish this. She is a student athlete, received no scholarship and played Ice Hockey 1st semester. Because of her fairly extensive ice time, strapped in ice hockey skates, her ankles weakened. They played extra games post regular season. Lacrosse tryouts were immediately after (2 days) and she severely strained a weakened ankle and went for x-rays and orthopedic surgeon. She is being given a “second” chance to tryout by Lacrosse coach on “crutches,” so she can cut her.
The orthopod does not want her trying out 1 1/2 weeks post injury.
Question 1 – she wants to transfer from that D3 school.
If she fills out self release – does she just send that out to schools she wants to contact or does she have to have permission of her school.
Question 2 – can she go directly to another D3 school if they are interested?
Question 3 – Can she elect one of the two sports and goto a D1 school if they accept her.
GPA is 3.93
Hi Carole,
Yes, it’s possible to find a school that would give you a scholarship for one year. I don’t think an extension is likely.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am a division 1 athlete playing soccer. I’ve had some problems with my coach and want to transfer, but the thing is that I transferred from France to get here, and I also am in my junior year. Would it be possible to find a div 1 or 2 school that would give me a scholarship for only one year? And do you think I can get an extension since I only played in a club team in France, not as a college athlete?
Thank you for your help
Jeff,
Please contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Sorry for another question. If my son was going to leave his D1 school this summer 13 to transfer to the community college for the fall 13. And talk to his next tennis coach at a d2 school. Could he transfer to the D2 school in the spring 14 from cc? And sit out still for his inelgibility of transferring from d1 to cc to d2. And play out his last 2 years as a senior and 5th year senior.
Jim,
In order to still have 4 seasons after this year – in effect giving her 6 years of college for sports – the school would need to request an extension of her “clock” and would have to demonstrate with documentation that she has not been able to compete for two seasons due to injury. Such waivers are rare.
A more likely option is for her to manage her enrollment to take advantage of the Div. II “10-semester rule” and only attend school as a part-time student in the Fall to maximize her eligibility during the softball season. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you want to discuss this in detail.
Rick
Teresa,
It would be possible for him to be eligible next year if his school releases him, and as long as he is academically eligible at the end of the term (eligible as if he was staying at his school for next year).
Rick
Hello, my son is finishing up his sophmore year at a div I NCAA school. He is a thrower on the track team and has scored now 18 points and made it to nationals next week. He was on a two year academic aware and the coach picked up the rest except no housing or meal plan, so his additional after the academic is somewhere around 20 percent. My son has done very well and is expected to finish out the year on a high level but we are hearing rumors from some assistant coaches that he will not be offered a full scholarship for the next two years. This simply isnt going to be acceptable. He would be picked up by another coach i am sure with full ride offer. If he did this, would he be eligable to play next year or have to wait. His original scholarship offer was a two year agreement. Thanks,Teresa
Thanks Rick for the quick response. A follow on question is that since she red shirted last year, and this year being 12 months out from surgery is nearly 100% but has not played in a varsity game yet. If looking to transfer to a juco, could she still have 4 seasons of eligibility. I don’t believe they didn’t do a medical redshirt last year, even though they could have? I think this might make her more attractive to a juco because she would have 2 seasons of eligibility.
Can they go back and take a medical red shirt for the previous season and just red shirt this year as well? Thanks again, Jim
Hi Steve,
I believe that you will need to earn at least 24 credit hours during this academic year at your current school, and have at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA in order to be eligible at an NAIA school next year. You may also have to average at least 12 credit hours earned per term of full-time attendance during your 3 years at your school (72 total hours).
Rick
Hi Evan,
As I understand your situation, you were at a JUCO this past Fall, and while enrolled there, you played in numerous scrimmages. Based on the following rule, as copied from the Div. II Manual, it appears that it is too late for you to redshirt. However, you should check with the compliance administrator at your school.
“Bylaw 14.2.4.1.1 Exception — Two-Year College Scrimmages. A two-year college prospective student-athlete may compete in a scrimmage as a member of a two-year college team without counting such competition as a season of competition, provided the competition meets all of the following conditions: (Adopted:
1/11/94, Revised: 4/4/07)
(a) The scrimmage is approved by the two-year college;
(b) No official score is kept;
(c) No admission is charged;
(d) No official time is kept;
(e) The scrimmage is played before the two-year college’s first regularly scheduled outside competition;
and
(f ) The student-athlete participates in not more than two such scrimmages or dates of competition per academic year.
Rick
Yes, that would be possible.
Rick
I am a sophomore currently at a D2 school playing baseball. The coach doesnt believe im ready to play along with the fact that I will be in school for 5 years anyways. My freshman year I went to a junior college. My sophomore year I went back to my junior college for the fall but then after the fall semester decided to go to the D2 school I am currently at. I played in fall ball and we scrimmaged numerous other teams. Im wondering if I am elidgable for a redshirt still?
If I don’t go ivy, can other D1 or D2 schools still give an athletic scholarship to a grad student?
jean,
Even though you aren’t on the team at your current school, another Div. II school will still probably want a release from your current school to confirm that you were not on the team.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am currently playing for a d2 volleyball team, I am interested in transferring to a NAIA school. I am in my junior year and have played all 3 years what kinda rules could I have tranfering in?
Jeff,
Should be nothing to pay for other than incidental and other expenses that aren’t covered by his scholarship. He informs the coaches and completes the application process for the community college.
Rick
Hi Dawn,
It will ultimately come down to the recordkeeping of the school, and whether they have him classified as “recruited.” If they do, then he won’t be able to be eligible next year at any Div. I school. However, if he’s not, then it would be possible.
Rick
hi i came from a junior college and went to a division 2 but i didn’t sign no scholarship im trying out for the team will i get to leave and go to another division 2 school and continue playing football will i need a release cause im technically not on the team
Will my son have to pay back the school for acl surgery and rehab if he leaves? (I dont think so) All he has to do is inform the coach and transfer transcripts to the community college? No payment to leave after spring seasons over and scholarship ends?
Hi Rick,
My son is currently a freshman at a DII school (football). He was “recruited” by the NCAA definition through coach contact and an unofficial visit, but was not on the roster, did not participate in any of the competitions, had no athletic financial aid, and had did not sign an NLI. In fact, he was not even allowed to suit up for any of the games. However,he did practice with the squad. He would like to transfer to a DI AA Pioneer League (no athletic scholarships) school. Is there any way that he may be eligible to play immediately upon transfer with a waiver/exception? He has a 3.5 GPA.
Thanks
Dawn
CF,
Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Rick,
Thanks so much for your help!
I did indeed participate in the scrimmages but I am not sure if they were classified as practice scrimmages or actual games. I will consult with my athletic department to determine what the classification was.
I think I will likely have more questions for you after I find out, how do we go about setting up the phone consultation service you offer if so?
Thanks again!
Hi Pepe,
You would be able to be eligible at many Div. I schools, but I can’t answer specifically about the Iy League as they may have rules that take priority over the NCAA bylaws.
Rick
CF,
It will ultimately depend upon whether you participated in those games and how your school classified the games this Fall, whether they were classified as practice scrimmages or actual games that counted against the permissible number of games that Div. II allows. You may want to contact the compliance coordinator in your athletic department to get a ruling on how/if those games count as a season of competition.
Rick
If you graduate early from a D1(not ivy) and have a year left of eligibility can you be a grad student at an ivy and still play?
Hi Rick,
Thanks for your prompt reply!
Unfortunately, we did scrimmage other schools this fall.
Does this now count as using a year of eligibility unless there is an injury?
Thanks Again,
CF
Hi CF,
As long as you don’t play in any games this spring (and didn’t play in any games against outside competition in the Fall), you can preserve this season of eligibility. You will still need a “permission to contact” form or letter to speak to coaches at other schools since you have been a student-athlete at your school.
Keep in mind that Div. III won’t be an option for you to play, as you can’t be eligible as a grad student at the Div. III level if you didn’t attend the same Div. III school as an undergrad.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am currently a Senior Baseball player at a Division II institution. I have used 3 years of eligibility thus far playing. However, I do not want to play this season for academic reasons. My question is, can I choose to not be a member of the team this season and preserve a year of eligibility that I could use for graduate school at a separate institution, DI, II or III? And, if I’m not a member of the team this year (I have no athletic scholarship) do I need to still get a release from my current school or go through some process to “redshirt”?
Thanks so much for any advice you can give me, I really appreciate it! It looks like you run a great service here.
Hi Jake,
Your son needs to get a “permission to contact” form or letter from his current school before Div. II coaches can talk with him about a possible transfer. He has the chance to be eligible next year if he is released by his current school, and meets the academic requirements for the One-Time Transfer Exception.
Rick
Jeff,
He would need to be enrolled and attending classes at the community college first.
Rick
Rick,
My son is currently at the D3 college running cross country and plans to transfer to a D2 college next school year. Is he allowed to contact the D2 coach or does he need a release form? And also, what are the eligibility rules for transferring from a D3 to a D2 college?
Thanks, Jake
Can my son talk to coaches in the summer or once he leaves the d1 school for community college? Or does he need to enroll and register for class in the cc school first?
Hi Julie,
Your daughter would not have to be redshirted. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com for more details and additional info.
Rick
Hi Jeff,
Your son would have the chance to be immediately eligible at a Div. I or II school with 2 years remaining to play after a year at a community college (since they don’t have an athletic program) and earning his AA degree. He would also have to meet other academic requirements.
He doesn’t need a “release” or “permission to contact” and doesn’t need to let the coach know since the community college doesn’t have an athletic program. He can apply now, but may want to let his coach know in this situation so that an athletic contact person in the Registrar’s office doesn’t question why he is having a transcript sent to a community college.
Rick
Rick,
I have a daughter who is graduating after 4 years 8 semesters, from a Div II GLIAC school. She was injured before season and did not play her senior year. She is beginning to search for graduate schools and would like to understand the possibility of playing at a different school. Does she have to be red-shirted? Receive permission from her current school? Can she contact other schools? There are schools that have one year MBA in our conference, are those possibilities?
Thanks, Julie
Hello Rick,
My son went to a community college his freshman year (fall) and transferred to a D-1 tennis school on full scholarship for tennis. He got hurt in the spring of his freshmen year (acl tear). His scholarship got reduced to 80% and is playing out the rest of his sophomore year. He is homesick and doesn’t like the athletic program. Can he just leave the school once summer hits and go to our community college(no athletic program) in the fall (junior year) for his AA degree for a year? Then transfer after a year with his AA degree to a d1 or d2 school? Does he need a release(I don’t think so)? Will he still have his 2 years of elgibility to play(he never red shirted his injury)?
Does he need to let the coach know? Can he apply to the community college while at his d1 college now? He is planning to sit out a year at the community college then transfer.
Thanks.
Hi Liam,
I believe your best way to get back into football at the Div. I level is to find a quality JUCO program where you are almost assured of getting playing time, so that you can get recruited by Div. I schools as a 4-2-4 transfer. Keep in mind the Div. I “five-year clock” and the rule that as a 4-2-4 transfer, you’ll need to graduate from the JUCO with your Associates Degree and meet other academic requirements to be eligible when you get to the Div. I school.
Rick
Rick,
I played 1 year of D1 college football as a preferred walk on. I left the school and have now been out of football for 1 season. I redshirted the 1 year I did play. I really want to get back into football preferably at the D1-aa or D1 level. What’s the best way for me to do this in your opinion?
Thank you, Liam
Hi Nicole,
Rules for transfers within the same conference vary from one conference to another, so I can’t answer your question without knowing what the rule is for your particular conference. You may want to check the conference website to see if their conference handbook or policies are posted on the website. Or, you may want to call the conference office and ask them about their intra-conference transfer rule.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I have played women’s lacrosse at the division 2 level for 3 years and decided to not play this year. I did not participate at all this year and I am graduating in May. I am looking into grad school and found one that I could play at, but it is in the same conference as my undergrad school I am currently attending. Will I have to sit out next year if I transfer to the grad school in the same conference even though I did not play at all this year and I am graduating from the school?
Thanks, Nicole
Hi Jim,
No permission is necessary to contact a JUCO about a possible transfer. If your daughter’s plan is to try to go on to an NCAA Div. I program as a 4-2-4 transfer after the JUCO, she’ll need to plan on graduating from the JUCO with an Associate’s Degree. That won’t be a requirement, however, if she will be going to an NCAA Div. II school after the JUCO.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I scanned through the forum but did not see this exact situation. Trying to help my daughter out here a bit. She is a red-shirt freshman (sat out last year after ACL surgery), playing this year but is considering transferring to a juco. She is at a D II 4 year university now and is considering a D I or D II juco for next year. She is playing softball, if the sport matters.
Thanks, Jim
J,
The “five-year clock” starts when an athlete first begins full-time enrollment at any college (even if that school doesn’t sponsor a sports program), so the medical hardship waiver won’t affect that at all.
Rick
Thanks, Rick. I appreciate your time and won’t take up any more of it. My reasoning behind taking the medical waiver is two-fold. First, he could play in a few games prior to getting the surgery in order for his coaches to get a better look at him against competition. I’ve apparently mis-read that he had to have competed in at least one inning to qualify for the medical waiver. Secondly, I thought the medical waiver would keep the 5-year clock from starting, enabling him to use a redshirt year at a later date if needed.
J,
You may have a misunderstanding of the “season of eligibility rules” that we may want to talk about. There is very little reason for him to play in “at least one game” just to qualify for a medical hardship waiver. If he just redshirts this year (as long as the coach will agree to redshirt him and not put him in a game), or goes ahead and has the surgery now so that he’s healed up by summer, he still retains four seasons of eligibility and no waiver is needed. If you still have questions, you may want to contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Thanks, Rick. Actually, he isn’t a pitcher. I just meant that if he was in the game for even one pitch.
I think the coach would agree to play him in at least one game to qualify for a medical waiver. From the coach’s standpoint, this allows my son to play summer ball to prepare better for next season. If he waits until summer for his procedure then he can’t do anything over the summer.
The key component here is that my son may transfer to a JC. My understanding is that the school has to process the application for a medical waiver with the conference. What incentive would they have if my son leaves the school?
What we would like to have IF he transfers is for him to retain as much eligibility as possible. If he went to a JC and got a medical waiver, it appears that he could play at a JC for a year and still have three years of eligibility at another D1. He has several AP courses from high school and a full year at his current school, so I don’t think he would have any trouble earning his AA in one year at a JC.
Hi Elizabeth,
I think it would be best if we discuss your situation to get into detail about a strategy as there are some risks involved in your suggested plan. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi J,
Based on what you’ve told me, I think it all boils down to whether you think his coach will try to throw him an inning or two and possibly burn his redshirt, therefore requiring him to have the surgery in order to get the medical hardship waiver. If his coach will agree to redshirt him due to the injury, then I think I would consider having the surgery during the summer. However, if he has the surgery now (which he may need if it even affects his classroom performance) then he won’t be pitching and ends up getting a “forced” redshirt year (you won’t have to “trust” the coach to not throw him for an innning or two).
Rick
Hi Pat,
No release is necessary to speak to a JUCO, but the athlete may want to first speak to his FCS coach just so the coach isn’t caught off-guard if the JUCO coach calls to inquire about the athlete. All college athletes get four years of eligibility, basically within a five-year period. For more details on the transfer process, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Rick,
If a D1 baseball player asks for a release at the end of the season, and it is granted, how does he gain admission at another school for the fall in the case that a scholarship isn’t offered at another school? Can/should a player send a regular transfer application in March by the regular deadline to a school he would like to attend, and potentially hope to walk on (take the risk) to the team if admitted as a transfer student?
Elizabeth
My son is a freshman baseball player at a D1 school. He is considering a transfer–most likely a bounce-back to a JC. We know there is no problem in doing that and he will decide after the season.
It doesn’t look like he will play much this year. He needs to have a medical procedure done. He is trying to hold off having the procedure done until after the season, but it is making it difficult to not just practice, but to even sit in classes. The recuperation period for the procedure is typically a couple of months.
We would like to keep as many options open as possible, especially with years of eligibility. We know that he cannot do a redshirt year if he even gets into a game for one pitch. We are wondering if he can do a medical redshirt if he has the procedure done during the season rather than afterward. We realize he has to play in at least one game. What we question is whether he can do it if he transfers schools. It appears that his current school has to process the paperwork for a medical redshirt and there wouldn’t be any incentive if he has left the school.
What are the ramifications if a redshirt freshman transfers from a D1AA FCS school (that does not offer scholarships,only an in-state waiver) to a JUCO closer to home? When does the player become eligible? Do you need release form before speaking with JUCO? How many years of eligibility remain?
Thanks.
Hi Jim,
You are correct that the one plate appearance last year used up one of your son’s years of eligibility. If he quits the team prior to playing, he will still retain three years of eligibility. I will reply to your private e-mail directly regarding additional details.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son is a college sophomore. He was a walk on last year at a Div. 2 school. He recorded 1 at bat in March. He did not play again. It is my understanding that 1 at bat cost him a year of eligibility and so has used one of his four years of eligibility.
He has yet to get off the bench early in this season and is quite sure he wants to transfer as the freshman infielder already has more plate appearances so far this year than my son did all of last year.
His team goes to Arizona next weekend and my son is dreading the thought that the coach may give him one at bat again, use up another year of eligibility and not play him again.
He is attending school as a international student and feels the school may be using him due to the extremely high fees international students pay.
He plans to ask for permission to talk to other schools on Monday.He has a 3.4 gpa so academically he would qualify for a transfer from what I understand.
He has no schools identified yet that he wishes to transfer to and i am wondering if he needs to identify a school when he seeks permission to talk to other schools?
Also if he quits the team prior to playing does he still retain his eligibility, allowing him 3 more years of competition?
And finally, should he transfer to another Division would he have to sit for a year and would that year count against his eligibility? I am understanding that should he transfer to a NAIA school no sitting out time is required.
I would appreciate any advice you could offer.
Thanks,
Jim
Charlie,
There is risk in that approach. I suggest you contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
I have the same question. There are restrictions for a potential transfer athlete and her parents contacting a new coach without a release but what about an unrelated third party such as a close friend or relative? In order to gauge potential interest?
Hi Christine,
If she earns 24 credit hours before next Fall with at least a 2.00 GPA, I think she could be eligible for next season. In some cases, when athletes can’t be immediately eligible at an NAIA school, they only have to sit out for one semester compared to the full year they would need to sit out if they were at an NCAA school.
Rick
Hi Kevin,
I actually just spoke to a parent about his daughter who is in almost the exact same situation – coach is complimentary, says to be patient, but no playing time other than a minute near end of game. They think the same thing about that coach.
If your son gets his “permission to contact”, he doesn’t automatically lose his scholarship. However, the coach may question his “commitment” and “loyalty” and may not renew his scholarship for next year even if your son chooses to return. If that’s the type of coach he is, does your son really want to play for him anyway?
Can your son still be redshirted at this point? Has he played in any games? As I’m sure you know, if he transfers to another Div. I school, he would have to sit out from competition next year. He could be immediately eligible at a Div. II program, however.
Rick
My daughter played on semester for a D3 school where she was not happy. She receied permission from her coach to talk to a NAIA coach and transfered this spring. She is currenly receving a scholorship to play soccer at the NAIA school. How long will she be required to sit out before playing in compititions? She applied to the NAIA Elig. Center and is still waiting on the final approval. She applied in early December. They have contacted her and eligibility indicates “under evaluation” She did play varsity and played in about 1/2 of the games last season. She is a freshman. She transfered with 9 eligible credits from the D3 school. She also transfered 22 dual credits from high school.
Rick- My son who is playing D1 BBall is a freshman. He is getting a full scholarship. He is not happy cause of lack of playing time. He feels he may just be a 4 yr practice player. So I told him to wait until the end of the season in a few weeks and ask the coach to sign a release so we can contact some of the schools that previously offered him a scholarship. If he gets the written permission to contact other schools does he automatically lose his scholarship?? And if no other schools are still interested would he be able to still play for his current team? If he doesn’t lose his scholarship would the coach “blackball” him and be insulted and never give him a chance?? BTW- it does appear that the coach likes him. He compliments his play, tells him to be patient but NEVER gives him a chance to prove himself. We think that the coach is not exactly truthful, and has no major plans for him… What should we do without messing up his future???
No, only if he is transferring to another NCAA program.
Rick
Does his current D1 have to sign off on the transfer or grant him a release to transfer to the JUCO?
Hi June,
He can take a medical redshirt as long as the medical documentation is sufficient to verify that he is injured to the extent that he can’t play any more this season. Also, he can transfer to a JUCO next year and play for a season.
Rick
My son is on a scholarship to play Div 1 baseball. He played his Freshman season and is just getting ready to start his Sophomore season next week. He just got injured in a scrimmage over the weekend. Is he able to take a medical red shirt if he is unable to play this season even though he played in 3 pre season scrimmages? (He played in more scrimmages but they were all inter-squad scrimmages). Also, could he transfer to a Junior College (community college) next year to play his red shirt Sophomore season?
Hi Katelyn,
Under both NAIA and NCAA Div. II rules, you have 10 semesters of full-time enrollment in which to use your four seasons of eligibility. As you describe your plan, you should still have two years left at a Div. II school after you transfer.
Rick
Hello Rick,
I am an NAIA athlete, and I am looking to transfer to a DII school. If I play through my sophomore year and Red Shirt my third year to finish my degree early, what will happen to my eligibility? Will I still have two years left, or will I end up with a shorter collegiate career?
Hi Dres,
If you will be on scholarship at a Div. II school, you will need to sit out from competition during your first year upon transfer to a Div. I program.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I will be attending a Division II school on a scholarship to play football but i would like to transfer after the first year or two to play Division I football, will i be eligible to play after that first year or two or do i have to sit out ?, and do you think this would work ?
Hi John,
I think this situation calls for a personal consultation to discuss your son’s situation and his options. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com for more information.
Rick
Hello Rick,
My son a 2010 HS Grad, transferred (after one red shirt and a full year of basketball at JUCO with 3.5 GPA) to an NAIA division II school in Iowa with three years of eligibility left. He played 1 semester of Basketball on what was supposed to be a “full ride scholarship”, he attended the school in part because the basketball coach was ok with him also playing baseball (he has not played any collegiate baseball to this point). He took over 12 units and passed all of them with over a 2.0 gpa. At the end of the semester the school presented him with a bill for over 3,000.00 for miscellaneous charges and he was not allowed to register for the second semester until this bill was paid. We were unable to pay the bill in time and he was then barred from playing and is now in limbo, stuck at a friends house in the mid-west. He wants to return to California and attend a DII school that had recruited him (and even offered him a partial scholarship, which we foolishly did not take) out of High School.
My questions are: Could he return to a JUCO next year (Fall 2013) and play basketball for 1 semester then transfer to a DII school for basketball and still have 2 years of eligibility left? Could he sit out next fall (having been forced to sit out this spring) and enroll in the spring 2014 at the DII and be eligible to play for the DII team immediately. If he were to switch sports to Baseball could he attend a JUCO for 1 or 2 years and play baseball and still have DII eligibility left in either sport?
Thanks you
John
Hi Morgan,
If your son is an NCAA Div. I Qualifier, he will be able to transfer from JUCO to a Div. I program after as little as one semester if he does the following:
1. Earns a minimum GPA at the JUCO of at least 2.50
2. Completes an average of at least 12 transferable credit hours (credits that will be acceptable upon transfer to the Div. I school) for each semester of full-time enrollment at the JUCO.
If he plays one year at a JUCO, he’ll have 3 years left to play at the Div. I level. Or 2 if he plays 2 years at the JUCO.
Rick
Hi Johnny,
Coaches at NCAA schools aren’t permitted to talk with your son about a possible transfer until they’ve received a “permission to contact” form or letter from his current school.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I have a question about JUCO and years of eligibility. For economic reasons, my son (who is NCAA qualified) is considering attending JUCO from high school. If he does, what are the rules and number of years he would have to keep playing baseball or football after a year at a JUCO? Would he have to sit out any years if he transfers to a D-1 college after a year or will he have to get his A.S. to avoid sitting out(assuming he remains academically qualified which I am sure he will)?
Thank you –
Morgan
Rick,my son goes to a private university. He tried out for baseball as a walk on, didn’t make varsity but made JV program but the coach told him he would probably be pulled up after a few games. My son is a little unhappy, can he talk to another coach since he was not recruited and hasn’t played on the varsity program.
Hi Travis,
Whether you would have to sit out would depend upon a number of things including whether you were an NCAA Qualifier, whether you graduate from the JUCO with your AA degree, and whether you are going on to NCAA Div. I, II, or III. In your example, you would have two years of eligibility remaining.
Rick
hi if I play one year of football at a naia and transfer to a juco will I have to sit out? also if I play one year at a naia then 1 year at a juco how many years of eligibility will I have left at a d1,d2,d3
Hi CA,
If she will have 30 quarter credit hours at the end of two quarters, she should be eligible because 36 quarter hours are equal to 24 semester hours (in terms of the NCAA rules) that are required at the end of the first academic year. If you want her to take additional summer hours to be safe, just be sure that the summer classes are either taken from her current Div. I school, or that the courses will be acceptable to be transferred back to her current school and placed on her transcript there.
Rick
My daughter has been granted a one time transfer exception from a D1 volleyball program. We are requesting a NLI release to bring her home at the end of the second quarter rather than waiting until the 3rd quarter ends. If it is granted, can she enroll in summer school to earn additional credit hours and be eligible in the fall? She will be going from a quarter school to a semester school (regardless of the NLI release. She is earning A’s and B’s and will have 30 hours of quarter credits although I do not know the how many semester credit hours that will translate into.
Hi Simm,
You can actually contact other schools, but those schools are not allowed to respond to your contact until they receive a release from your current school. Also, if you do choose to contact those schools after your coach has said that he won’t release you, then he may choose not to release you at all, even after the season is over.
Rick
I had a talk with my coach about transferring from our D1 school to another institution. He said that he will not release me until the end of the outdoor season. Does this mean that I can’t contact other schools until the end of the season?
Hi Cori,
Div. III rules do not permit an athlete to compete as a grad student unless the athlete is at the same institution that they attended as an undergrad.
Rick
Rick,
I played women’s basketball for 2 and a half years at a d2 school, then decided to give it up and did not play at all my senior year.
I graduated last May, and now looking at a d3 school to get my MBA.
Can I play my final year of eligiblity at this d3 school?
Thank you.
Kyle,
Simply talk to your coach or athletic director to request that an e-mail be sent to you, or directly to the schools you are interested in speaking with, giving you “permission to contact” regarding a possible transfer.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Amin,
If the coaches believe that your skill set is high enough to help the team, even if it is only in practice, they will find out if there are rules that will allow you to participate. Also, if your exchange program is a formally-established, and long-standing exchange program, there is a reasonable chance that you could be eligible to participate, depending upon how long you have already attended a college institution.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi,
I’m currently at a D3 college but I am looking to transfer to a D1 school. I was wondering how I could obtain permission to speak to coaches. I know the other schools can contact my school and ask for permission but is there anyway I can obtain permission to contact other schools myself then forward it on to prospective schools?
Thanks
Hi Chris,
It is possible to talk to those coaches during the active season, but it is best to wait until the season is over so that your current coach doesn’t think that you’ve “given up” on his or her program during the middle of the season.
Rick
Hi Michael,
Yes, the same rules apply for moving from Div. I to Div. III, as they do in moving to Div. II.
Rick
Hi,
I have a question regarding player eligibility under NCAA rules. I will be heading to a university with a storied division I basketball team during the 2013-2014 academic year, as an exchange student from Sweden. I am 26 years old, too old to join the team per se. But suppose that the coaching staff collectively determines that my skill set is at a high enough level when I arrive to campus next autumn, is it legally possible for me to be involved in their program in any way? Is there any point at all in letting older student-athletes practice with the ordinary players? Thank you very much for your time.
Most sincerely,
Amin
Would the same rules apply if he transfers from a D1 to a D3? Does he still have to get his current school to grant him a release?
I currently play on a D3 women’s basketball team and would like to transfer to another D3 or NAIA school. Can I talk to those coaches during the active season or do I have to wait until the season is over? Thank you.
Hi Francisco,
Many athletes, even if they are on the team in their freshman and sophomore year, don’t get much playing time, so don’t stress out over not playing during your first two years. Your chances will depend upon your ability (both academically and athletically) and the level of school you hope to go to. You may not have great chances at an NCAA Div. I scholarship, but you can still pursue Div. II, III, or NAIA schools.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi, my name is Francisco i am a Sophomore in high school, my question is if i didn’t play Freshman or Sophomore year in high school because of grades. What are my chances of playing college football and getting a scholarship?
Brooke,
The “five-year clock” rule applies to athletes at NCAA Div. I only. If your son is interested in NCAA Div. II or NAIA, they follow the 10-semester rule rather than the five-year clock. So if he hasn’t been enrolled anywhere as a full-time student since his graduation last May, he has 2 semesters remaining yet.
In addition, if that is the case, he could actually get two more football seasons yet. He could do next Fall 2013 as semester 9, could sit out from school, or only go part-time in Spring 2014, and then have the last semester available for Fall 2014.
Rick
Even if his “5 year clock” has expired since he started in fall 2008?
Hi Brooke,
It would be possible for your son to compete at a Div. II school as a graduate student, or while seeking a second bachelor’s degree. Keep in mind that NCAA Div. II has a rule that limits athletes to competition during their first 10 semesters of full-time college enrollment.
Rick
Hi. My son started attending a D1 college playing football in fall of 2008. He was recruited and signed by a coach who later got fired before he started attending. The new coach told him he would be a senior before he saw any playing time before they even started practices. He wanted his degree from this university so decided to stay. He red shirted his first year. When the season of fall 2011 started they had him sign a written letter saying he would not participate in practice or in any games that year but would still be offered his scholarship. It also said he would not receive any tickets to away games or bowl gifts, or bowl tickets. He graduated May 2012. Now, one year later, he is wanting to play football at a DII school for one semester. Is he eligible? If not can we submit an appeal because he never “competed” his entire career at that school. He never stepped foot on the field during a single game. His last year he signed that he would not attend any practices or games.
Hi Patrick,
Because your son will be transferring for a different sport, he should be able to be eligible next year regardless of whether he redshirts in baseball this year, as long as his academics are in good order at the end of the year. Also, keep the following in mind:
1. If he goes to Div. I, they follow a “five-year clock” rule that gives athletes 5 years from their first full-time college enrollment in which to use four seasons of eligibility per sport.
2. NCAA Div. II uses a “10-semester rule” where they only count the semesters that an athlete is enrolled as a full-time student toward the 10 semester limit. The same four seasons of eligibility per sport within that 10 semester time limit are allowed.
Rick
Rick,
My son plays baseball at an NAIA school and recently he was diagnosed with a SLAP legion tear, so he is done for the year. He wants to transfer to play football at an NCAA D1-AA, D1, or D2 school next year. (Question 1)-> If he redshirts in baseball this year, will he still have a redshirt available in the future if he were to get hurt playing football at his new school? (Question 2)-> Also, would he still be eligible to play 4 years of football at his new school if he redshirts in baseball this year… or should he just quit baseball for the year? Basically, I’m asking what my son should do so that he can transfer after this year and play football somewhere next year (for 4 years)
Hi Theresa,
The first step is to request permission at the end of the season to speak with other schools about a possible transfer. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com for a consultation about the details of the transfer process.
Rick
My son is unhappy with his first year of college. He plays basketball for a D2 school. So, he really doesn’t get any playing time even though they promised him in the begining that he would get lots of playing time. THe program itself is very unprofessional and unorganized.What steps or how do we go about getting him recruited/transferred to another school with a scholarship to another D2 school? With no film to provide due to lack of playing time. And will he loose a year of eligibility?
Hi Pete,
I believe that a similar rule applies if she transfers to a JUCO, but I suggest you contact a JUCO in your area directly to confirm that.
Have you checked to see if she can take an on-line course this summer? Many schools are now offering those as an option. If she takes an online course through a school other than her current school, be sure to check and see if the course will be acceptable to be placed on her current school transcript.
Rick
Hi Rick,
Between this last post and today, my daughter received her permission to contact and release. Checking with the school, in order for her to be eligible next year, she would have to finish 24 credits. She’ll have 20 after this semester, not making her eligible. Summer school is not an option, as she’s 14 hours (800miles) away. Does the same rule apply to junior colleges? I’m assuming if it does, then she will have to sit out for one year regardless of school she goes to?
Hi Sharon,
You may be interested in purchasing our downloadable transcript “What You Should Know About Transfers” from the Store of our website.
Rick
Rick,
My daughter just finished her first semester at an NAIA DII school, playing soccer with a partial scholarship. She would like to transfer for her sophomore year (is still attending the NAIA school this semester to finish her freshman year) and is considering NCAA DII schools. I understand she’ll need a release from her current coach, but am confused as to her eligibility to play her sophomore year at another school. Her academic standing is solid. Any information on transfer and eligibility would be appreciated as the various websites confuse the dickens out of me. Thanks!
Hi Darryl,
You can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com for detailed information on her options.
Rick
Hi Joseph,
You can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
I have a daughter as mentioned earlier by one of your post in the same exact situatuion she plays div 1 basketball her freshman year was a disaster she worked hard but rarely played which considering being a freshman was not out of the norm soph year has started starting to be the same pattern apparently not one of the favorites playing limited time does very well when in the game when she does play but one mistake and out compared to others whom double the amt of mistakes or has a good game scoring rebounding etc etc plays a good amt of time then next game sit out entire game or plays limited time practices hard very fustrated has lost the love of the game cries all the time stressed she wants to transfer but afraid she will be black balled by coach if she ask for permission to contact other schools what do we do
Ok thank you very much.
hello,
I am currently playing soccer at a division 3 school and want to transfer to a naia school but don’t know the rules about transferring from one to another. I dont want to make any mistakes so i was just wondering what i need to do. Thanks.
Matt,
The way semesters are counted in France, may not be the same way that semesters are counted here for NCAA rules. You mentioned in your earlier post that you attended school in France for two years, and then implied that you have completed 3 semesters at your American university. If a year of school in France is counted as two semesters, then you have 3 semesters remaining from this point forward by my count. (10 semester limit minus 4 semesters in France, and 3 semesters here so far.)
Rick
You’re right. I’m currently in a NCAA div II… So, even if I transferred 39 credits (2 semesters=30 credits) I can still have a total of 4 years of eligibility? My main concern is to know if they count the years in France like years of eligibility or if once that I got here I started with 4 years of eligibility…
Hi Matt,
Without knowing the details of your enrollment, based on the information you’ve provided, I would guess that you have at most one year remaining. If you are at an NCAA Div. I school, you have five years from when you first began full-time college enrollment at any college in which to use your eligibility.
If you are at NCAA Div. II, III, or NAIA, you have 10 semesters of full-time enrollment in which to use your four seasons of eligibility.
Rick
Hello,
I’m french.Got enrolled (transfered) in my american university in August 2011 with 39 transfer credits (I attend two years of college in france).Played the Fall 2011 and just finished the Fall 2012 season. I would like to know how many years of eligibility do I have left please?
Thank you,
Matt
Michael,
Your son could use the One-Time Transfer Exception because he would be transferring FROM Div. I to Div. II.
Rick
When I read the NCAA Transfer 101 booklet it states that for a one-time transfer exception to play “you must be playing a sport other than baseball in Division 1…). He meets the other qualifications (ie good academic standing, eligible) but the booklet makes it sound like you cannot get the one time transfer exception if you play D1 baseball.
Hi Michael,
He’ll be eligible to play without the need to sit out if he meets the requirements for the One-Time Transfer Exception and the Div. I school will grant him his release.
Rick
My son plays baseball at a D1 school on a full scholarship. He played his freshman year and is just beginning his Sophomore season. After his Sophomore year if he decides to transfer to a D2 school can he play right away or does he have to sit out?
Hi David,
If your daughter will be transferring for a different sport, she shouldn’t have to serve a year in residence at her next school.
Rick
Hi Mike,
It will be possible for you to be immediately eligible upon transfer to an NCAA Div. II school. Whether you can be eligible at a Div. I program will depend upon whether you were considered “recruited” by your NAIA school. You may want to review the blog here on the website titled “NCAA Rules: Definition of a Recruited Athlete.”
Rick
Hi Rick,
I play baseball for an NAIA school and I want to transfer to an NCAA div. I or II. I have a full academic scholarship, but I deliberately refused any athletic scholarship funds. Would I be eligibile to play immediately, or do I have to sit out one year?
My daughter is at a D1 school for volleyball. She was red-shirted her freshman year and was injured and did not play her second year. She is considering transferring to another D1 for basketball. Does she have to sit out a year to transfer to basketball? Does the same apply to transfer to D2? Does it affect her if she wants to participate playing basketball in a club sport at her school before transferring?
Kyle,
You should be, as long as there aren’t school or conference rules against it.
Rick
Hi Pete,
Your daughter can be immediately eligible at another Div. II school as long as, at the time that she leaves her current school, the school will be able to say that she would have been eligible had she stayed at their school rather than transferring. Also, the coach and school will need to agree to let her use the One-Time Transfer Exception at another NCAA school.
Since they provided her a scholarship, but she was not eligible to compete for them this year, don’t be surprised if they deny her request for the One-Time Transfer Exception.
Rick
Hi Jordan,
I suggest you look at JUCO, because it would be easier to be recruited from a JUCO to an NCAA Div. II school, then to transfer there from an NAIA school.
Rick
Hi Jack,
As a 4-4-4 transfer, your son will be required to sit out another year, unless he has circumstances “beyond his control” that led him to transfer for a third time. There are 9 or 10 different transfer exceptions that an athlete can use to be immediately eligible when they transfer, but for a multiple transfer who has participated in their sport while at the previous schools, the chance that one of those exceptions will help them is pretty slim.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son has transferred once from D1 to D1 and sat a year, he now wants to go to school at home (current school is 6 hrs away) He still wants to play baseball and the school he is looking at is a D2 program. He was not recruited at the D2 School or the last D1 School. He still has 4 years of eligibility left. Will he have to sit again or can he play right away.
Thank you
Jack
Rick:
Would I be eligible to be on the practice squad?
Thanks, K
Hello Rick,
My daughter is in her second semester at a Div II school who signed a NLI and received a partial scholorship. She was put on Academic Probation after the first semester. She’s back this semester to increase her cumulative GPA to over 2.0. Currently she has had her scholorship revoked and is ineligible to play with her team. (Spring sports program). Subsequenty she is not losing a year of eligibility.
Her first choice in applying for an undergraduate program at this school was not approved; given the reason that her educational choice and participating in her sport would not work out due to time constraints. (This program is located on another campus). She choose a different program and failed to earn a 2.0 GPA.
Lets say for arguments sake, if both Div II and Juco schools were interested and offered both the academic and athletic programs, AND after she received permission to contact, what would be the better choice in order to be immediately eligible to play? Also assume her GPA is above 2.0 after the second semester. If this is the case she will have passed 18 of her 24 hours she completed.
Is there any other advise she will need to know based on her current situation?
Thank you very much
Hi Rick,
I live in Australia and planning on coming to America to play collegiate basketball. Due to the core subjects I have studied, I do not meet the requirements to get into NCAA College, and my two options are NAIA or JUCO. I would really like to play at a NCAA DII school and I can keep up my grades with no worries, but what I was wondering was, is transferring to a 4 year NCAA school from a JUCO as a student-athlete as easy as applying and enrolling or is the only way to go from a JUCO to a NCAA DII school is being scouted?
I really want to play DII basketball, but at the same time, moving from Australia to America to play basketball and earn an education is a big move and I would like some sort of security. Should I settle for NAIA?
Also, because I can’t apply straight for a NCAA DII school, would me going to a NAIA school help me in terms of getting a transfer to a NCAA DII school or if I should bother or not?
Thank you.
Hi Ray,
I would need more info than this to be able to answer “…are you eligible with the new school.” There are other factors involved. If you want to get into more detail, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Division 1 question. Is the actual method of calculating credits allowed for mid year certification when calculating academic credits for D1? If you have accumulated 24 credits since leaving the old school are you eligible with the new school? Assuming not more than 6 credits during the summer.
Hi Mike,
I just responded directly to your personal e-mail, but will copy my reply here for others who might be reading this.
Your son can be redshirted, and would not be able to play at all – not one at-bat, not one inning behind the plate – if he wants to preserve this year of eligibility. Because he is on scholarship, he would not be able to play next year if he transfers to another Div. I school.
However, he could transfer to a Div. II, III, or NAIA school and be immediately eligible at the next school, as long as this school will give him a release and as long as he is in good shape academically and would be eligible to return to his current school next year if he were staying there. (This is called the One-Time Transfer Exception.)
Rick
Hello Rick,
Appreciate your blog.
Our son is currently enrolled as a Junior at a D-1 college and is receiving a 30% scholarship. He played baseball for two years at a Junior college. He returned to school Friday and had a meeting with his coach today. His coach informed him that he is not expected to play much in the spring and will be the bullpen catcher (maybe get some at-bats).
Can he be redshirted (non medical) as a Junior? To be redshirted, would he not be able to play at all? Will he have to sit out if he looks to transfer to another D1 and how would the five year rule work in this case? Would he have another option whereby he could transfer to a school next year and play right away and then transfer back to a D-1 and play as a fifth year senior?
Chris,
If his transfer is denied, coaches at other NCAA schools shouldn’t be talking with him or any member of your family if they’re following the rules. If he appeals the denial, the appeal might be an in-person hearing or in writing, depending upon the policies of the school. If his appeal is upheld, he will be open to recruiting just like he was in HS again. If denied, refer back to my first sentence.
Rick
Thanks for the info, if his current school denies him his transfer, could he still talk to the other coaches and not receive any benefits? my other question is what Could happen if he appealed his current schools denial of transfer?
Hi Chris,
His current school could deny him permission to talk with other schools, but if they do, they must inform him that he has the right to appeal that decision. Even if his appeal was denied, he could still transfer to another school, but would have to transfer as a general student (no help from coaches or athletic staff at next school) and would have to attend the school for a year before he could be eligible.
Rick
Thanks Rick, another question. Will the school he is currently at be able to deny him a transfer or i guess a better way of putting it would be, hold his papers and control his options? Is there a way for them to do that and try to hurt his chances of playing?
Hi Chris,
Even though your son is considering a different sport, he still needs permission to talk with Div. I coaches about a possible transfer. As far as the best time to tell his coach and request permission so he can start contacting other schools, I think that depends upon how much playing time he is getting, and the relationship he has with his coach. If he’s a contributing member of the team, getting substantial playing time, it’s best to wait until the season is over.
Rick
Hi Andrea,
Given the number and nature of your questions, I suggest you contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
My son currently plays basketball at a division 2 school but is looking to transfer after the year is over. he has decided that basketball isnt for him and is going to try to play baseball in college. before he decided basketball was what he wanted to do he was told by many coaches he could always come play baseball for them also. he would be going to a division 1 school to play baseball most likely. what does he need to do in order to make this happen? does he need his coaches letter of permission to talk to other schools even if it is a different sport? his season isnt over so when could he begin talking to other schools? when do you think the best time to tell his coach would be?
Hi Rick! Im a sophomore (soccer player) currently attending to a Div.I school looking to transfer next year. I was wondering, is there a requirement of credits that I need to have to be able to transfer? Also if my school is moving to another conference next fall, can I play with a school that plays in the same conference that my school is moving to? Finally, in case that I don’t find any school that I like, could I go to a community college for the fall semester and join in spring to a division 1 or 2 school and play in fall? Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Ian,
Yes, as long as you’re meeting the NAIA academic requirements, you are eligible to compete this semester. Hopefully, you have a good relationship with your coach and he is understanding of your desire to do well this spring. I know of similar situations at other schools where the coach would have already cut you from the team for your desire to transfer.
Good luck!
Rick
I currently attend an NAIA college and play for the golf team, I’m just entering the spring semester in my sophmore year.
I’m not happy where i am and have spoken to my coach he knows i want to transfer (for my junior/senior years) and am contacting several colleges who have all requested my release.
What im wondering is am i still eligable to play the spring semester even though ive requested a transfer.
Hi Kyle,
Because you were recruited, you won’t be eligible to play this first year at the Div. I school.
Rick
Hi Chris,
If enrolling at the Div. I school this spring anyway, it would better to go by the coach’s office in person. E-mails from past coaches certainly won’t hurt, but film, tape, or DVD would be better.
Rick
I have transferred from a d3 to a d1 this spring. I was recruited in football. My freshman year I was redshirted. The summer before my soph year I participated in summer camp along with the team and other hopefuls. Before the roster was set, I discovered my position for which I was recruited, would not be utilized. I left the camp. I was never on the roster and never played, officially practiced or suited up with the D3 school. I would like to try out for a small D1 team. Tryouts are this Feb. Am I eligible to play?
Hi:
My son is leaving a d3 school and attending a d1 this spring. He would like to try to walk on. Should he write a letter to the coach(s) regarding his intention? Also, would emails from past coaches help put his name “out there”?
Hi John,
You shouldn’t lose a year of eligibility as long as you weren’t recruited for football by your current school or by the school you transfer to, and as long as you are in good shape academicaily.
Rick
Dontae,
You can transfer to a Div. I school, but whether you will be able to be eligible for competition will depend upon whether you’ve been certified as an NCAA Qualifier, and meet the academic requirements for a 2-4 transfer.
Rick
So if I play baseball this year at my NAIA school, I won’t lose a year of eligibility for football next year at a NCAA D2, D1 or D1AA school?
Hey how you doing Rick i’m at a juco in i only been here for one year in i was wondering if i could transfer to a D1 school in start playing football
Yes,
A waiver could be tried, again, if the school will agree to submit it. You would need to show non-athletic reasons why you have chosen that school.
For example, if I’m on the NCAA waiver committee, I might be looking at your waiver request saying “This athlete could have gone to many different NCAA Div. I or II schools in the country where participation while pursuing a Master’s degree would not require a waiver. What makes it necessary for him to be at this particular school and need to request a waiver?”
Rick
Wait – you mean a waiver could be tried? My school only has online graduate programs which was reason for transferring. Thanks for your help.
Comzie,
A waiver request would need to be submitted by the school to the NCAA, and would need to demonstrate through supporting documentation that you were making that move for academic reasons and not for athletic reasons. School would need to agree to submit the waiver for you, and may choose not to do so.
Rick
You had it right-D1 trying for D3 as a grad student. Hoping a waiver would still let me play. I know no athletic money but trying to give my dad one more year.
Hi Sammie,
The school you are transferring to will obtain your enrollment information from your athletic transfer form, and your application for admission as a transfer student.
Rick
Hi Derek,
As far as “getting your year back”, I’m not sure what they are referring to. Keep in mind that most athletes get one “redshirt year”, as you have five years of full-time enrollment during which you can use four years of eligibility. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you have additional questions.
Rick
Comzie,
Perhaps I misunderstood the question. If you were attending a Div. III school and graduated from there with your bachelor’s degree and then were staying at the same school to start your Master’s program, you can do that. But you can’t graduate from the Div. I school with your bachelor’s and then transfer to a Div. III school to compete while working on your Master’s.
Rick
k-Thanks. I thought it read that graduate students could play if at the same institution as undergrad so I was hoping a waiver could get around this for my transfer.
Comzie,
This won’t work, as Div. III doesn’t permit competition by student-athletes who are pursuing a Master’s degree.
Rick
Can a D1 soccer player who plans on graduating early (playing all 3 years) transfer to a different institution and play D3 soccer for their last year of eligibility while starting masters? Can’t fully understand the compliance rules for D3. Thanks.
question, i ws a member of the spring team at a d1 football team. didnt make the fall roster, i plan on leaving to go to another d1 school to walk on. do i need proof that i was enrolled in the fall? i have 37 credits and i am a sophmore in my 2.5yrs of college
Hey Rick,
I got a full scholarship to a school in virginia that just started their program, the school was on a two year probation for just starting their program. The coaches say we have our year back because we are considered as a club team, do you know if this is true? Also if I want to transfer to a different school how do i get released if im not on campus and not in the state and would my spring classes still be paid for? Thank you!
Hi Quentin,
It is possible to request a waiver of the eligibility rules for “misadvisement.” However, the potential difficulty with this approach is that the school must submit the waiver (your son can’t do it as an individual), and somebody at the school will have to admit that they misadvised your son. Also, if the bad advice came from a coach, the chances for a successful waiver are not good, because they are not supposed to be advising on academic matters. A successful waiver is more likely if an academic advisor or counselor is the one who gave the bad advice, and if they will admit to doing so.
If you want to discuss this in detail, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Cher,
Your son needs to receive permission to contact other schools before coaches at NCAA Div. I or II can talk with him about a possible transfer.
Rick
Hi Charlotte,
NCAA Div. I requires that a school respond to an athlete’s request for permission to contact other schools within 7 business days of a written request. If they don’t respond within 7 business days, the request is granted by default. Div. II doesn’t have that same time limit, but in both cases, if the request is denied, the school is supposed to offer an appeal opportunity.
Rick
Hi Terry,
My apologies for the delayed response. Your daughter shouldn’t request permission to contact another school, because the new coach may question her commitment. Also, many schools won’t grant the permission to contact other schools until the new coach has been hired, and has had a chance to meet the players at the school, so why risk the coach questioning her commitment. Since she would like to see what happens with a new coach, I suggest she be patient and see how things go during the spring season.
Rick
Hi Barrett,
You can be eligible to play football at another four-year school other than FSU. However, you will need to serve a year in residence at the next school before you can be eligible because, as a two-time transfer, you won’t be eligible for the One-Time Transfer Exception.
The Two-Year Nonparticipation Exception only works for you if you wait two years from your last participation in any football practice activities. That would be the date in Spring 2014 that would be two years since you last participated in Spring practice at Auburn in 2012.
Rick
Question: Son, attends NAIA School in Ca.
1st year Freshman Mens Soccer 2012/2013, played.
Does he have to be released from NAIA school during summer break to talk to NCAA Div 1 or Div II schools/coaches? Looking at possibility of transfer for Junior and Senior Year.
Thanks-
What is the waiting period for a current student athlete when they have asked for a transfer release and it has been denied, but they are still not returning to the school? What does this do to their eligibility to play in the future?
Thank you!
Hi Jesse,
You can contact a Div. III coach and they should say that they can’t talk with you about a possible transfer until they receive permission from your current school, but they may choose to ignore that rule. Keep in mind, however, that if the Div. III coach contacts your current coach to ask for background information about you before you have informed him of your plans, that will damage whatever relationship you do have with your current coach.
Rick
John,
Sorry for the delayed response. If you signed a National Letter of Intent with your school, you’re committed to attend there for one academic year, and will need to seek a release from your NLI commitment. It would be possible for you to compete in outdoor at least at another school this Spring, if you are granted a release from the NLI, as well as permission to use the One-Time Transfer Exception. If your school denies you these releases, you do have an appeal opportunity available, if you have time to pursue such appeal.
Rick
Hey Rick,
My son recently lost one of his DIV. 1 football eligibility years due to a miss understanding between the his Academic consular and coaches, about the classes he was suppose to take over the summer of his red shirt year. When he came home for the summer to take classes due to expenses His coaches and consular said all right “Great”. He passed the class and was able to go to their training camp that up coming fall. Just days before the first game his academic consular called him in and told him their sorry but he wont be able to suit up this weekend. The reason was that he was suppose to take two classes not only one. Somehow a class that ended in the spring did not count. My question is what can we do in this sort of situation is their a waiver in which he gets a year back since he didn’t touch the field at all, or is It just his lost. What advise can you give us in deciding in what we should do next?: he already is a walk on at his current university.
Please Help,
– Quentin
Rick,
I am a freshmen at a D1 school. I am thinking about transferring to a better fitting and closer school that is D3, as the program at my school is not what I imagined it to be. Do I have to follow the rule of talking to my coach to get a release or since the school I am looking at is D3 that rule doesn’t matter?
Also, since I am on winter break and cannot talk to my coach directly, could I potentially call him up about the potential release as I do not want to waste time in contacting the other coach.
Thanks
Rick,
My daughter just finished her freshman volleyball season at a D1 university. The head coach was fired/resigned at the end of the season in November. No coach has been hired yet and school starts in another week. She would have opportunities at another school but would like to also see what happens at her present school once a new coach is hired. Since no coach has been hired to replace the one that left, would it jeopardize her scholarship to request permission to contact another school? I have heard so many horror stories about new coaches coming in and either not renewing scholarships or essentially forcing players out to allow them to bring in their own recruits. If she does request permission to contact, does she direct it to the AD or the compliance officer? Thank you for your help.
Hi Krisopher,
It isn’t a requirement, but it is a good idea to do so, because the NAIA school will notify your school that you have contacted them about a possible transfer. You don’t want your coach to be caught off-guard and unaware when he receives that notice from the NAIA school.
Rick
I was a walk on at Auburn for football i redshirted in 2011 and participated in spring 2012 i then decided to transfer to Florida State just for school for fall of 2012 and went there and DID NOT participate in any sports. But have decided to play football again.
Why am i not eligible to play football at another 4 year school other than FSU , I did not participate on a team at all and just chose to go to a 4 year institute for good schooling. What can i do to be eligible for fall 2013 for football at a school other than FSU and what kind of waiver do i apply for or how do i fight it?
I should be Eligible for the Two-Year Nonparticipation Exception correct?
I just finished my first semester at a DI school. I was there for just Track but the coach put me in one XC race. Anyway, I’m now trying to transfer out to either a D1 or DII school for next semester, but the coach at my current school is “taking my eligibility” for next semester. Is there any way around this where I could compete at a D1 or DII college this coming semester?
If I am at a Division 1 school, do I need to get written permission to transfer to an NAIA school?
Hi Ann,
Yes, it would be possible for him to do that.
Rick
Hi Jeff,
Yes, a 4-2-4 transfer going to a Div. I school must graduate from the JUCO and meet other academic requirements.
Rick
Hey. I recently played division 1 basketball with the Unibersity of Mississippi in which I red shirted. I then transferred to a JUCO which I’m currently at. I’m trying to figure out would I have to graduate from the JUCO and go back division 1 seeing as that I have already qualified through clearing house to play division 1…
Hi Rick, I would appreciate your input. My son was recruited to Div ll school to play football as a starting freshmen in fall 2011. He has played two football season at the Div ll school, fall 2011 and fall 2012. He’s transferring from Div ll to Div I hopefully this Spring 2013. He has been given his release form from the Div ll school. His new coach at Div I school has already informed us that he will have to sit out a year, as his red shirt year. Due to limited housing at the Div l school, he may not be able to enrolled until Fall 2013. My question, if he has to wait till fall 2013, can he attend a jr college at home this Spring 2013, just to take some classes towards his major, but do not participate in any sports.
Thanks, concerned Mom
Thanks
Hi John,
Since you would be transferring to participate in a different sport, there is no need to redshirt in baseball this season.
Rick
Bob,
If he is considered by his school to be in good academic standing for any freshman entering their second semester, he should be able to be eligible for Spring. You may want to check the school’s general academic catalog for all students to see if it includes a definition of “good academic standing.”
Rick
Thanks Rick i believe he did 2 of his grades were an A & C he was a very good student coming out of High School , but got overwhelmed and probably took the hardest classes available. Im not sure about the school’s academic standing. I believe he is 1.80
I am currently a freshman at an NAIA school. I am a walk on baseball player at my school. However, I am planning to transfer after this year to play football at a d1 or d1AA school. The baseball season at my current school has not started yet and I am considering a redshirt so I don’t lose a year of eligibility for football. Will I be eligible to play once I transfer if I redshirt this spring at my NAIA school? Would I be eligible if I did not redshirt? I am really confused about what exactly to do so that I can play football the first year I transfer to my new school.
Hi Bob,
Was he an NCAA Div. I Qualifier, did he pass at least 6 credit hours this semester, and is he still considered in “good acaddmic standing” as defined by that school for the upcoming semester?
Rick
My son just completed his 1st semester at a D1 school to play baseball, he only had 4 classes and his gpa came in under 2.0 is he eligible to play in the spring? what will happen next
Thanks Rick
Hi John,
Since your brother has been given his release and permission to talk with other schools, it would be possible under NCAA rules for him to receive and accept a scholarship during his “redshirt” year at the next school. However, there may be other restrictions in addition to those from the NCAA (as you have learned at his current school). Plus, FCS schools have fewer scholarships available, so the next school may choose to not award a scholarship during a redshirt year.
Rick
Hi Chris,
Were you “recruited” to the Div. III school? You may want to review our blog titled “NCAA Rules: Definition of a Recruited Athlete” found here:
http://www.informedathlete.com/ncaa-rules-definintion-of-a-recruited-athlete#
If that is the case, you will have to sit out from competition during your first year at a Div. I school, unless you can transfer under one of the other possible Exceptions. Have you practiced at any point since you started college enrollment? If not, you may be able to use the Two-Year Nonparticipation Exception.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My brother is a sophomore at an FCS program and was given a release and permission to talk with other schools. He is talking with other FCS schools. He played in a league that does not permit redshirts, so he has yet to use his redshirt. I realize that he would have to sit out a year, but would he be eligible for scholarship aid from the new school during the year he is sitting out?
Thanks Rick,
John
I am currently at a D3 school. I was redshired in football my freshman year. My sophomore year my position was eliminated in the offensive scheme. I never played and never practiced with the team. I am transferring to a D1 school and would like to “try to walk on” I was told that coming from a D3 to a D1 I would have to sit the 2013 season. Is this true? again, I was never on the roster for 2012.
Pete,
It would be better to go to JUCO first and then to a Div. I school, rather than go from NAIA to NCAA Div. I. Also, most NAIA scholarships are partial scholarships. So are those at NCAA Div. II. If you want more detailed info, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Tanner,
If you were recruited to the Div. II school and/or on scholarship, you will likely have to sit out next season from competition if you transfer to a Div. I-AA (FCS) school. If you were not recruited or on scholarship, you may be able to be eligible next season depending upon your academic status during your last semester of full-time enrollment. You can learn more by purchasing our downloadable transcript “What You Should Know About Transfers” which can be found in the Store of our website.
Rick
I am currently trying to transfer to a 1AA school. I was at a D2 school during the 2011 season. I did not play this past season, will I have to sit out next football season or will I be eligible to play?
My Brother is a High School Senior and he’s getting a lot of interest from NAIA schools to go play at their schools in the fall. One school has called him a few times and have told him he has a very strong chance of playing as a true freshmen. We’ve thought about him signing with them and have him attend for 2 years and finish his basic courses and then transfer to a larger school, possibly a NCAA D2, D1-FCS or even a D1-FBS school. My brother’s current High School Coach says my brother has the ability to walk on and make the team at a D1 School. My brother and I have seen a few of his older teammates from previous seasons sign to play NAIA schools only to find out they only had partial scholarships and forced to come back home. If his NAIA offers are only partial should my brother just take on the walk on route at a D1 school closer to home to save our family more money since most NAIA schools are private and more expensive while our in state schools are a lot less costly? We’re debating on what route to take, my brother has received a few D1 interests but no official offer yet.
Hi Tim,
Participation on a JV team will count as one of his four seasons of eligibility. Unless he was recruited to the Div. III school, he shouldn’t have to sit out a year if he transfers to an FCS school. Coaches at Div. I or II schools will have to have permission from his current school before they can talk with him about a possible transfer.
Rick
John,
If your son is granted permission to talk with Div. I schools about a transfer, it’s like being recruited out of HS all over again. If he hasn’t already used a redshirt year, he can be redshirted next year and practice with the team while he serves his “year in residence.”
Rick
Because you’ve already transferred once between four-year schools, you won’t be able to do this.
Rick
My son is currently a freshman at a DIII school. I have two questions:
1)He played this year on the JV team, would he still have 4 years to play? Or, does the JV year count towards his 4?
2)We live in Florida and his school is in Ohio, he wants to come closer to home. His coach resigned at the end of the year and another was given the interm tag. I advised him to contact the interm coach and tell him he wants to transfer. One of the schools he would like to talk with is a start up program that will play on the lower FCS level. Being that he’s going from DIII to I-AA, would he have to sit a year if he decided to go to this school? What other things do we have to do regarding the transfer?
I attended a DI school my first year of college. I redshirted and transferred to a D3 school. I am finishing up my bachelor’s degree after attending the D3 school for 3 years. Can I transfer back to DI school to pursue another bachelor’s or master’s degree and play my redshirt senior year?
Hello Rick ,
My son is playing d2 basketball right now on a full scholarship. After this year he wants to transfer d1. Once he gets the release papers, what are the rules of transferring there? I know he must not play for one year but can he still be redshirted and practice with the team?
I suggest you contact me directly for these details.
Rick
I am a current sophomore/ freshman on the field. I redshirted last year and I played my first season this year. I am needing to transfer from an NAIA school to a Division 1 for both academic and financial reasons. I was never recruited, nor did I sign a letter of intent & receive a scholarship. I was already accepted to a division 1 school before coming down to play for my current school and I have a strong GPA at my current school (3.6). What would I need to do in order to not lose any years of elegibility?
Guy,
Please contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com with any further questions.
Rick
That’s what I was thinking, just wanted to confirm I had the right thought process. I really appreciate your help! Thank you!
Rick,
Thanks for the help. The coach and the assistant coach both made those statements to us in person and also over the phone. When the coach finally made the verbal offer to us I mentioned in my email back that one of the things we liked about this program was that the coach who honored commitments of not lowering the future athletic scholarships unless a player did something to put the program in bad light — as I KNEW this was the sort of positive envirnoment where our daughter (and ever player, I think) would be more likely to shine. While the coach never confirmed this in writing, the coach also never corrrected me… and the coach eventually put the verbal commitment in writing along with my email from earlier which mentioned this policy. I think any reasonable administrator would see that while the coach never put this in writing, by not correcting me the coach implied this was correct.
Do you think we are better to address this now with the university or wait to see what happens in July? My concern is that if we wait until July, the scholarship will be spent elsewhere. BUT, if we begin to address it now, they might have the time to get all their ducks in a row. Also, how strict is the July 1st date? Last year the school’s scholarship was delivered about a week late. IF we are not officially informed by July 1 might this also force the school to rule in our behalf?
In the meantime we will start pulling the information together. It seems on average about 25-35% of the girls actually stuck around for all 4 years of eligibility — we have access to perhaps 7 years worth of data from the team website, but the coach has been in charge much longer.
BTW, I have also noticed another pattern. This school prides itself on the fact that our daughter’s team often has a top 10 average GPA in NCAA D1 soccer programs. It seems this policy also allows them to cheat the GPS system a bit too. It seems most girls are on the team when they have the easier classes, but by the time they would be upperclassmen the majority are no longer here — replaced by freshman with easy classes and higher than average GPAs. Would the school even notice this? I have also heard that a few of the better players never even make much advancement towarrd a degree… so when their eligibility does run out about 1/2 of the girls who last all 4/5 years do not graduate.
The bad part in all of this is that our daughter is the academic type — seemingly the true “student-athlete” that most teams claim they desire. She likes her school program, she likes the girls on the team, and she does not want to transfer elsewhere where the program she is in may not be as good.
Thanks again,
Guy
Guy,
If there is a way that you can document or substantiate from other athletes/parents (especially if they would be willing to put something in writing – most likely if their eligibility has expired or if they’ve gone elsewhere) what you’ve stated about the coach’s pattern over the last decade, your daughter may have a chance for a successful appeal. Also, if you have statements from the coach during the recruiting process about how the scholarship would not be taken away or decreased, that would be in your daughter’s favor as well.
I believe it is unlikely that the school would modify her scholarship to a 100% academic scholarship because it would likely still need to be classified as an athletic scholarship for team limitation purposes. As far as a successful lawsuit, I can’t answer that question.
Rick
Our child’s D1 coach has suggested that our daughter quit the team because of poor play. Our daughter was injured her first year and was given a medical redshirt and did practiced but did not play this year (her second) because the spot was given to a high-level transfer student from a larger program. Our daughter is an A student, Dean’s List every semester, and has had ZERO disciplinary issues. In truth, the coach wants her to quit so he can give her athletic scholarship to this other player or the players coming in next year because he has only 1 senior graduating. We now know that this coach has a pattern of doing this same thing to players for over a decade! Our daughter is being treated poorly because she committed early (junior year of high school) to a 100% scholarship (mostly athletic), but by doing this the coach took a chance and so did our daughter as she was being looked at by larger D1 schools. Our daughter honored her commitment early and informed the schools she had committed and she stuck to this commitment. The coach had told us that their policy was never to reduce the athletic offer unless the player broke team rules and did something (MIP, DUI, etc.) to make the program look bad. Our daughter has done nothing wrong — other than perhaps ask what she needed to do to improve so she could play. (By doing this they say she has a bad attitude…LOL.) We expect the coach and school to honor their commitments also!
I presume her athletic scholarship will likely be revoked before July 1. IF this happens, how successful might we expect to be when we appeal this to the university? Will a state-supported university ever modify a player’s scholarship to a 100% academic scholarship to make up for the coach having caused the player to turn down other offers and then not keep their promises? Has anyone ever successfully sued a coach or university for not keeping their promise to never reduce an athletic scholarship? HELP!!!
Ryan,
The fact that you were recruited there requires coaches at Div. II schools to have permission from your current school before they can talk with you about a possible transfer.
Rick
Hi Anna,
You need to have permission from your current school to talk with a Div. II school, even if you’re leaving for a different sport. You probably would not have to sit out a year since you would be playing a different sport at the next school.
Rick
Kim,
It’s best to wait until after spring football. If he’s already asking for permission before the new coaches have even arrived, how much of a chance are they going to give him to show what he can do in spring ball if they think he’s not fully committed to the program?
Rick
Hi what if I got recruitted to play a sport at the current d3 school that i attend but am recovering from an injury so I have yet to play in any practices or anything can i contact a d2 coach without requesting a permission to contact form
Rick,
I am currently enrolled and on scholarship for basketball at a NAIA university. Here is the problem: I currently hate the program/coaching staff/school size and am considering transffering to a NCAA DII school and play soccer (wierd i know). What restrictions would there be? Would I have to sit out a year? Do i still have to get a release if its a different sport? Also, I am fine academically, so there wont be a problem there.
Thanks, Rick. Since you answered the above question, the head coach has resigned. We’ve been told at least 4 of the current coaching staff are leaving with him, including my son’s position coach. Given this latest turn of events, when would be the best time to ask for permission to speak to other schools? He signed a NLI and is not asking to be released from that, just wants to see if there is any interest from other programs. Is it still best to wait until after spring football? Is there harm in asking sooner rather than later? If he were to ask now, for example, who would he need to ask since there aren’t currently coaches.
Thank you in advance for your assistance…
Hi Tay,
It will be possible for you to be immediately eligible in the Spring if you meet the academic requirements for the One-Time Transfer rule and are released by your current school.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi David,
The best way for him to get in touch with Div. I coaches is to have his current JUCO coaches contact Div. I coaches on his behalf and/or send recruiting video on him to the schools he is interested in.
Rick
Hi Jamil,
Your AD will need to grant written permission to coaches at Div. I or II schools before they can talk with you about a possible transfer. If you would like a paid consultation to answer other questions or discuss your other details, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Mike,
Your daughter could transfer to another JUCO at semester break, but would not be eligible to participate at the next school until next academic year. Regarding your other question, yes, it would be frowned upon by most coaches for her mother to set up phone “interviews.” She should make those contacts on her own.
Rick
Rick,
I’m currently a sophomore at a D1 school for xc and was thinking about transferring to another D1 school in the spring for track. If I get a release from my current coach, can I be immediately eligible to compete in the spring or will I have to sit out a year? Thanks
Hello Rick,
My little brother is playing at a Community College and it is his last year there. He is good enough to play D1 and had some D1 looks his senior year of High School but got into trouble so was unable to play his freshmen year. He plans to begin to talk to D1 schools what is the best way to go about this? He is in season now and but wants to get the ball rolling on this process as soon as possible!
Rick,
I am a D3 student athlete and I am looking to transfer for academic reasons to a D1 or D2 school but I would also like to continue playing my sport. I have contacted the AD at my current school and he says there is no form for him to fill out and so on. could I obtain his written permission to contact other coaches? If you could email that would be great, there are a few more details that I don’t want to publish on this site. Thank you!
My daughter is a JUCO (NJCAA) freshman basketball player. For various reasons, but not grades, she has had a falling out with the coach and is no longer on the team. Can she transfer to another JUCO at the semester break in 3 weeks? or does she need to wait until the end of the school year? I know she can transfer, but would she be eligible and if not, how is it generally done?
Also I know that etiquette usually would dictate that my daughter make contact with prospective new colleges. But would it be frowned upon if her mother was to make some inital telephone calls to find out who has any possible interest and set up a telephone “interview” for her with those who have interest?
WARTH,
Yes, that is possible. However, be aware that if that Div. I coach contacts the son’s current coach to inquire about him before the son has spoken with his current coach, that could hurt the situation because coach’s don’t like to be caught by surprise in that type of situation.
Rick
Can a parent that is an asst HS coach contact a D1 coach telling him that his son is tranfering to the school and is in process of getting permission to speak to them?
Hi Spencer,
You would not have to sit out if your current school can certify that you would have been eligible had you returned to that school rather than transferring.
Rick
Rick,
I was wondering if I were to transfer from a D3 school to another D3 school at the end of the year, would I have to sit out a season if my sports season is in the fall?
Hi Rodney,
The NCAA rules state that any amount of competition during a season against an outside team (for example, one special teams play by a football athlete, or one inning of relief pitching) counts as one season of eligibility used. This is the standard rule for both NCAA Div. I and II.
You can try to appeal to the NAIA, but if they are following the rules of the NCAA since that’s where your son was enrolled at the time of his competition, then the appeal may not be successful.
Rick
Hi Rita,
One thing they will look for is whether the athlete was recruited, and were they (or should they have been) informed about the transfer rules and requirements. Along with that, they will look for whether there was possible misadvisement by a coach or academic authority regarding what courses the athlete should have been enrolled in.
They will also look for whether the athlete made any effort on their own to know what the transfer rules require. Or, what efforts, if any, did the athlete take to remedy the situation, such as whether he/she took additional summer hours.
Rick
Hi Kim,
He doesn’t have to sit out if he goes to either an FCS or a Div. II school, as long as he meets the academic requirements for the One-Time Transfer Exception and is released by his current school. If he signed a National Letter of Intent with his current school, it is best that he complete the school year and ask for his release near the end of the year. If he didn’t sign an NLI, he can ask for the release earlier.
Rick
Hi Alvarho,
You can still play two more years at the JUCO, and that would leave you two years to play at a four-year college. It may hurt your ability to transfer and be immediately eligible, however, as you may lose transfer credits in the process if you take too many at the JUCO. So consider leaving after playing just one year of JUCO basketball.
Rick
Hi Hugh,
No release or permission is needed for Div. II coaches to talk to you as a JUCO athlete. You should review our blog here on our website titled “Attending Junior College? Make Sure You’re a Qualifier.”
Rick
Hi Brooke,
Because you have already played in 3 games, you can only “redshirt” if you qualify for a medical hardship waiver, which requires the submission of medical documentation which shows your injury to be serious enough that you can’t compete for the remainder of the season. You should ask the compliance coordinator at your school about the rules for a medical hardship waiver.
Rick
What does the NCAA generally look for when deciding should they grant this waiver for a student? Student had a 3.3 gpa at the time of transfer along an associate degree. What else might they look for to determine if the grant the waiver?
My son was recruited to a D1 school for cross country/track for a partial scholarship. He signed a NLI. Recruiting coach left for another school. New coach comes in and was VERY unreasonable to work with so my son quit along with seven male runners and six female runners. The AD did not seem concerned that so many runners quit. My son competed in one race (the first of the season) and then quit the team because he wanted to keep his grades up. He ended up tranferring for an NAIA school for a generous scholarship for cross country/track. We recently found out that his former school charged him with a full season of competition in cross country even though he only competed in one race. My understanding is that he only needed to sit out one meet the next season and he had his full four years of eligibility remaining. An NAIA contact person said they followed NCAA as far as “face value” crediting/charging of full seasons to determine remaining eligiblity. Is that standard practice or can schools be vindictive and charge athletes with full seasons just because they can? Can we appeal this to get a full three years of competition beyond this season for cross country? He has four years left for track. Thanks!
Rick,
This is my first year I played JUCO soccer this semester. I want to move to a DII school next Fall without graduating at the NJcaa. Do I need some kind of release so the coaches can talk to me? none of DII coaches replied me, only the DIII coaches that I will leave as my last options in case I dont find a DII school.
thank you very much!
Hugh
Hi Rick, I am a D II basketball player, and have transferred this year for my senior year. Ran into some injury early and getting off to a slow start. I have only played 3 games and none of which are conference games. I would like to consider red shirting this year, because I do have more school left next year. Is this a possibility for me?
Hi Daniel,
I’m not familiar with NCCAA rules, so can’t answer your question with certainty. However, it would be unlikely that you can compete for two different institutions during the same sport season (especially a sport like basketball that crosses over both semesters). As far as how much eligibility you have left, the NAIA rules limit you to four years of eligibility within 10 semesters of full-time enrollment. The NCCAA rule may be similar.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Ray,
This website should be helpful in answering your question:
http://www.playnaia.org/page/transfers/php
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Russ,
If you stay at your current school for one more year after this one, you would have only one year remaining on your “five-year clock” to be able to play while in grad school at another university.
Rick
Hi Rita,
The athlete should speak with the athletic compliance office to see if a waiver of the Progress-Toward-Degree rule is possible.
Good luck!
Rick
Rick,
I will have been playing D1 tennis for 3 years at the end of this up coming spring. I was red shirted my first year and have played this past year and this year. Since coming to the school, I have not been satisfied with my coach and have contemplating quitting for a while. If I were to quit at the end of this season, but continue at the school for one more year to graduate, would I be eligible to play for two years if I went directly to graduate school at another school?
Hi Rick, When a student transfers and has enough credits for the 40/80/60 rule but the university only accepts 66 hour maximum what course of action does the student athlete take to become eligible?
Hi Rick,
I am currently a freshman (graduated high school last year) at a California community college. I am a full time student and will have an estimated 31 units done by the fall 2013 semester. I was recruited by some colleges for basketball my senior year but chose the JUCO route due to personal reasons, and I was wondering if it is still possible for me to play two more years so I could transfer on an athletic scholarship to a college? I am highly aware that I will have already completed a full year of credits by the time I would start playing and I think that you must be an enrolled full time student in order to play sports, but this would mess up the whole “transfer” process. Anything helps, thanks.
My son is a freshman at a D1 FBS school and was red-shirted this season. He doesn’t like it and wants to transfer to D1aa or D2. When is the best time to ask for permission to talk to other schools? My concern is if he does it before the spring football game he will be even more miserable because they will not have him participating due to thinking he will be transferring. If he waits until after spring game, is it too late? Also, does he have to sit out a year if he goes D1aa as opposed to D2?
Thank you-
Hey my brother and I are playing basketball at this bible college, it is a NCCAA Div. 2 school and we transferred here after playing our first year at a Juco. We already used our red shirt year so we are sophomores. We were wondering if we were to leave after the first semester how much eligibility would we have left? Also would it be possible to transfer to another NCCAA or NAIA college next semester and be able to play out the rest of the season there? thanks very much!
Hi Samantha,
You don’t know that the coach will stick by his word. Many parents who have been in a situation like yours would tell your daughter to take the scholarship offer that she has (or had) available. That coach is more likely to play your daughter, and give her more chances, if he or she has invested a scholarship in your daughter.
Rick
Hi Jim,
The athlete would need to sit out from competition at least one semester at the JUCO before being eligible to play.
Rick
If a division 2 athlete cannot make grades to be eligible or to even stay in school, could that athlete transfer to a juco at semester and be eligible to play? Or must you sit out a certain amount of time since that athlete failed out.
Hi Rick,
My daughter now a HS Senior, verbally committed to a DII school, they were offering a scholarship. Right before signing with the DII her first choice school who she had not heard from in a while offered her a spot on their team. The first choice school is a better fit in all area’s. But, with tomorrow being the last day of early signing the coach has not mentioned anything about a NLI, and is now saying her SAT scores are too low. He says she has a spot on the team and may have to red shirt. She gave up the DII a bit too soon I think. For now I’m worried with no NLI in hand, how do we know the coach will hold to his word and hold a spot for her on the team?
What should we do?
Since you seem to be very knowledgeabale about elgibility rules and regulations I have a question for you. I pleyed one year of college soccer at the NAIA institution(stayed for fall and spring semester) and then had to quit for some time and work to support my little brother! While taking time off from soccer I took some classes the following spring semester(skipped fall) and then decided to come back to playing soccer next fall again after 2 years of absence! Please tell me how many units(credit hours) do i need to have in order to be eligible to play soccer at naia institution!? Thank you so much
Hi Dom,
You’ve obviously already reviewed some of the information regarding a release from the NLI since you know about the penalties if you leave before completing one full year at your school. The only other thing you can do is come up with compelling reasons why the school should release you so that you don’t have a penalty at your next school. Those reasons should show how your transfer won’t hurt the school, and, in fact, could be beneficial to them.
Good luck!
Rick
Chelsey,
Your Partial Qualifier status has nothing to do with the fact that your coach didn’t help you with the Admissions process or tell you what you needed to do. It is based on what you did during your time in high school.
Your coach should not be able to take away your scholarship after you discuss a transfer with him, as long as you don’t quit the team, and keep attending all practice and workout sessions, and study halls that are expected of you.
Rick
Hi Robert,
Check out this website for further information, and look under the “Students” tab for Transfer Students.
http://www.playnaia.org
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Thank you a lot for clearing me up. One more question.Could my coach take away my scholarship after I discuss with him about transfer? I think it might be a good idea to wait and discuss with him at the end of the year but I don’t want to keep waiting around while I could be moving forward.
I have been considered about this partial qualifier situation too but I’m really unhappy here. Also, I don’t think it is all my fault that this happened because when I got into here my coach didn’t help me with any admission process and he didn’t tell me what I need to do at all.
Rick,
My son received a baseball scholarship to a Juco college and signed a letter of intent. This is his first semester of college. He and the coach did not see eye to eye and the coach cut him from the team.
The coach has said he has no hard feelings and said he would do the paperwork for a transfer and would even help him find another school.
The day after he was cut my son was contacted by a NAIA school about a scholarship this same year. He was contacted so quickly because he knows some ex pro players who directed him to college contacts.
What problems or pitfalls are we looking at from going from Juco to NAIA in the same baseball year. I would appreciate any advice.
Hi Rick,
I signed a letter of intent last February for a D1 soccer scholarship. I am currently a freshman and would like to transfer at semester to a D2 school seeing as my first semester was awful here…is it possible for me to transfer down and not lose anytime of eligibility? I know they say that you will lose two years or it can be reduced to one season but I would like to see if there is a possibility that I could not lose anytime for the transfer. It would free up more money for my current school I’m at and I wouldn’t have to waste Spring here too. What can I do to not lose that time? If that’s even possible
Chelsey,
That’s correct, except for one possible roadblock. You didn’t state if you are receiving an athletic scholarship as a partial qualifier. If you are, consider that your coach will probably not be real happy to hear that you plan on leaving when he/she has provided a scholarship for you and now you plan to leave before you ever compete for them. So be very careful about how and when you ask for permisson to talk with other schools about a possible transfer, because your coach may object to that and may object to your use of the One-Time Transfer Exception at the end of this year.
Rick
Hi Aaron,
Unless you have been withdrawn from the Div. II college and not in attendance there for at least one full year, then you will need permission from that school before you can talk with a Div. I school about a transfer. You should approach the compliance coordinator at the Div. II school to request permission to speak with other schools.
Rick
So I can start talking to another school coach and start the transfer process immediately after I receive the permission and
by the time that I really moving to the next school after my freshman year end I would have completed all the courses requirement so that I will be eligible for my second year at the next school. Am I correct?
Hi Chelsey,
You’ll need to receive permission from your current school to transfer, and will need to be eligible to compete at the time that you transfer in order to be eligible at your next school.
Rick
Hi, Mr.Allen
I’m a freshman and a partially qualified tennis player at D2 school. What do I need to do in order to be able to play and recieved scholarship after I transfer?
Hi Rick,
I was suspended from my div II college and I was redshirted there. I want to transfer to a local div 1aa as a walk on. Do I still need permission? How should I approach this ?
Hi Hayden,
The ability to get a scholarship at another school is totally up to the coach, but since many scholarships are issued for the full academic year, there aren’t many that are available in the middle of the year.
You can speak to your AD about the situation, but he’ll probably want to know if you have talked with the coach first, and if you haven’t, he will probably tell you to do so.
Rick
Hi Wes,
These rules won’t apply if you’re not participating on an intercollegiate team that is part of the NCAA or NAIA. The club organization may have their own set of rules, however.
Rick
Hi Anthony,
You may be eligible if you transfer if you meet the academic requirements for a transfer. You may want to purchase our downloadable transcript “What You Should Know About Transfers” which can be found in the Store of our website.
Rick
If I leave D11 water polo and transfer to club water polo do these rules apply?
hi rick
I play football at a division 2 schools and Im just ending my first semester. I want to transfer to another division 2 school because, the school im at now doesn’t have the major I want. Will I be eligible to play if I transfer
Hi Rick,
My name is Hayden and I am a sophomore swimmer at a D1 school. I am extremely unhappy at my current school. I love everything about it except for my coaches. I don’t agree with their coaching style and I am not getting better. This semester I decided that I really want to transfer somewhere else, but I am worried about the financial aspect of it, since the school I would like to transfer to is out of state. So my question is, if I transfer next semester would I not be able to get any kind of scholarship? And also, am I allowed to go and speak with my Athletic Director about the situation?
Thanks.
Hi Shane,
If you already have your signed permission to contact form, what are you waiting for? Contact other coaches, and when they ask if you have received permission to contact, you tell them you have and that you can fax it to them, or scan it and send it as an e-mail attachment.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick
I was a recruited wallk-on at a D1 but because of financial and family problems i had to leave the team. I want to play at a D1 closer to home. I asked for my release to talk to other coaches and recieved it, but i am unsure if i talk to coaches first then give them my permission to contact form, or do i give the athletics office a list of schools let them send them to the schools, and then contact the schools i wish to transfer to?
Crystal,
That’s correct. She would not be eligible until next year, but would not lose a year of eligibility. Since she redshirted her sophomore year, she’ll have two years of eligibility remaining.
Rick
Rick
Am I correct that after she received permission from her school,She can transfer and loss no eligibility in the NCAA?
Crystal
Hi Crystal,
If she were to transfer to an NCAA Div. I school at semester break, she could not be eligible to compete until next academic year. If she were to transfer to an NCAA Div. II school, she also could not be eligible until next year because she has already played in games this semester at the NAIA school. The same is also true if she were to go to a JUCO.
Rick
Rick
My daughter plays NAIA basketball and is in her 3rd yr. The 1st yr went as expected,a good amount of time for a frosh, 2nd yr she was a Red Shirt,being told that she would save her playing time for the next 3 yr, and here we are in the 3rd yr on the bench with 1-2 min evey other game. She is on a full ride and no stats to speak of…..
She is upset and lossing her love for the game, can she transfer????
Where can she go ???
She is a great student 3.8 GPA..
Crystal
Zeke,
Summer sessions don’t count toward the 10-semester limit, but any regular semester or quarter in which you were enrolled as a full-time student does count toward the limit. So, you just have one or two semesters remaining. Since you apparently chose not to play college sports during your enrollment, you don’t have “any way around it.”
Rick
I believe it to be 8 or 9, but I’m not 100% sure. Also, do summer sessions get counted too?
Zeke,
How many semesters have you been enrolled in college as a full-time student?
Rick
I’m in a bit of a dilemma. In Fall of 2006, I went to a DI university but did not play any sports. I have since graduated (May 2011) to be exact, but now I have the opportunity to play DII football due to playing well on the club level. My intent is to enroll in a graduate program, and then hopefully spend two or more years playing for the school. What issues will I run into, and if so what are ways around it as I’m sure there are? I have heard of the 10 semester rule, so I am looking for advice on what to do in my situation. Thanks in advance.
Hi John,
You won’t have to sit out a season if your school provides you a release and if you are eligible at the time you leave your school for another. You can apply for an academic scholarship at another school, but an athletic scholarship will be determined by the coach.
Rick
Hello Rick
I am at an NAIA uni and have not plated one minute of soccer since arriving,(been on the bench for all games)looks like I won’t get a game for two more years( unless the other keeper gets injured), I would like to transfer, will I have to sit out a season?
I am an internetional student with a scholarship, will I have to apply for a new one ?
Higgins,
I have some suggestions on how to go about this, and helped a family in a very similar situation last week. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com for more info.
Rick
What is the best “timing” to ask for a release to transfer? My daughter is in her sophomore year and plays volleyball for a DII school. She wants to transfer to another school. She knows what school and we are confidant that the new coach will welcome her to the team as she played for that coach on a club team. She must transfer mid year due to having 63 hours already and the new school will only transfer up to 65 hours. We have not contacted that school or coach but feel like we need to submit applications and apply for scholarships ASAP. Should we wait to tell the coach at DII school until after conference tournament or does it matter?
She was on partial scholarship at DII school and will be transferring from DII to NAIA school. Should she talk to compliance officer first? coach first? The coach is barely civil to my daughter, it has been this way since mid season freshman year, so much so that the other athletes have commented about it. It seems like she is trying to make her quit but my daughter felt that she should stick it out and honor her commitment. very uncomfortable situation!
Hi Malcolm,
If you return to your old school, or transfer to any other NCAA Div. I or II school, you won’t be able to be eligible in your first year since you have already used the One-Time Transfer Exception. It is possible that you could transfer to an NAIA school and be eligible by next Fall, as the NAIA rules often require that an athlete just sit out for one semester. Your chances at that are much better if you are in good academic standing, and have earned an average of 12 hours for each semester of enrollment, and have a GPA of at least 2.00.
I suggest that you wait until the end of the season and see what happens with your coaching staff, and then think more seriously about your options.
Rick
Jim,
Your son could be a possible candidate for a medical hardship waiver if he has not played in more than 20 percent of his team’s games, and if the team physician will document that he should not play any more this season. In effect, stating that he has tried to play through the injury, but that he’s not able to do so.
If he leaves school now and does not earn any academic credit hours this semester, it could cause him to lose eligibility at the two-year college. I suggest talking on a confidential basis to the coaches at the two-year college to inquire about their eligibility rules, as their conference may have additional rules over and above the NJCAA rules.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Rick…my question is two fold. My son is a frosh on a basketball scholarship at a NCAA D2 school.Last spring he was diagnosed with a rare eye disease. In the summer he had surgery to halt the progression of the disease,and is now in the recovery stage (6 months to a year).He elected to play this year, however, due to his current eye condition and recovery he is very frustrated and not playing up to (what he feels) his ability. If he could now, he would consider red-shirting this year, would he be a candidate to medical-red shirt? Second, because of his condition he also has considered leaving school and transferring to a local community college next semester so he could be closer to home and our doctors until the recovery period is over. If he left his current school now, before the end of the semester and then went to a CC next semester would he lose a full yesr of eligibility?
Kyle,
Whether or not you have to sit out a year will depend, in part, upon whether you were considered a Qualifier based on your high school academic record. Qualifiers have different transfer requirements than NonQualifiers. I suggest you check out http://www.playnaia.org, and http://www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.com.
Rick
Hi Tyler,
As a scholarship athlete at your NAIA school, you would not be able to be eligible during your first year of enrollment if you transfer to a Div. I program, but you can be if you transfer to Div. II. Contact me directly for detailed information on the transfer rules and process.
Rick
Hi Alex,
Look for the e-mail that I just sent directly to you to respond to your e-mail inquiry.
Rick
I am a freshman and currently attending a junior college and I want to play college golf. I have a solid resume and I was wondering if I would have to sit out a year if I go play for an NAIA team or any divion I,II,III school next fall?
Thanks, Kyle
I’m a division 2 football player in a nightmare of a transfer situation. I’m very stressed over finding a solution and hope you can help. I recently transferred from one d2 program where I walked on and spent 2 semesters on the team, a spring semester and a subsequent redshirt yr in the fall. I just transferred to a new d2 school where I’m on scholarship however everything is going wrong I feel the coaches have been dishonest with me as far as aide they would provide and chances at playing time, on top of that now there is a high likelihood the staff that recruited me will be fired after the season. Needless to say I’m in a bad spot at this new institution. I used my one time exception transfer to go to the school so now I’m wondering if there’s any way I can transfer again without penalty of sitting out due to circumstance of them being fired and everything else. I really want to return to my old school and play there. I haven’t got on the field at this new school during this current season. Im a college student with limited funds and resources so I would appreciate your assistance in this situation, on what my options are?? Thank you so much in advance! I know this is a long winded question
Hi Rick,
I currently need some help understanding the NCAA Division 2 transfer rules. I’m currently a division 2 soccer player, playing in the GLIAC. The first season went alright but I’m considering transferring. I need help explaining the rules, preferably what are all the steps in being able to transfer to another division 2 without having to sit out a year? I’m a bit confused about if I have to have a certain amount of transferable credits or not.
Thanks,
Alex
I am a freshman and play baseball at a NAIA school on a partial scholarship. I am thinking about transferring to a D2 school, or D1. I’ve tried looking up the transfer rules from NAIA to NCAA, but I’ve only found different answers. So what would I need to do to be able to transfer next year?
Hi Nikki,
You must have permission from your current school before coaches at an NCAA Div. I or II school can talk with you about a possible transfer. You may want to go to the Store of our website and purchase the downloadable transcript “What You Should Know About Transfers.”
Rick
Hi Charlotte,
If she signs for basketball with school A, but then decides to enroll at school B to play golf, she will have eligibility restrictions and will lose one or two years of eligibility unless school A will release her from her National Letter of Intent commitment. You may want to go to the Store of our website and purchase our downloadable transcript titled What You Should Know About the National Letter of Intent.
Rick
I am currently at an NAIA school playing soccer but decided that its not the right fit for the athletic program and want to transfer to a D1 or D2 school. But, I don’t know what the rules are as far as contacting coaches, etc.
My daughter is committed to play basketball at a d1 school but she is starting to like golf. I know they have partials. But she may be able to get a full if she has a really good season. I don’t want her to lose the basketball scholarship but she signs in the next couple weeks. What will be the consequences if she signs and decides in the spring she wants to play d1 golf at another school?
Hi DeAndre,
Yes, she’ll be able to do that as long as she meets the academic requirements for a transfer, and her school will grant her the One-Time Transfer Exception.
Rick
My Daughter is currently a freshman on a Basketball Scholarship at a Div 2 school. She just recently decided what she wanted to major in but her current school doesn’t have that major. Could she transfer to another Div 2 school at the end of the school year and be eligible for Basketball at the new school the following year?
Hi Calder,
As far as your admission question, that depends upon the college you will be applying to. All colleges determine their own deadlines. As far as your eligibility, you should be able to be eligible at the Div. I school as long as the Div. III school can say that you would be eligible if you were staying there rather than transferring.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am currently a freshman at a D3 school playing football and running track. I want to transfer to a small D1 school and walk on for football (no track). Will there be any eligibility problems and what is the date I need to apply for this college?
Thank you.
Lou,
Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com regarding this particular question.
Rick
Hello Rick,
I understand that the rules restrict direct contact between the “new” coach and the transfer athlete or his parents without written permission for contact but what about unrelated third party contact such as a Close friend or relative?
Hi Jacqueline,
Because your school doesn’t sponsor intercollegiate sports teams, you can contact coaches at other schools about a possible transfer. However, don’t be surprised if those schools ask for permission from your school just to verify that you’re not an athlete there.
Rick
Hi Rick, I was a rower in highschool but now I’m a freshman at an art school where there’s no sport teams. I’m thinking about transferring to a D1 school, am I allowed to contact coaches? Or do I need the permission even though I am not a student athlete now?
Hi Laura,
You didn’t mention what sport your son is in, and the “recruited” status is only a transfer factor in selected sports. I suggest you review our blog titled “NCAA Rules: Definition of a Recruited Athlete.”
Rick
My son is being asked to apply early decision to a DIII school. It could be considered “recruited”, but not for scholarship money or entrance to the school. He is more than qualified. But they do want him to play for them. It is in a rural area which is a plus for my son, but if he ends up really feeling isolated, what are his transfer options. Would he have more options later if he applied regular decision (just do it early) and essentially be a “walk on”?
Hi Erica,
You must have permission from your current school before coaches at other schools can talk with you about a transfer. Whether they would have a scholarship available for you is totally up to the coach based on his or her level of interest. Whether you would have to redshirt would depend upon a number of things. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you desire more detailed info.
Rick
Jay,
That’s the National Junior College Athletic Association, the governing body for almost all junior college athletic programs outside the state of California (they have their own organization for JUCOs in the state). Their website is http://www.njcaa.org.
Rick
Thanks Rick, also can you tell me what a NJCAA is?
Hi Rick
I am currently attending Colorado State University and I am swimming for the team there as well. I am not satisfied with my choice as much as I thought I would be. I am just curious as to when I can contact another school about transferring and what rules apply to swimming and diving? Also I am on almost a full ride to CSU and I was wondering if there is anyway I can receive a scholarship to another university and if I would have to redshirt? Thanks and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Hi Tony,
A Div. III s-a can contact a Div. II program without that, but the coaches at the Div. II school won’t be able to respond to his contact until they have written permission from his current school.
Rick
Does a D3 SA need a written release and permission to contact a D2 program?
Hi Pam,
Your son will almost certainly lose a year (or at the least be required to sit out for a year) if he transfers within the same conference. In fact, he may not be granted permission to talk to another school within the same conference.
Rick
Hi Rock,
My understanding is that they won’t take away your scholarship for that semester, but that you may not have it for the following semester.
You should start by asking your coach, when you are ready, for permission to talk to other schools about a transfer. This is because if you don’t and you contact another school, that school is required to let your school know that you’ve reached out to them. Your coach will probably not be happy if he is caught by surprise and you’ve haven’t given him advance warning.
Rick
Hey I am in my second year of playing naia football. I want to transfer to a naia school close to home and finish my career there. If I ask for permission to talk to other schools will they the take my scholarship away? And what is the process. Thanks!
Hi Rick,
My son was recruited to play golf at Div 2 school away from home. Has played 1 match as indivual but not qualified for any matches. Now he thinks he wants to come home and maybe go to another d2 team in same conference. Will he lose a year if he leaves after 1 semester and transfer within division
Hi Jim,
As a 4-2-4 transfer, your son could be eligible for Spring 2014 at a Div. I school if he gets his Associates Degree next Spring or Summer, and satisfies the other academic requirements to be eligible. For more details on what he needs to do, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Rick,
My son is a sophomore baseball player at a D1 school. He wishes to transfer to another D1 school for the spring semester so that he can complete what would be a full year (spring 2013 and fall 2013) at the school and be able to play spring 2014 there. He doesn’t have much time to get this together so if he transferred to a 2 year school for just the spring 2013 so he can play there I assume he’ll still have to sit out until 2015 spring to play at a D1? Please advise and many thanks!
Jim
Hi Daniel,
Your age isn’t as important as the number of years that you’ve been in school. An athlete has 5 years (if at Div. I) or 10 semesters of full-time enrollment (for NCAA Div. II, III, or NAIA) in which to use 4 seasons of eligibility.
Rick
Hi Bill,
If the Div. II FB coach that your son contacted is interested in talking with him about a possible transfer, he will have to seek permission from your son’s Div. III school.
If your son transfers to a JUCO to play football, he’ll then have to satisfy the 4-2-4 transfer rules to be eligible when he moves on to Div. I or II. If he moves directly to Div. I or II for football or basketball, he could be eligible immediately, or might have to sit out a year before being eligible for competition (but could still practice with the team). For more details on the transfer rules, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Can a student walk on an athletic team at 20 years old. I have been wrestling for 6 years and had surgery senior year. As a sophomore I attempted to walk on a D1 program but failed. So now I am trying again at a D3 program I am transferring to mid semester. I keeped myself in some form of shape by doing judo and wrestling with my old high school. Is this a route some athletes take when something doesn’t workout in one area?
My son is enrolled at a D3 school for 2012-2013 calender year and is playing Basketball. He played multiple sports in High School and recruited in all. He has pondered the following scenarios:
1. Transfer to a JUCO in January and play Football.
2. Transfer after the full year to a D2 or D1 to play Football.(walk on)
or
3. Transfer after the full year to a D2 or D1 to play Basketball(walk on)
What are his requirements for each scenario?
If he sent an e-mail to a d2 football coach inquiring are they required to report? they did not reply
Hi Cathy,
Your son will need permission from his school in order for coaches at other schools to be able to discuss a possible transfer with him. Your son won’t need to worry about his NLI commitment as long as he’s not transferring to an NCAA Div. I or II school. For more details on the transfer rules, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
My son signed his NLI and received an athletic scholarship to play DII football. He was hurt at the very first practice and has not practiced or played in a game since, however he has not been officially redshirted. He is extremely unhappy at the school and would like to transfer to a DIII school. Will he need to get permission to contact the other school first? And can he transfer for the spring semester? I read some where that if you signed an NLI you were not able to transfer within the first year. Also, how many years does he have left to play? Will he be able to play in the fall?
Hi Niecy,
Unless your son was a non-recruited walk-on at his current school, he can’t transfer to a Div. I program with only one year of eligibility remaining. However, he could possibly transfer to a Div. II or NAIA school. For the steps on how to make this happen, refer to the personal e-mail that I just sent to you.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son is Jr football player at a Div. I school. He would like to transfer to a smaller school for his final year of college. We have been given mixed messages. My son’s position coach says that he can transfer and our friend, who is a former recruiter and college coach, says our son has to play his final year at this school. Can you shed some light on this for us and lead us to the steps we need to take to make this happen.
Thanks,
Denise
Sure, it’s rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Rick, could I possibly get your email address? My question requires some background information and will take too much space for this
Hi Evan,
If you signed a Letter of Intent with your school, you’ll need to be released by your school and earn at least 12 credit hours this Fall with at least a 2.00 GPA to play baseball elsewhere this Spring.
Rick
hi i am attending a juco now but would like to move closer to home and attend another juco. I play baseball and am on scholarship what are the rules for me to transfer to another juco and still be able to play baseball this spring for the new juco?
Hi Jim,
Div. I schools are not allowed to cancel an athlete’s scholarship as a result of a request to speak to other schools. However, if an athlete quits or voluntarily withdraws from a team, the school has the right to immediately cancel the scholarship at that point.
Rick
If a Division 1 student athlete asks his coach fo a release in the current fall semester in order to look at options for spring transfer. Is the fall athletic scholarship money taken away? I was under the impression that current semester funds were not lost, but after that the scholarship funding is no longer awarded.
Hi Linda,
There is no specific transfer period for lacrosse (or any other sport). For information about the One-Time Transfer Exception, you may want to purchase the downloadable transcript “What You Should Know About Transfers” from the Store of this website.
Rick
Hi Rick,
Is there a specific transfer period for D1 lacrosse? What is the one time exception transfer and who qualifies for that? Thanks
Hi Thomas,
I can explain the amount of “time” you have available to use your college eligibility. NCAA Div. I athletes have a “five-year clock” during which they can use their four seasons of eligibility. The “clock” starts with your first semester of full-time college enrollment, and keeps “ticking” even if you are not enrolled, or are only enrolled part-time. The only exceptions would be if you have spent time in the military or on an official church mission.
NCAA Div. II, III, and NAIA allow 10 semesters or 15 quarters of full-time enrollment to use your four seasons of eligibility. For this rule, part-time semesters, or semesters when you weren’t enrolled at all won’t count against your limit of 10 semesters or 15 quarters.
Rick
Hello my name is Thomas Coyne, I been stuck at a community college for four years. I been told I only have one more year to play anywhere. I red shirted my first year, switch schools played and last year I got hurt, got a medical red shirt. I’m sticking around this year to play and finish my my AA. I been something about how many quarters (school goes by quarters) I take, matters not the many time. Can you please help me
Hi Phil,
Based on your statements, I’m not sure if he’s in his sophomore or junior year as a student. Keep in mind that he has 10 semesters of full-time enrollment in which to use his four years of eligibility. He can do a “self-release” to talk to another Div. III coach (it can be found on the NCAA website), but be aware that the coaches he contacts will probably contact his current coach to ask what kind of athlete/student he is on and off the field.
Rick
Hi Rick, 1st question my son is at a D3 school. He was red shirted freshman year, sophmore (freshman as a baseball player)never made team played on JV team this year. (sophmore) this year on the bubble with tryouts. Can he transfer to a Junior College and play his two years, is this allowed? 2nd question If he decides to transfer to another D3 can he talk to coaches and how do they go about transfers after they may have had their own tryouts? Thanks for your time.
Hi Nicole,
I believe it will hurt him to not play college ball for a semester. Also, that’s not a way to get “recruited again for Fall 2013.” He needs to use contacts such as his HS coach or his former NAIA coach to help him find a place to play and stay there to pursue his degree.
Rick
Good Morning-
My son played NAIA Basketball last year
and was a red shirt with a 3.0 GPA and 26 credits.
It was his choice to transfer this year (sophmore) to be close to home and play at a bible college. He realized this was not a good choice and misses the competitve play. Question for you if he transfers this semesters to a D1 school this Jan for one semester and plays intramural and keeps working out and playing everyday as he always does can he get recruited again for Fall 2013 (NAIA level). Or will it hurt him to not play in college for a semester? He has a true passion for the game and it keeps him focused for his future and grades. Please Advise, Many Thanks
Matt,
If you’re not in good academic standing when you leave your current school, it is unlikely that you can be eligible next Fall at another university. This is especially true at an NCAA Div. I or II school.
You can go to a two-year college, but would need to satisfy the 4-2-4 transfer requirements to be eligible in your first year at the next four-year school. If you want more detailed information on the transfer rules, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Nate,
Yes, you will need written permission before coaches at the Div. III school can talk with you about a possible transfer. If you are in good shape academically, it is possible for you to transfer and not have to sit out a year. If you’re interested in more details about the transfer process, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
I’m currently a freshman playing soccer at an NAIA institution. We are currently in the middle of our season. I am sadly failing Chemistry and Pre-cal, Even though i put in all kinds of work it looks as if i’m going to fail. If i was to fail, I would need to go home for the spring semester because i simply can’t afford them taking away my academic scholarships. So my question is if i was to go to a community college for the spring semester could i attend an NAIA, or NCAA D1 or D2 school to play in the fall and be eligible. Or could i just transfer in the spring to a diffrent university for the spring and then be eligible to play again in the fall for that university.
Rick,
I attend a DII school and I was thinking about transferring down a division to a dIII school back home. Would I need a written Permission-to-contact to talk to the coach at the DIII school? And also would I need to sit out a year if I were to transfer down a division?
Thanks
Hi Carie,
It is possible for your daughter to transfer and be immediately eligible at the next school. If you’d like more details about the transfer rules and process, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Good morning Rick,
Thanks for taking the time to answer my question a few weeks ago. I am looking over my daughters financial agreement to attend the NAIA school she is at now. The letter she signed clearly says it is for Volleyball 2012/13 It says the assistance is for one year and will be considered for renewal every year after as long as she is in good standing with the school. My question is, does she need to be released to play for another school next fall or will she need to red-shirt? How willing are schools to pick up a red shirt athlete?
thanks,
Carie
Thanks Rick. Appreciate the clarification.
Hi Dee,
The rule you are referring to is actually the set of guidelines for seeking a Medical Hardship Waiver. Such a waiver provides an athlete an additional year of eligibility if they have already competed, but then become injured or ill to the point that they cannot compete for the rest of the season.
A season of eligibility is used if an athlete competes in even just one minute, one play, or one inning of a game against an outside team (with a few exceptions for certain sports in their “off-season”). So, your daughter has definitely used a season of eligibility, and would only be able to “get this year back” if she becomes injured or ill within the guidelines you’ve cited.
Rick
Hi Rick –
Just wanted to clarify something regarding red-shirting. I thought I read that an athlete could seek red-shirt status if injured or if the athlete has not played in more than 30% of matches/games and has not played in any match/game after the half-way point of their respective season? My daughter transferred from NAIA school her freshman year to D1 school this sophomore year and is not getting much playing time. We would like to request a red-shirt for her this year to preserve her eligibility, however, the coach has put her into 9 games so far this season. The team has played over 50 games this season (but has not yet reached the mid-way point), so 9 games is definitely less than 30% of the season. Did I interpret the rulings correctly regarding red-shirt or am I off base and she is not eligible for a red-shirt this season? Please help! She is extremely miserable at current school, may consider another transfer, so want to preserve as much of her eligibility as we can. Thank you!
Hi Spencer,
Applying for admission at other schools is not considered contact. That rule is referring specifically to contact with coaches or athletic staff members at another school.
Good luck!
Rick
I want to transfer schools, i play D3 football and the rules state that as long as i am on a team i cannot have contact with other schools or coaches unless i have a written release. I was wondering if applying at other schools is considered contact. Because the application deadline for transfer students is during my season and i want to finish this season before i get my release.
Jesus,
In order to answer your question, I’ll need to know if you registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center, whether you were certified as a Qualifier, and when you began your enrollment at the JUCO. You should contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
mister rick. there is a possibility to me playing next semester? i have 56 credits and 3.0 gpa. i just apply in the school and im waiting for the answer. they will offer me a full ride if everything in the paperwork is good. i took pre algebra but i dont think really matter because it doesnt count like a college class… what can i do? do i have to wait one more semester? or can i take math this semester and still playing my junior year?
Hi Vii,
As long as you don’t use a redshirt year prior to your junior year, yes, you can do that.
Rick
Hi Jesus,
It’s possible that not taking any math classes could be a problem for you. It depends upon whether you were certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center as a Qualifier and when you began your junior college enrollment. You should talk to the compliance coordinator at the Div. II school.
Rick
hey rick im sorry if your answering the same question i didnt have time to read all the Q&A’s- i am at a community college taking enough credit hours to transfer to a D1 school. I wont have enough until the beginning of my sophmore year and will have to walk on in the spring of my sophomore year. By the time im on the team it will be my junior year. Can i redshirt that year to extend my eligibility time?
i just graduate from a junior college and im going to a d2 school to play baseball but i didnt take any math classes? i will be playing in the spring? is going to be a problem for my situation
Hi Charles,
Part of the answer to your question depends upon the admission requirements of the JUCO that you plan to play for next Fall. However, you can probably assume that you will need at least a 2.00 GPA, and you may also need an average of at least 12 hours of academic credit for each term of full-time attendance in college. If you want more details on the transfer rules to prepare you for moving from JUCO to a four-year school, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
I have a question that I am seriously stressing about. My freshman year i attended Pacific Lutheran University, a Diii in Washington. I started in every football game, but finished the year with a 1.87 GPA. For numerous reasons I left the school and transferred to a Juco in california, But was not able to play because of my gpa, and then missed deadlines so now i can’t even take classes this semester. I currently only have 28 credits, and will be taking classes at Barstow Community College in the spring and summer to raise my GPA. Will i be able to play at a Juco next fall? Or would i have to sit out another year and take enough classes to be able to transfer to a Cal State school (SDSU, SJSU) and then play there in the fall of 2014? If so how many years would i have left of eligibility? I really need your help.
Hi Deb,
She doesn’t lose her scholarship as long as she doesn’t quit the team and as long as she does everything on and off the court that the coaches ask of her. Requesting permission to talk to another school does not constitute “quitting the team.”
Any amount of playing time, even just a minute or two late in a non-conference match, will count as a full season of eligibility used. So, she may want to talk to the coach about redshirting so that the coach doesn’t put her in for just a few minutes late in a match.
Rick
Rick:
My daughter is a junior at a D-1 college and plays volleyball with a full scholarship and she is looking to transfer. If she gets the request letter to talk to other schools now, does she lose her scholarship now? Also, she hasn’t played much and wants to retain this year’s eligibility. How long into the season or how many games do you have to play to lose the entire year of eligibility? Thanks,
Deb
Hi John,
The thing to keep in mind is that you have 5 years (or 10 semesters) of college enrollment during which you can use your four years of eligibility. So, you could compete for two years at a JUCO, but it would reduce the eligibility you would have available at a four-year college.
Rick
Hi Josh,
Serving an academic year in residence just means that you are not eligible to compete until you have attended your school for one full academic year. You should be able to practice with your team and consider this year as a redshirt year.
Rick
Rick,
I attended a Div. III university and was apart of the baseball team. As a result of poor grades (to the coaches standard not NCAA) and an injury at the very end of the season I did not play a single inning of NCAA baseball, but I remained with the team for practice and games on the roster. I did not play my sophomore year because of a surgery. I am now at a JuCo, but because I did not record any playing time in NCAA I am not sure if I have one year of eligibility with this JuCo or two?
Hi Rick,
I’m a JUCO transfer to a top ranked DI school and I was informed a few days ago that I had to sit a academic year of residence. I’m a track guy and sitting out a full year without being able to practice can really set me back. Is it possible to still be able to be cleared to practice with the team for the year? Using this year like a red-shirt year?
Thanks alot!
Hi Jim,
Your son could transfer to a Div. II or III school for the Spring 2013 semester, and could be immediately eligible. If you’d like more details on the transfer rules, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Rick,
My son is a sophomore playing D1 baseball. He is in the midst of his Fall season and is playing in Fall games. As a freshman he played, collecting over 35 Abs until an illness caused him to stop playing. He is disgruntled with the program and is considering a transfer. My question: I know he would have to sit out a year at another D1 school but if he transferred after this current first semester can he transfer assuming he gets the coach’s permission, to a D2 or D3 school for the second semester (2013)? I assume he could not play that semester but would he be able to practice with the team he transferred to through the Spring season?
Many thanks for your help,
Jim
Hi Brandon,
Yes, this is possible. For details on the transfer rules and process, you may want to contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Can a scholarship athlete be immediately eligible if they transfer from an NAIA school to a NCAA Div. II school after the fall semester, so they would attend the new school for the spring semester of 2013? Is the athlete’s elligibility effected at all for the next upcoming season in the fall semester of 2013??
Hi Leah,
Yes, he needs permission from his current school before coaches at other schools can speak with him. He can transfer to any level, but there are different rules associated with each level. You can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com for more details on the transfer rules and process.
Rick
Hi Robert,
Has your daughter registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center and submitted a HS transcript and ACT or SAT test score? If she’s not been certified by the Eligibility Center as a Div. I Qualifier she’ll need to attend a two-year college for at least 3 semesters and earn her AA degree to be eligible upon transfer to a Div. I school. For more info on the transfer rules, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Dear Rick,
My daughter has a GED and is thinking of attending a local community college, playing lacrosse, and then transferring to a D-1 program. Is there a way for her to just play ONE year of lacrosse at the community college, so that she’d be able to play THREE years for a D-1 team?
Thanks so much!
Hello,
My son is a freshmen football player at a Div. III school who is thinking about transferring to another school. He was recruited by D-IAA (Offered by a patriot -non scholarship school last year),Div. II and D-III schools. What does he need to do regarding contacting other schools? Does he need permission from his current school prior to contacting other schools? Can he transfer to any level?
Thanks for your assistance,
Leah
Hi Bill,
Your daughter should definitely notify her current coach before contacting other schools. You may want to contact me directly to schedule a phone consultation so that I can walk you through the steps in the transfer process. You can contact me at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Rick,
My daughter signed with an N.A.I.A school following her high school career and is currently in the middle of her first semester of volleyball for that same school . She is not sure if she wants to continue playing volleyball but should she transfer to another N.A.I.A school or D3 N.C.A.A school does she need to notify her current coach before sending feelers out. The current school she is at does not have the major she really wanted ,she signed mostly because they offered her a full tuition scholarship . What would be her eligibility status be and could she visit/talk financial packages with other schools while still under scholarship.
Boe,
It would be appropriate to schedule a consultation to review the appeal process and strategize for it. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if that is of interest to you.
Rick
Hello Rick, My son play D11 football this is his Soph. year played as a true freshman and Soph. Wants to transfer. But also knows he will be denied permission to contact. We will appeal, question is what is an exceptable reason to over turn the denial. What happens at the appeals process? Want to make sure he has all his ducks in a row. Thanks for the help
Hi Shondra,
Bringing your son back to a JUCO closer to home will not hurt him. Your son should receive a status of NCAA Qualifier or NonQualifier from the NCAA Eligibility Center because he will then know what he needs to achieve academically to be eligible when he transfers to an NCAA school. (Div. III does not use the Eligibility Center.) If you want more detailed info on the transfer rules, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Mike,
You may want to go to the Store of our website and purchase What You Should Know About Transfers to answer some of your questions.
Rick
Hello Rick,
My son is still waiting on his qualifying status from NCAA; however, he is attending JUCO in CA as a freshman, but we wanted to bring him home after one semester when the season ends because he won’t be playing. Will it hurt him if we bring him home to finish his first year at a junior college with no athletic programs? He will have 13 transferrable credits by December. This is an effort to save money and bring him closer as we live in South Florida. His NCAA amateur status is “final certified” and his division status says “decision not yet available” for DI and DII, nothing listed for DIII. What does this mean?
I find your site very informative. It’s really a blessing for students and parents to have someone with your knowledge to turn to. Thank you so much.
I am a d2 JV basketball player and i have potential to do better things athletically. Im interested in transferring after this year if i am not moved up. How should i go about this?
Hi Rita,
As long as your son was not a recruited walk-on to the Div. I football team (see our blog on this website titled “NCAA Rules – Definition of a Recruited Athlete”), he can transfer to another Div. I or Div. II school and play football next season, as long as he meets the academic requirements for transfer. Because he is a member of the team, he will need written permission before coaches at other schools can speak with him about a possible transfer. For more details on the transfer rules and process, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Good evening Rick,
My son currently attends a Division I-A FCS school as a walk on player. He has decided to transfer back to our home state )out of state tuition is causing my family a hardship) my question si can he transfer to a Div I, Div I-A or a Div II school without having to sit out a year and would he still need to receive permission to speak with the other school? And who cna speak to the other school on my sons behalf. Thank you in advance for your time.
Sincerely,
Rita
Hi Kevin,
You would have to have been withdrawn from your Div. I school for at least one full academic year for coaches at other schools to be able to speak with you without permission from your school. For more details on the rules and process of a transfer, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Preston,
Yes, it would be possible to transfer to a JUCO and then to a Div. I program. You would be considered a 4-2-4 transfer and would have to meet the 4-2-4 academic requirements for transfer to be immediately eligible when you transfer to a Div. I school. You can contact me directly for more complete info at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Cindy,
It’s not too late for you to play for a university, it just depends upon your opportunity to “be seen” by coaches and whether you are academically eligible when you transfer. For details on the transfer rules and process, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I played football for a D2 school and was looking to transfer to a D1. However, something happened at the last minute and I wasn’t able to go. I was wondering if I would be able to transfer to a JUCO and then transfer to the D1 college. Oh yea, I redshirted my freshman year and I’m now a sophomore and am not in school right now.
Hi Rick,
I was wondering if you could help me. I spent 3 years at a division 1 school, but the situation ended on a bad note. I am now out of school, but want to head to a 1AA football school next summer/fall. I am no longer with my team at the division 1 school nor am I enrolled in school. Do I still have to get a release form from my old school even though I’m not even enrolled anymore? I’ve emailed a bunch of schools that I’m considering but they have all asked if I have a release and I don’t know how to answer them. Please give me any information you can about how I can better my situation.
Thats what I figured but just wanted to make sure. Thank you!
Hi, I graduated high school in 2011. I played womens soccer competively my whole life but did not play college ball my first year of college. I attended a community college and am currently still at a community college. So I was wondering if it is too late to play for a university? If not what are the steps I should make to play in for a D2 or D3 university.
Hi Tyler,
You can consider this year as your redshirt year, and still have 3 years of eligibility at a four-year school.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I played NJCAA baseball last spring. I was injured and I had Elbow surgery. My rehab process is a full year. I am currently taking classes to finish my 2 year degree and graduate spring 13′. I want to transfer to a 4 year college in the Fall of 13′ to continue my baseball path. Does taking classes this year and not playing take away a year of eligibility?
Yes thank you so much!
Hi Jill,
The answer to both those questions is yes.
Rick
Thanks Rick! If he decides to finish the year where he is, would he also be eligible to play next fall for his jr year? Would we still need to talk to his coach before talking to other D2 coaches?
Thanks
Jill
Hi Brandon,
For complete info on the transfer rules and the process to navigate a transfer, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Hanah,
I’m not sure how the NAIA rules work regarding redshirting, but if you plan to transfer to an NCAA school, this will be considered a season of eligibility used.
Rick
Hi Jill,
Yes, it would be possible to play for another Div. II school in the spring. Your son will want to make sure that his current school declares their Fall golf season as their “nonchampionship segment” for NCAA purposes. If so, he can then play for another school during the championship segment, provided that his current school will agree to his use of the One-Time Transfer Exception, and that they can say that he would be academically eligible if he were returning to their school rather than transferring.
Rick
Hi Catharine,
Basedo on the information that you’ve provided, this coach appears to be “doing right” by your son. The sport of soccer allows an athlete to have a “redshirt” season in the Fall, but still be permitted to play in the spring games. This sounds like a good situation for his development.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Hi JJ,
If the athlete has attended 2 years of JUCO as a full-time student, that athlete would have 3 years left on their 5-year clock (if going to NCAA Div. I) or 6 semesters left on their 10-semester limit (if going to NCAA Div. II, III, or NAIA). Does this answer your question?
Rick
I’m considering transfering from a NAIA school to a NCAA D1 school. What all do I need to do in order to transfer and be eligble for the next season. I’m also a red shirt freshman.
Hi rick. Im a junior that transferred to an naia school on a soccer scholarship. The team is not how i thought and the coach id difficult. I have played in two games so far so can i no longer redshirt? I want to transfer but most schools probably will not give me a scholarship for one year.
Hi Rick,
My son is a golfer for a D2 where he was recruited to go and is on athletic and academic scholarship. He is a sophomore and played in tournaments his fresman year and also already this year (golf is a fall and spring sport). His grades are in good standing. He is thinking of transferring to another D2 closer to home (not in the same conference). He has not spoken to his coach yet until he decides for sure what he wants to do. Part of his decision will depend on whether or not he would have to sit out a year and if the new school would offer him a scholarship. Would he be able to transfer at the end of the semester in december and play for another D2 in the spring?
Thanks
Dear Rick,
My son is a recruited freshman soccer player (NOT being given any financial assistance) at a competitive D1 university. He practiced the full pre-season and played in one pre-season “scrimmage.” After not playing him in the first 5 games of this fall season, his coach has “asked him to redshirt” and has told him that it “would be to his advantage” to have the extra season of eligibility. The configuration of the team is that 7 of the 11 starters are seniors and play all game every game; 2 juniors, 2 sophmores, and 1 freshman play most of all the games. 1 freshman gets on a little. 4 other freshmen recruits and 1 JUCO transfer are not getting on at all. My question is: if my son redshirts, does that mean that he cannot play in any of the competition in spring (about 5 games)? It seems to me, with so many seniors leaving, that logically the coach would use the spring to develop the younger players if he really intended them as viable players next year. Would it really be to my son’s advantage to miss this spring ball if redshirting requires him to sit it out? Thanks so much for your thoughts
Rick
Please help clarify a debate. How many years of eligibility would a student athlete have left if the student athlete attended 2 years at a JUCO and failed to be academically eligible. Would the 10 semester rule be consecutive? We at one time called the NCAA to explain this and they simply put that once you enroll in college and attend certain amount of weeks your clock starts ticking for the 10 semester rule and you at that point have 5 years to play 4. It is being said that after 2 years of school this athlete is still considered a Freshman for athletics since he has not gotten on the field. Is this true?
Hi Chris,
You wouldn’t have to sit out a year at an NCAA Div. I school next year if you weren’t recruited to the Div. III school, and if you meet the academic requirements for a 4-4 transfer. For more detailed information on the transfer rules, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Jake,
Dropping classes now will put you at a disadvantage later on if you hope to transfer to an NCAA Div. I or II school, as you’ll be held accountable for earning at least 12 hours of academic credit this semester. It would be better if you could finish out the semester before leaving, but I understand that your family situation may not allow that. For more details on the academic requirements to be eligible at an NCAA or NAIA school after going to a JUCO, you may want to contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Carie,
Your daughter can transfer to another school out of her league and not have to sit a year, as long as she is released by her current school, and is in good academic standing when she leaves. She’ll need to receive permission from her current school before talking to coaches at another school.
Rick
Hello rick i am a freshman at a large NAIA school here in TN, I came here on scholarship for baseball from Florida but i have family that is unhealthy and i would like to be closer to home to them and see them as it could be there last year. Also, my grades are slipping and its only the 4th week of classes. I want to drop classes and leave the school and play at a JUCO school in my hometown next season. Is this possible without me sitting out a year? Would i be considered a freshman?
Hi,
My daughter plays VB for an NAIA school and received a partial scholarship. The school does not have her major and she is thinking of making a change. 2 things, can she transfer to another NAIA school out of her league and not have to sit out a year? When can she start talking to another coach/school? Her scholarship is a year to year basis as well.
thanks,
Carie
Hi Cheryl,
It would be possible to transfer and play her senior year at another NAIA school, as long as her current school will provide her a release and as long as she meets the academic requirements to be immediately eligible at the next school.
Rick
Hey Rick,
Im a baseball pitcher/outfielder who recovered from shoulder surgery my freshman year of college and am now starting my first year of eligibility as a Sophmore where I walked onto a Div. III school this year, and its going very well. If I was to walk onto a Div. I school next year would I have to sit out a year or could I start right away since both situations would be non-scholarship walk-ons.
-Thank you for all your help, -Chris
Hi
My daughter transferred to an NAI school as a jr after 2 years at a JC & is playing volleyball. Is it possible to transfer to another NAI school and be able to play her senior year there? Or does she need to sit out a year?
Thanks
Cheryl
Hi Amy,
NCAA Div. II rules allow an athlete 10 semesters of full-time enrollment during which they can have up to four seasons of eligibility. I don’t know why your son is being told by that particular Div. II school that he only has one year left, unless it has something to do with their academic policies and the number of transferable hours they will accept, or unless it is a rule particular to their conference. I suggest contacting a different Div. II school in a different conference and see what they tell him.
Rick
Hi Rick
My son is a baseball player and played 2 years at JC and then went to an NAIA school last year where he red shirted. A Div II school now wants him to play for them but tell him he only has one year left because of the total units to date he has taken between JC and NAIA. Why does he not have 2 years left to play D II but has been told he has 2 years to play if he returns to the NAIA school?? I’m so confused. Amy
Hi Mo,
In order to receive a JUCO hardship waiver, you cannot play in more than 2 games or 20 percent of your team’s regular season schedule, whichever is greater. The injury or illness must be serious enough to cause you to miss the rest of the season and must have occurred during the first half of the season schedule.
Rick
Hi Tyler,
That depends upon your sport and whether you signed a National Letter of Intent. It might be best if you contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com for more info.
Rick
Hi Megan,
To explain the details of the transfer process, it would be better if you contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Rick, I recently went to a JC (received my AA degree) and transferred to a division 1 school. They recruited me in the summer and offered me a scholarship, and I didn’t have any other options so I took it. Ive been here for about a week and do not like it very much. Is there any way I can leave before the season even starts that wouldn’t affect my eligibility? Thanks so much.
Hello,
I am a Freshman D1 Athlete attending a school 3300 miles away from home. I did go on an official visit spring of 12′ and i enjoyed myself. However, as of right now. I am red shirting due to foot surgery (which occurred first college game of the yr). I’m very unhappy and uncomfortable and am looking into how things would go about when transferring after the first semester.. Could you help me out on how that would work? And what i would need in order to fulfill this?
Thanks!
Hi, can you explain the rules of a medical redshirt for juco football. Can an athlete medical redshirt if he’s already played in two games?
Hi Chanel,
You didn’t say specifically whether last year was his freshman year, but I will assume that it was. Assuming that he meets all the academic requirements to be eligible for Div. II or Div. III, he should have two years of eligibility remaining after he earns his AA degree based on the plan that you’ve described.
Rick
Hi rick! My boyfriend went to 2 different JC’s last year but did not play a sport. He then transferred to a D3 to play soccer. It wasn’t what he expected so he wants to come back home after his first semester there. He is playing soccer at the D3 but is transferring back to a JC to finish his gen ed. Can he play soccer at the JC next year and transfer to a D2 or D3 after his gen ed and still be eligible to compete?
Hi Aaron,
You need to complete one year of enrollment at your current school, and need to be eligible at the end of this year so that the school can say that you would be eligible if you were returning to their school rather than transferring.
You should not need permission from your current school to talk with other coaches if you’re a Nonqualifier and not a current member of the team. However, coaches at other schools may request one anyway in order to follow the policies of their athletic department.
Good luck!
Rick
Rick,
MY current situation is a bit complicated. I am a freshman student a a D1 school. I was going to walk-on to the football team but before I got to practice my academic status was declared as a non-qualifier for D1 but was qualified for D2. I have two question. 1) Will i be eligible to play in the spring at a D1 school if I am a non-qualifier or do I have to wait until the fall. 2) If I wanted to talk to other coaches about transferring to their school would I need permission to contact seeing that I am not currently on the team and have not practiced with the team?
Hi Christian,
As long as your current school will grant you permission to transfer, and will be able to say – at the time that you transfer – that you would be eligible if you were returning to their school rather than transferring, you should not have to sit out a year at the next school. If you’d like additional information on the transfer rules and academic requirements, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi, Went through the ncaa handbook and was very confused on what its trying to get at, just wanting direct information on my situation would be VERY helpful. So im a freshman in college at an naia institution, and i play soccer. Currently in-season right now and im a resident in the dorms. Im looking to transfer somewhere where soccer is more competitive and where i’ll actually like it (too small). What are the rules if i transferred to and ncaa d1, d2, or d3? or another naia institution? Basically my main question really is if i’ll be able to play right a way or have to sit out and how im supposed to go about this situation. All i know is i have to get an approval to talk to another institution and thats it. Hope i get some feed back from you, thanks a bunch!!
Hi Jula,
Do you know when you were officially determined to be a Nonqualifier? Your commitment to that school became null and void when it was determined that you were a Nonqualifier for Div. I by the Eligibility Center.
I don’t think you have much to worry about, other than obtaining a qualifying SAT score.
Good luck!
Rick
I was suppose to go to school in D1 for this fall I also signed NLI but unfortunately the NCAA made me nonqualifier because of my SAT score was not high enough . in this case they offered me to come in january and said that they will keep a scholarahip for me. but all of this time my recruiting video has been available on youtube so it is natural that I have been receive e-mails from other coaches. I got some emails from really good schools so I did ansewered them but I clearly said I need to get a release from the school to continue speaking with them. So I wrote to the coach if I can get a release, but I gave up this idea because I though ‘all of the papers are there you just need to pass the SAT’ but then I got another email and one coach said make sure that you need a release because I think that your school just need to field the paperwork’ and it was true so I have carefuly read my contract with them and there was clearly said that if I am nonqualifier the contract is void. So I wrote to the coach to tell him that I just found it out and I would like to get these paperwork. Then I did even wrote an official letter and then I got the answer ; ‘we do indeed know that u have been in contact with other coaches they have phoned us to inform us, because they did not know that u were signed by us, are next step will be to inform the NCAA that you have indeed been in contact with other schools and we will leave it to them tho handle it further thank you’ so my question is : have you maybe got any idea what can be the consequences if they do write to the NCAA ? I am really affraid.
Hi Sue,
If your daughter plans to transfer at the end of the Fall, she shouldn’t compete in any games this Fall (if the school plays any Fall games against outside competition) to make sure it doesn’t impact her eligibility at the next school. For details on the transfer procedure and academic requirements for a transfer, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Alika,
In college athletics, you have either 5 years (if NCAA Div. I) or 10 semesters of full-time enrollment (if NCAA Div. II, III, or NAIA) in which to play four seasons in your sport. So, if you attend MCC as a full-time student for two semesters, you’ll have either 4 years or 8 semesters remaining to compete in football. If you want more information on the academic requirements you will have to achieve as a transfer to a four-year school, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com mailto:rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Brandon,
Your past grades may not matter from the standpoint of being admitted to another University under their admission policies, but they definitely do matter in terms of the NCAA academic requirements for a 4-2-4 transfer when you move on to an NCAA Div. I or II school. If you want more information on the academic requirements you will have to achieve, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hey Rick,
Im attending a college in my home town name Maui Community College (MCC) that doesn’t have any sports. But I want to transfer after one year at MCC to another college to play football. Will the one year at MCC affect my eligiblity to play football?
I attended a D2 last year and got poor grades (Sub 2.0 and less than 24 credits). I was redshirted there. I want to transfer to a JUCO to get my grades up. I was told if I go to a JuCo than my past grades don’t matter because I did not participate in any games is this true?
My daughter is in her 1st semester at a D2 school for softball. She has decided this is not the atmosphere foe her and wants to transfer out at the end of the Fall semester. She received both academic and athletic money but she wants to be closer to home. What is the procedure?? The season doesn’t start till spring? Can she play in the spring at another school? One school option is D1 , the other D2.
Hi Cheri,
It would be best to contact me directly for a consultation to discuss your son’s options, the academic requirements for each, and how those options affect his eligibility. You can reach me at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi JASD,
If your daughter is in a sport other than basketball, she can walk on a at Div. I school her junior year and have the opportunity to be eligible right away. If she plays basketball, it will depend in part upon whether she was recruited by the Div. II school.
Rick
My son is a sophomore who plays baseball at a D1 school where he is not happy. He is trying to get a medical redshirt for his freshman year and has not heard if it has been approved. He is thinking for transferring to a JUCO program and we aren’t sure how to go about it or if it is possible and/or how it will affect his eligibility. Thanks
Hi Rick! My daughter was a non-scholarship player for a division II school last year. At the end of the year she signed a scholarship for her sophomore year but has since decided to transfer to a division I school. She contacted her former coach and signed the forms to negate her scholarship. Can she walk on at the division I school, her junior year?
Hi Sam,
If your son were to transfer to Div. I, he would have to sit out from competition his first year, and would have 2 years left after that. He could transfer to Div. II, play right away, and have 3 years available. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you’re interested in our booklet “Informed Athlete’s Guide to Transfers.”
Rick
Hi Rick,
Son is at a D1 school…on scholarship for baseball. He took a medical red-shirted the first year. Now he is entering his sophomore year. If after this season he decides to transfer, what are his options/restrictions for Division 1 and/or Division II. And how many years of eligibility will he have? I’m a bit unsure of how it works….seeing that he already took a red-shirt year and how that relates to the ‘five year clock’. Thank you.
Soccerfan,
The penalty for early contact could end up being that he would have to sit out his first year in attendance at another school. It would depend upon how his current school wanted to handle his transfer request. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you want more detailed information.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am so happy that I found your website!!
My son is a sophomore this year on a soccer scholarship at a D1 school. He redshirted last year and it doesn’t look (or sound) like he will see any playing time this year. He is very unhappy at his current school and is quite certain that he wants to transfer at the semester break but the rules seem very biased against the athlete. I understand that neither the athlete nor the parents can have any discussions or contact with schools about the possibility of a transfer until he receives permission from current school. He has trainers and coaches who would like to help him find a new home but it sounds like that is against the rules too. I’m quite certain that once the desire to look at other schools is discussed he will not be welcome to practice or participate in any additional team activities. Are there any other ways to get a feel for the “market” before burning that bridge? What is the penalty for early contact?
Hi Jay,
Yes, as long as you are academically eligible when you transfer to the other JC, and are academically eligible next Fall. If you signed an NJCAA letter of intent with your current school, you’ll need to get a release when transferring to a different JC.
Rick
Hi,
I am playing football at a JC, if I redshirt this year would I still be able to transfer to another JC in the spring and play into my sophomore year?
bjm,
In the sport of soccer, your son does not have to sit out a year if his NAIA school grants him a release and can say that he would be eligible if he were returning rather than transferring. There are additional academic requirements if transferring to a Div. I school.
Rick
bjm,
In the sport of soccer, you do not have to sit out a year if your NAIA school grants you a release and can say that you would be eligible if you were returning rather than transferring. There are additional academic requirements if transferring to a Div. I school.
Rick
Leah,
If you are sure that the scrimmage does not count as a regular season contest, that would not change his eligibility as long as he leaves before the start of classes.
Rick
My son received a soccer scholarship to a college that was a DII school but due to a merger is now NAIA…Can he transfer to any school for soccer next year without sitting out or are there limitations? It wld most likely be a DII or DI transfer…please advise
We had the same situation as above..so my question is..if you are now playing for a NAIA school and transfer to a DII or DI school next year..do you have to sit out a year before you can play?
Rick,
I wrote to you the other day about my son leaving school prior to the start of classes or the first game. He is a freshmen and participated in practice. You answered my question the other day, however, I have another question. If he plays in a scrimmage against another D-III school does that change his eligibility if he decides to leave camp after the scrimmage priot to the start of classes. Thanks for your assistance.
Jonathan,
You weren’t recruited, so you can transfer to any other school (except perhaps another school in your current conference) with immediate eligibility as long as you meet the academic requirements for a transfer.
Rick
The coach never called me, however I sent the headcoach an email while I was in high school. He replied once and that was the extent of our conversation. My dad was friends with the AD,which is how I ended up here. My one conversation with the coach on the campus was after a tour. They didn’t pay for anything. I am not sure if that counts according to your definition or not. Can you please clarify for me. thanks.
Hi Jonathan,
If you weren’t recruited to the Div. III school (see the blog on our website titled “NCAA Rules – Definition of a Recruited Athlete), you are eligible to transfer to any division with immediate eligibility as long as you perform well academically while at the Div. III. If you were recruited, you can transfer to any division other than Div. I.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi, I am a current freshman at a D III college on the baseball team. What divisions can I transfer to without the loss of a year of eligibility?
x,
If you are transferring to an NCAA Div. I program, you must earn your AA degree and also have the required number of transferable credit hours in order to be immediately eligible. If you are transferring to an NCAA Div. II program, you do not have to complete your AA degree to be immediately eligible if you have the required number of transferable hours.
The University you plan to transfer to may have additional rules in their conference that are more strict than the NCAA rules that would allow you to transfer and redshirt during your first year at that school. If you want more detailed info about the transfer rules, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Leah,
Because your son has participated in practice, he will be considered a transfer student even though he hasn’t attended classes yet. His 10-semester clock will not start until January as long as he doesn’t attend any classes this Fall. The only consequence of him leaving school after just 10 days of practice is that he probably won’t get a favorable recommendation from his coach if the next school he transfers to contacts them for some background info on him.
Rick
I played football at a community college for 2 years on a Scholarship , got injured early in my 2nd season but too late to medical redshirt. I was one credit away from being a qualifier in high school and do not have my AA yet. I have alreaey been accepted to the University I want to walk on to but was told I had to have an AA even though I want to red shirt there this season and that I can’t even attend the school and finish my AA because I would have to sit out an entire year. But if I finished my AA this semester at the local community college I could walk on in the spring.
Thanks for the help
My son is a freshmen at a Division III football school and has participated in 10 days of practice. He has not attended any classes as of yet because classes do not start for another week. They have not had activities against other schools (Scrimmages) at this time. They do have a scrimmage coming up. If he leaves today prior to the start of classes and before games begin does this have any ramifications to him regarding transferring to a school in January.
John,
Since the season has already started, my suggestion would be to stick with it this season, see how things go, and consider transferring – if you choose to do so – at the end of the semester.
Rick
hello Rick
Thanks for answering my earlier question, I some advice, I’ve just signed to an NAIA university with a sports scholarship and have been training with the team and been on the bench for two friendly games. I am a goalkeeper but the existing keeper is in soo tight with the coach that it looks like i’ll never get a game, what do you think my best way forward would be regarding transfer ?
Hi Jay,
The term “redshirting” simply means that an athlete has not used a season of eligibility. Since your son won’t be playing this year due to his surgery, this can be considered his redshirt year, and he will have four seasons of eligibility remaining. He may want to consider going to school as a part-time student this year, so that his 10-semester “clock” doesn’t start until next year. If you want more detailed information abou this, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Rick- My son played HS varsity baseball but didn’t get recruited, plus he had jumper knee surgery so he wouldn’t be able play this year. He attending a UC college that does have a baseball program but we want to transfer to a NAIA or D2 college as a walk on with baseball in 1 or 2 year, will he lose any eligibility years because the UC doesn’t have a baseball program other than a club baseball and how about red shirting even though there is no baseball team?
Thanks a bunch Rick! The main thing i am aware of is that we have to be on track for graduation a certain percentage or we can become in-eligible
Mike,
That’s correct. If you plan to be a part-time student, make sure that you aren’t already enrolled for a full-time load of classes when you attend class this Fall. You might want to check with the compliance director or academic advisor for athletes at your school to make sure you’re not overlooking something in order to be eligible when you return and want to rejoin your team.
Rick
Rick-
Thanks…I am a Div 1 athlete, and this helps out a lot.
So as far as the “five year clock” is concerned, because I have only been there for 2 years, I technically have 3 more years to complete my athletic eligibility?
Mike,
The term redshirting simply means that you have not participated in any competition during that season and haven’t used one of your four seasons of eligibility. You could attend school as a part-time student, or not attend at all, and return with 2 years of eligibility remaining.
Keep in mind, however, that if you are at a Div. I school, your “five-year clock” will keep counting down during the year that you are only part-time or not enrolled at all.
Rick
Rick-
I’ve been in school for 2 years as well ascompeting in my sport for 2 years as a walk-on athlete. I found out thatthe school doesn’t have any scholarship money for this upcoming year like they had promised. I would love to redshirt so that I could work for a year, but redshirting requires a student to be at full-time status.
If I were to go to school only part time (very very cheap) and work full-time, that way I get enough money to pay for school, would I be able to return to the team the next year with 2 years of remaining eligibility?
Hi Mark,
If your son is entering his sophomore year, and can use this academic year as his “sit out” year, he would have 3 years of eligibility remaining. Whether he can enroll this Fall full-time will depend upon whether he can be admitted as a transfer before classes start and select a full load of courses. If you’d like further information, or want to talk this through, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Becca,
Because you have been identified with that school and still attend that same school, you will need permission from your former coach.
Rick
My son was just released fro a D-I AA program and is interested in walking on a D-I program. I know he must sit out a year. Can he enroll in school this fall full-time? He currently is a soph. If and when he would join the team next fall would he have 2 years of eligibility or 3? He has not used a red-shirt. Also, what off season involvement could he have with the team?
Hi Dan,
Whether your son will have to sit out a year will depend whether he was recruited to his Div. III school (see our blog titled “NCAA Rules – Definition of a Recruited Athlete”), and if he would have been eligible if he were returning to his Div. III school rather than transferring. Accepting or not accepting a scholarship will only matter if his acceptance of a scholarship will cause the Div. I to exceed their scholarship limit.
Rick
My son has played at a D3 school his freshman year and sophomore year. He is transfering to a D1 school this fall for academic reasons. Will he have to sit out a year in order to play. Is it different if he accepts a scholarship or doesnt accept a scholarship?
Hi Rick:
I played for an NAIA softball team during my freshman year and the fall semester of my sophomore year. I ended up quitting before the spring semester of my sophomore year because my coach and the program ran by my coach was not good. I loved my teammates and my school, but felt like the situation I was in, wasn’t a good one. I thought about trying the whole ‘normal’ college kid thing, as in not playing sports, but now think I miss playing and I think I might regret not playing when I get older. I will be a junior this fall, so I haven’t played for a college team for 1 semester. I have been looking at schools to possibly transfer to after this coming fall semester to play softball at. I want to know, if I transfer do I have to have permission from my old coach to talk to other schools? It’s been a whole semester since I played and will be a year after this coming semester.
John,
No difference as long as your NAIA school will release you and as long as you meet the academic requirements for the division you are transferring to.
Rick
Would it make any difference which division that I would transfer to ? I am at NAIA uni now .
Hi John,
In the sport of soccer, it could be possible for you to transfer and not miss any of next year’s games. You would most likely have at least 3 years remaining, and possibly four if you don’t use a season of eligibility this year.
Rick
Hi Lewis,
Yes, it’s possible. The end result regarding your eligibility will depend upon various factors.
Rick
Hi is it possible for a DII athlete to transfer to a D1 school since its not a junior college?
Rick
I have a partial scholarship for Soccer, I have just arrived at my 4 year Uni and it looks as if my playing time will be very limited, I have seen that if I transfer after freshman year that I will miss the next years games.
Will I still have three years left after that?
Hi Jonathan,
You probably won’t need a release to talk to coaches at another school if you’re not an athlete at your current school. However, at some point, the school you are transferring to will still send a Transfer Information Form to your current school to confirm that you were not an athlete, have not used a season of competition, etc.
Good luck!
Rick
Rick,
If i’m transferring from a school where I did not play a varsity sport, do i still need a release form from the school i’m leaving to be eligible to play at the school i’m transferring to?
Hi Sebastian,
The e-mail address is rick@informedathlete.com. You can also find it at the bottom of the “About Us” page of this website.
Rick
Hi Rick ,
I need to ask you some questions.
can you give me your email
Thanks
Amber,
It is possible to be charged with two seasons of eligibility used if you play in the Fall for one school, and in the Spring for another. I suggest you doublecheck everything with the NAIA school where you desire to end up to make sure you know what you can and can’t do for eligibility.
Rick
Thank you Rick. So let me make sure I’m understanding correctly, so I must let the school I attended to begin with know of my return I will be eligible because my GPA is certainly of no issue. What if I work out with the DIII school and play in like a scrimmage it will still allow me to be able to play in the spring at the DII NAIA school? Isn’t okay since it is two separate divisions?
Hi Amber,
If you have at least a 2.00 GPA, and if the Div. III college will release you and can certify that you would be eligible if you were returning to their school rather than transferring, you should be able to be immediately eligible. If the Div. III college won’t release you, or if you don’t have a 2.00 GPA, or can’t be certified as eligible if you were returning, then you will have to sit out your first semester at the NAIA college, unless they have some kind of waiver for returning to your original institution. I suggest you contact the Faculty Athletic Representative at the school you originally attended.
Good luck!
Rick
I need some help. I made a bad decision this spring do to pressure from family and friends to transfer from a college I love. I was attending a DII NAIA college and got convienced to transfer to a DIII NCAA college for softball. Would it be possible after completing one semester at the DIII NCAA college to transfer back to the DII NAIA school and still be able to play in the spring? I need help ASAP please
-Amber
Cheyne,
If you are referring to another NAIA school, your son does not have to get written permission. However, the NAIA school that your son is interested in cannot talk with him about a transfer until they have notified his current school. Written permission is needed before coaches at NCAA-member schools can speak with him about a possible transfer.
Rick
Rick, my son played baseball for NAIA last year and his coach told him that another years scolarship was available if he were to come back. My son never signed a letter @ NAIA for the up-coming year. Does my son still need to get written permission from his coach to talk to other schools
Hi Star,
For complete information on the transfer rules and the steps that she would need to follow, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck to your daughter!
Rick
My daughter is planning to play golf for an NAIA school. If after a year of playing NAIA and she wants to transfer to an NCAA Division 1 school, what are the sit out rules if any. Or lets just say her level of play far exceeds those players in the NAIA and she would like to step up her level of competition, how would she go about this?
Rick–thanks so much for your prompt response. What you all do for these young athletes is amazing.
Thanks and take care,
TK
Eddie,
If you are planning to transfer to an NCAA Div. I or II school, you will use a season of eligibility if you play in any amount of competition against another team. The term “redshirt” for NCAA purposes means that you did not participate in any competition during the academic year in which you are claiming a redshirt year.
Rick
Hi TK,
Since it has been over a year since she left the NAIA school, she should not have to request permission from that school, unless the conference of which that school is a member has some rules that apply in this situation. You may want to check with that conference office to make sure.
If your daughter has not enrolled at any other college since her 3rd semester at the NAIA school, she has 7 semesters remaining in which she can use her eligibility. Given that she was dismissed from that school, she will probably have to attend another NAIA school for at least one semester as a full-time student before she can be eligible for competition.
Rick
Hi Lisette,
Your last sentence gives the impression that this could be a difficult transfer. Because of that, I suggest you contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com so I can describe the process to you in detail.
Rick
Hi Morgan,
Yes, the Div. I school will need a release from your previous school, as well as your official transcript from any previous college so they can evaluate your admissibility as a transfer student.
Good luck!
Rick
Hey Rick,
My daughter played NAIA basketball, on scholarship her freshman year and only 1 semester of her soph year. She failed to maintain the required academic standards and was dismissed from school after playing a total of 3 semesters. So, she is no longer active on the team, nor is she enrolled in that 4 year school. It’s been nearly 19 months since she attended that school.
Does she still have to seek permission from the initial school to talk to coaches at other schools?
Also, she started school in the fall of 2009 and now it is July 2012. After playing for 3 semesters, how much elegibility would she still have if she attended another NAIA school?
Thanks,
TK
Hi Rick,
Is there a form that needs to be completed to request release from a D1 school? Or is it just up to the athlete to contact the coach/athletic department or compliance department their own way? Also this should be done before the athlete completes the permission to contact form? And does that go to the current school or the school that the athlete wants to transfer to? The only thing stopping my athlete from moving forward is getting a denial to be released and the fall out from asking.
Thanks.
Hello Rick,
I just told a D3 school that I would play for them but had just been contacted by a D1 school. I am not fully enrolled in either but transferred out of another institution last year. The D1 school asked for a release of my previous institution, does this mean the previous one that I had been enrolled in full time (meaning the school in spring 2012)?
Hi Termaine,
Yes, it will be possible for your son to do this, but it will depend upon a number of different factors. I just sent you a personal e-mail encouraging you to contact me for a consultation so I can explain those factors to you.
Rick
Hello Rick,
I have a problem with my child okay so he’s going to run cross country at a d2 school for the fall but plans on transferring To a d1 school in the spring semester for a track scholarship would he be able to do this?
Thanks for the info Rick.
I spoke with my Coach about everything and he has been very helpful and understand about my issues.
I wanted to ask how many schedule games, if possible, can I play for my NAIA college before I can decide to red shirt to preserve my remaining two years of eligibility and sit out the rest of the season? Because I heard I could play 3 or 4 soccer games and then choose to red shirt and preserve my two years eligibility, and that its 6 or 7 for a medical red shirt. Is this right?
Thanks
Eddie
Thank you. I am glad to know we have a little more time to meet that requirement. I appreciate your quick response. Your site is great!
DD,
The 60% of degree completion requirement takes effect when the athlete is entering their 7th semester of full-time enrollment. So your son will not be subject to that rule if he enrolls at a Div. I school in Fall 2013, but he will need to satisfy that requirement by Spring 2014.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
My son graduated HS in 2010, plays baseball and is a qualifier. Freshman year he was redshirted at a JUCO. He did not attend school in the fall of his sophomore year, but played at a JUCO in the spring. So far, he has used 1 year of eligibility and has attended school for 3 semesters. He is getting ready to go to another JUCO in the fall to play ball. If he gets an offer from a D1 after the coming year, will he fall under the 60% rule? He will have attended school for 5 semesters. I don’t see how a kid can complete 60% of degree requirements when JUCO does not offer upper level classes.
Hi Clark,
You won’t be able to transfer to a Div. I school and be eligible for your last season, because to be immediately eligible, the Div. II school would have to be able to certify that you would be eligible if you were returning to their school. It’s also doubtful that you could go to a JUCO for a semester and then to a Div. I school, because you would have to have 80% of your degree requirements completed in order to be eligible.
Rick
MR Allen
I was recently expelled from school and I competed 2 years at a Junior College and 2 years at a D2 school. At the D2 school I red shirted a season so I have one season left. I passed 20 credit hours and I had one D but it was for my major. My question is, will I be able to transfer to a D1 school for my last season? Can I take classes at a Junior College and then go to the D1 next semester to be good to compete?
Lee,
Yes, it will be possible for him to do that. For the specific requirements he will have to meet, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Rick,
If my son goes freshman year to a division 1 to play baseball then sophomore decides to go to a juco. Will he be able to go back to a Division 1 his junior without getting penalized and sitting out for a year.
Thanks Rick you do a great job with some very confusing stuff glad i found you online….You made my 19 year old a happy kid..
Hi Rodney,
If your son passes at least 12 semester hours this Fall with a GPA of 2.00 or higher, he should be eligible for competition during Spring 2013. However, you still need to resolve the term when he left school without dropping classes, as this could affect his eligibility when he is ready to transfer from JUCO to a four-year school. If you desire more detailed information, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
mr.Allen,
My son signed a baseball scholarship with a jc in TN we found out he had shoulder injury that required surgery.The coach up there dogged him into the ground and told him he wasnt part of the team long story short he left school without dropping classes.he set out of school this spring and rehabed.Two jc here in AL want im for this next year 2012-2013.If he passes all classes this fall will he be able to play.The school said if we proved he was depressed they would drop his classes but now they tell us we owe 2000 dollars and wont release any transcripts.
Michele,
It may not be too late, but a lot of that will depend upon whether your daughter already has some schools in mind, and what type of help she can get from her HS or club coaches. I look forward to talking with you.
Rick
Rick,
Thank you! I will call you. We did register for the clearinghouse but never got a qualifying status. I never followed up as she wasn’t going where she originally intended. Is it too late?
Michele
Hi Namrata,
It is possible that your coach is preventing other coaches from contacting you, but it’s not likely. NCAA Div. I has a “five-year clock” during which an athlete can use four years of eligibility, so if you are injured and can’t play you could lose a year. You would have a better option at an NCAA Div. II school if you manage your enrollment properly. There are additional details I can give you, but it would be best if you contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Mr.Allen,
I played one year of tennis at a junior college in 2010, I redshirted 2011 because I had an injury. It was supposed to take me 2 years to transfer but I didn’t get some of my classes so I need another year, problem is I’m injured and can’t play this year, does this mean I’m going to lose a year of eligibility? Is there any way to redshirt 2 years and save 2 years for when I transfer to a DIV. 1, 2 University? Also is it possible my coach is not allowing coaches from other schools to contact me? Thank you!
Hi Michele,
Your daughter should start as soon as possible in contacting coaches to inform them of her interest and let them know of her plans. She could possibly transfer after just one semester, but her NCAA Eligibility Center status would be a factor. Did she register with the Eligibility Center, and receive certification as a Qualifier?
There are a lot of variables depending upon where she will be starting college, and what level of college she may want to transfer to. I suggest that we talk on the phone to discuss these various factors. If you’d like to talk, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Mr. Allen,
My daughter chose her school over her sport. Now, she leaves for college in 5 weeks as a freshman playing club fh. She is already considering transferring as she regrets not committing to a school for fh. Her grades and her performance in club will not be an issue. How does she go about transferring and getting a coach interested? Which semester would she transfer?
Thank you,
Michele
Thank you so much. This info. was very helpful.
Hi Kris,
1. You won’t have to sit out a year as long as you meet the academic requirements for a transfer to Div. I.
2. You will still have to obtain permission to contact coaches at the Div. I school, and they will have to agree to your use of the One-Time Transfer Exception.
3. If you transfer to a 3rd four-year school, you will have to sit out from competition during your first year at the 3rd school.
If you want more complete information on the transfer rules, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck,
Rick
Mr. Allen,
I was a football walk-on for an NAIA school, I played in a few games, however, I wish to transfer to DI school:
1)Will I have to sit-out a year before being eligible to play at the DI school?
2) Do I have to obtain a release from my current school even though I wasn’t recruited?
3) If I transfer to a DII school instead, then transfer to a DI school will I have to sit out a year?
Hi Lee,
Requirements are that he be there at least one semester, earn minimum GPA of 2.5, and earn at least 12 hours of transferable academic credit for each full-time semester of attendance. If you have additional questions or concerns, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
My son is thinking about attending a JUCO this fall to play baseball for one year (he is a Quilifier) then transfering to a DIV 1. what are the requirements thru the NCAA? If he is recruited.
djemson,
That might be a mitigating factor toward receiving an extension, but it would probably depend upon when the loss of accreditation takes effect. You would really need to talk with the school you want to transfer to, because they would be responsible for submitting the extension request.
Rick
I also forgot to mention my reason for transferring is because the school is losing their accreditation, i dont know if that would help any in getting the extension.
djemson,
If you transfer to an NCAA Div. II school, you will only have one semester remaining to play. It is difficult to get the 10-semester limit extended, although it is possible through a waiver submitted by the school with appropriate supporting documentation.
Good luck!
Rick
Hey Rick
I was playing soccer for a NAIA school, I enrolled in that school in fall 2007, and i havent graduated yet because i’ve switched major once and took a semester off,in total ive done 9 semesters and only played two years of soccer. now my question would be if i were to transfer to a NCAA d2 school, would I still be eligible to play for the remaining two years i havent played yet or would i have just one semester to play? and is there a way to get 10 semester rules extended?
John,
Because your son would be a 4-4-4 transfer (transferring between 3 four-year schools), he would be required to sit out a year if he transfers to an NCAA Div. I or II program.
Rick
My son attended a D1 school as an invited walk on to play baseball in 2010. He practiced during Fall ball but had surgery in Nov and was redshirted and not on the active roster for the Spring. He transferred to a NAIA school and played as a redshirt Freshman this year. Is he eligible to transfer to D1 and not sit out a year?
DJ,
As long as your son is in good shape academically, and his D2 school will be able to state on a Transfer Information Form that he would be eligible if he were returning to that school the following year rather than transferring, he should not have to sit out a year.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Rick,
If my son is a non-recruited athlete who walks on as a baseball player to a D2 school and then decides after a year to transfer to a D1 school and walk on as a non-recruited athlete, does he have to sit out a year?
Thanks so much. Rules are so confusing.
DJ
Hi Steven,
If your coach needs you to play and you refuse to do so because you want to redshirt, then it would be possible for your coach to take away your scholarship. Look at it from his point of view. Why would he provide an athletic scholarship to somebody who doesn’t want to play and plans to leave after receiving another year of a scholarship? Also, consider how that would look to a coach at another school when he calls to ask your current coach about what type of player and person you are.
Rick
Ted,
The rules that are applied for an NAIA school in transition to NCAA Div. I are essentially the same as for one transitioning to NCAA Div. II.
Rick
Hi Joe,
An e-mail expressing interest in those schools with a highlight video clip or link attached would be a good approach. Also, keep in mind that he will want to work hard and be a good teammate at his local school regardless of playing time, because coaches at those other schools will inevitably ask his coaches about his background and what kind of a person and player they will be getting if he transfers to their school. He will also want to maintain contact with former high school or club coaches who may be able to help him with referrals and endorsements when it is time for him to transfer.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
But what about NAIA in transition to a D-I school?
My son will be playing at a local naia school as a freshman this upcoming season without a scholarship. He has told me he wants to “go away” to college by his junior year. After receiving all permissions from his current school to talk to other coaches, how should he go about contacting them? Should he email them a highlight video along with stats and a letter about wanting to attend the school? Keep in mind he would send emails to multiple schools, i am assuming he would contact D1 and D2 schools first.
Hey Rick,
I play soccer for a NAIA school and recently decided I wanted to transfer to NCAA DII or DI. With it being so late and close to the new season it is very doubtful I’ll be able to find a school with any athletic money at all to support me. I have spoke to my coach and he has been very supportive and gave me some great advice. I decided the best plan for me would be to stay for now and try again next year. I am about to be a Junior and have already signed my athletic scholarship agreement with my school. If I decided that I wanted to redshirt this coming season so I would have two more years of eligibility at a potential new school, would my coach be allowed to take the scholarship money agreed upon in the contract away? I am an international student and struggle with finances.
Thanks
Steven
Hi Laurie,
Your son will need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly called the Clearinghouse) in order to have his amateurism status certified for Div. I eligibility. That’s regardless of whether the Div. I school he will be attending has reviewed his academic requirements by assuming that he is a Nonqualifier (which he officially is since he hasn’t registered with the Eligibility Center to date).
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son just finished playing baseball at a JUCO where he received his associates degree, and will be attending and playing for a D1 school next year. Am I understanding
it correctly that he does not need to register with the
NCAA Clearinghouse?
Laurie
Jacob,
If you are referring to your release from the National Letter of Intent, go to the website http://www.national-letter.org, and look on the right side of the page for “Release and Appeals.” Follow the instructions with the Release Request Form if you’ve not already done that. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you have additional questions.
Good luck!
Rick
Hey Rick,
I had committed last February to go to a D2 school and have just recently decided that maybe that was a mistake to commit so soon as my family has been contacted by other schools that are D1 and I would have a chance to play at a higher level.
How should I go about this? I have sent an email to the head coach of the program at my current school I’m committed to about my release and haven’t seen a reply yet, but what I’m confused about is if I should fill out my form of release and then mail to them.
Advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Jacob
Chris,
As long as you have a GPA of at least 2.00, you can transfer with no issues, and a release form is not required before you speak with them.
Good luck!
Rick
Can you transfere from D2 school to JUCO after freshman year with no issues? Do you need release form before speaking with JUCO?
Jonathan,
Even though you didn’t make the team, most coaches at other schools will not talk with you about a possible transfer until they receive written permission from your current school. To speed the process along, you should probably be proactive and ask the athletic compliance office for permission to speak with other schools.
Rick
Hi Jonathan,
As a two time transfer (from the Div. II school to the first Div. IAA school, and now to a second Div. IAA school), you will have to sit out another season, unless you qualify for another transfer exception, such as the Two-Year Nonparticipation Exception. If you have questions about the various transfer exceptions that may be available, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck!
Rick
Rick,
If I transfered to a school but did not make the football team does that mean I still can’t talk to other schools until I get my release papers from the school that I didn’t make the team?
Rick,
I played football for the 2011 season at a d2 school and then transfered to a d1aa school that spring semester and planned on walking on. I turned in my release papers to the d1 school but didnt make the team. I am planning on transfering to another d1aa school for the spring 2013 semester. My question is since i didnt play on a team for the 2012 season does that mean i have to sit out another season because i transfered from a d2 school to d1?
Hi Shannon,
Your daughter would not have to sit out a year as long as the first Div. II school would be able to certify on a Transfer Information Form that she would be academically eligible if she were returning to that school rather than transferring, and as long as the first school would agree to let her use the One-Time Transfer Exception to be immediately eligible at her next school.
The school has the right to object to her request for permission to talk with other schools about a possible transfer, and they also have the right to object to her use of the One-Time Transfer Exception. In either step in the transfer process, if they deny her request, they would have to make a hearing opportunity available to her if she wanted to appeal their decision.
Good luck to your daughter!
Rick
Hello,
Our daughter received a full tuition scholarship (academic and athletic) to play NCAA Div II golf. She received several full scholarships from schools that offered more in her field of study, but she chose this school for the coach and team’s potential. Now we find that the coach is leaving. The new coach should be a fine replacement and we are going into this with a positive attitude. However, if she were to decide to transfer to a Div II school more suited to her academically after her freshman year, does she have to sit out a year?
Thanks.
Hi JC,
Your son could transfer to the JUCO for the Spring 2013 semester and be eligible to play right away, but that may have implications when he goes to transfer to another Div. I or to a Div. II school after time at the JUCO. I’m going to follow up with a private e-mail to you.
Rick
Rick,
Is there any time considerations for a transfer of a Div. I baseball player to a JUCO. My son was medically redshirted as a freshman at a D1 school. and is thinking about a transfer to a JUCO. What is the latest he can transfer to the JUCO and still play next spring? Thanks
Hi Shelly,
A Div. III baseball player can transfer “across” to another Div. III school without sitting out a year as long as the player’s current school can certify that he would have been eligible had he stayed at the first Div. III school. The same is true of a transfer to NCAA Div. II if the Div. III school has no objection to the transfer.
If the player was not recruited to the Div. III school (see our article on the Definition of a Recruited Athlete on this website), he could be eligible immediately at a Div. I program as long as the conditions in the paragraph above apply.
Rick
Rick,
Can a D3 baseball player transfer (at the end of a school year) to a D1 program without sitting out a year? I wasn’t sure if you were allowed to move up without consequences. I believe that if you transfer across or down you have to sit out.
Thank you!
Hi Pete,
It might be possible, but in essence the athlete would probably just be sitting out the year in the 2-year degree program, rather than their first year at a second Div. I program. This is because it is unlikely that such a college will offer an athletic program for both student-athletes seeking a four-year degree and for student-athletes seeking a two-year degree.
Rick
Rick,
Is this possible to do?If a NCAA Division 1 college has a 4 year degree program and a 2 year associates degree program in the same major. Is it possible to start in the 4 year degree program then transfer after the first year into the 2 year degree program, graduate with an associates degree and then have the option of moving on to a new school without having to sit out a year
Hi Chris,
It is possible that you might have to sit out another year if you transfer to a second Div. I university. The reason is that to be able to use the One-Time Transfer Exception to be immediately eligible at the next school that you transfer to, your current school must be able to certify that you would be eligible if you were returning to that school rather than transferring. So, a lot depends upon the reason that you were ineligible during 2011-2012, and whether you have achieved the academic goals that you needed to in order to be eligible for 2012-13.
Good luck!
Rick
Hey Rick, I was thinking about transferring from a D1 university to run track at another D1 university and run next year. i had to sit out this season for eligibility problems already. will i still have to sit out for another season?
Hi Rocky,
I don’t know enough details about your situation to give you a specific answer, but in general, the transfer rules require a student-athlete to serve a year in residence before eligible to compete unless the athlete meets one of the transfer exceptions. If you didn’t meet the academic requirements to be immediately eligible when you transferred, the NCAA rules will require you to sit out a full academic year before you can be eligible to compete.
Rick
If I signed a letter of intent to only attend a certain school to better my grades because out of high school I was the number one recruited player and I wasnt looking at juco as an option but didn’t play my first year, never attended a practice nor a single meeting, never received any type of scholarship or any type of athletic funds, and never stayed on campus. How can I still be placed on Redshirt?
Hi Micki,
There are no restrictions for your son to transfer from the NAIA school and play at the Community College. However, he’ll only want to play one year there if he makes that move. This is because college athletes are allowed four seasons of competition. If your son were to play 2 years at the Community College, he would only have one year remaining to compete for an NAIA or an NCAA program.
He’ll also want to plan ahead and make sure that he takes the proper classes at the Community College so that he will be academically eligible to play if/when he transfers from the Community College to an NAIA or NCAA program.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Hi Rick
My Son just finished his first year at a NAIA school. He had a basketball scholarship, and is being awarded the same again for the upcoming year. My Son is being offered a full scholarship to our local Community College, my Son is thinking strongly of switching. Are there any restrictions for him to play at the Community College, and how long could he play there? He completed 1 full season NAIA, could he play 2 yrs. at the Community College?
Thank you,
Micki
Hi Alex,
You will need written permission from your current school before coaches at an NCAA Div. I school can discuss a possible transfer with you. Because you’re on scholarship at your NAIA school, you won’t be eligible in your first year of enrollment at the NCAA Div. I program. If you need additional information, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck!
Rick
Hey Rick, I currently attend a NAIA D1 school and play basketball on scholarship. I plan on transferring to a NCAA D1 school next year and i have one school that i really wanna go to badly. Can you tell me about the transferring rules between NAIA and NCAA? Does your coach still have to have a written approval for them to contact you? And how would i go about trying to go to that one school i really wanna go to?
Hi Mary,
Your son’s scholarship ended (or will end) at the conclusion of this academic year. Whatever he gets at a junior college will depend upon the coach at the junior college and how much they have remaining in unallocated scholarships for next year. The Div. I school that he attended this year may choose to bring him back after a year of JUCO ball, or he may be recruited by other institutions. Once he enrolls at the junior college, his recruitment opens up again and he can be recruited just like he was in high school.
His academic requirements for what he needs to achieve at the JUCO will depend upon whether he is returning to his original Div. I school, or is considering going to a Div. II or a different Div. I school. I’ll follow up with a direct e-mail to you.
Rick
My son attended a D1 school this year on a baseball scholarship. He didn’t get a a lot of playing time but during one game he hurt his pitching arm and now has to have Tommy John Surgery. From my understanding the D1 school now wants him to go to a Junior College since he can’t play his Sophomore year. What does this do to his scholarship and does this mean he will go back his junior year?
Mary
Hi Linda,
If your son enrolled at the local community college as a full-time student for this term, then it is true that to transfer to a Div. I school and be immediately eligible, he will have to graduate with an Associates Degree.
He would not have to graduate in order to be immediately eligible at a Div. II school, but would need to attend the JUCO for at least one more semester and would need to earn an average of at least 12 hours of academic credit that would be transferable to the Div. II school for each full-time term of attendance at the JUCO. He would also need at least a 2.000 GPA.
It would be difficult to have a waiver request ruled in your son’s favor unless he was given some bad advice by the Div. II school which led him to believe that he could be a 4-2-4 transfer after only one semester at community college. In addition, you would have to have that bad advice documented in some manner to substantiate it.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son was recruited to play Div II lacrosse this school year. He played “fall ball” and did not like the school. He stayed one semester (school did release him) and then came home in December and is now attending our local community college. Apparently, he has made a big mistake by not checking into what his eligibility would be before he enrolled in the community college. Now, he wants to play and I guess this is not possible. A Div I school is really interested in him and lead him to believe he could play. We had an official visit scheduled only to have it canceled at the last minute because the school got some wrong information about his eligibility. They now say he has to graduate from the 2 year college before he is eligible. My son called the NCAA office and they talked to him about a “waiver of rule”. How difficult is this to get? Does he have any chance of playing without graduating from the 2 year college first? Any help would be appreciated!
Hi Alan,
Yes, your son will still need to request permission to contact other schools about a possible transfer. This would be true even if your son’s school was an NAIA school all along. NCAA Div. I and II coaches are not permitted to talk with athletes from any other four-year school about a possible transfer without first obtaining written permission from the athlete’s current school to do so.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son graduated from high school in 2011. He played baseball the next year (2011-2012) for a 4 year college that started the year as a DII. Early in the beginning of his freshman year, the college merged with another university and became a university. As a result of the merger, (and unbeknownst to the coaches that recruited him) the college lost it DII status and announced that the next 2012-2013 school year that the university would become a NAIA school.
In a nutshell, he was recruited to play for a DII that (after he was enrolled and attending) suddenly lost it’s DII status because of the merger. Next year, they are going to be a NAIA school. This upset a lot of players on many of the other teams as well. Now my son is interested in playing for a DI or DII elsewhere.
Is he still bound to ask for permission to be seen and possibly recruited by another school even though his present school was “in limbo” the year he played for them?
Thanks!
Thank you Rick. The information is very helpful. We want to let her know her options.
Hi Barbara,
Your daughter could transfer to another Div. I school (and be immediately eligible) after a year of not playing her sport and not receiving an athletic scholarship, as long as she participates in any sport other than basketball. This would work as long as her current school (even though she was not a member of a team) could certify that she would be eligible for her junior year if she were staying there rather than transferring. If her sport is basketball, she would still have to sit out upon transfer to another Div. I program.
She would have 3 years of eligibility remaining on her “five-year clock” (for any sport other than basketball) after spending two years at the school she’s currently attending. Her remaining eligibility could be reduced if she transfers to another school within the same conference.
Good luck to your daughter!
Rick
Hi Rick, My daughter is a freshman student athlete at a Div. 1 school (currently with a partial scholarship). If she decides not to play her sport next year (soph year) and doesn’t receive any athletic money, could she transfer and play at another Div 1 school her Junior year? Also would she be able to play a total of 3 additional years once she transferred? Thank you.
Hi Andrew,
The only way to extend the NCAA “clock” beyond the 10 semesters is to have your university request a waiver of the 10-semester rule from the NCAA. Historically, the NCAA will only extend the 10-semester “clock” for reasons of very unusual circumstances beyond the control of the athlete, such as being injured for more than one year which prevented the athlete from playing during two seasons, a serious illness in the family that would cause an athlete to withdraw from school in order to care for the family member, etc.
Rick
Rick,
I am wondering about the 10 semester rule for DIII lacrosse. I started at a college and attended full time there for 3 semesters, then left after the fall of my sophomore year. I never played while I was there. I did not go to school that spring, then attended community college part time over the summer to get into another 4 year university. I have attended this university full time and played lacrosse coming up on 3 years this may. My question is that I have another year of school to graduate which is may of 2013, but if I count my full time semesters the Fall of 2012 will be my 10th, is there anyway of playing the spring of 2013?
Thank you very much for your help! You have a great site!
Hi Mike,
Your are correct regarding the NLI and the fulfillment of his agreement. However, he must still obtain permission to contact coaches at other schools before those coaches can talk to him about a possible transfer. (This is also true for walk-on athletes with no scholarship.)
When your son made that request a few months ago, did he do that in writing? If not, have him do that now. His athletic department must respond within 14 days from his written request by either granting him permission, or denying it and informing him that a hearing opportunity is available. Also, since you mentioned his interest in Div. I programs, keep in mind that he won’t be eligible in his first year at a Div. I school.
Good luck to you son!
Rick
Rick,
My son signed a NLI with a Division II school to play football. He traveled a few games and played a few times. He is not happy there and wants to transfer closer to home and walk-on at a Division I school. He asked for a Permission to Contact form a few months ago to speak with some of the college coaches at the schools he may want to transfer to, but his request was denied by the head coach (and AD…same guy). Everything I have read, says that once he completes one academic year, his NLI agreement is fulfilled. Does this mean he can contact other college coaches as soon as he finishes his final exams and the school year is up? I would not think that he still needs a permission to contact form in this case. Thanks for your help.
Hi Jay,
If your son’s school is still operating under NAIA rules, he will need written permission to speak with coaches at JUCO, NCAA Div. II, or other NAIA schools. If they have fully transitioned to operating under NCAA Div. II rules, he will need written permission to speak to coaches at NAIA or other Div. II schools, but won’t need permission to talk to JUCO coaches. Schools in this transition are not required to be fully operating under NCAA Div. II rules until the third year of the transition process, but some schools choose to start doing that during year 2 of the transition, and some are required to start doing that in year 2 by the conference they will be joining.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son is in his freshman year at a university. He is playing baseball. The university is in the middle of the process transitioning from NAIA to NCAA div. II. 2011-2012 school year is 2nd year of this transition. The school was hoping next school year they could participate in their new conference and for championships. They recently found out that they will have one more year (2012-2013) in the transition period. In addition, my son got hurt in the fall and is redshirting this school year. What are the guidelines/rules for talking to other schools about transferring? Juco? DII? NAIA? Can he make contact with these coaches?
Hi Corina,
If you can’t stand your volleyball situation, getting a scholarship won’t make much of a difference. About the only thing it changes is how much you or your family have to pay for your education. It probably won’t change your relationship with the coach, or the way the coach runs the volleyball program. Your time in college is too short to not enjoy the experience as much as possible. With that said, I would advise you to transfer.
However, finding a place you will be happier is the hard part. How will you determine that? Do you have high school or club teammates that will share their experiences with you? What about a former club or high school coach? How will you determine if a new coach will have a more organized program and one where you can do your best?
Those are the questions you’ll have to find answers to, and I’m not sure I can answer those for you. To some degree, you’re going to have to use your “gut instinct.” Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you have more questions. I have a couple of other thoughts that might be helpful.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am a sophmore DI athlete and I can’t stand playing for my coach anymore. Since I’ve gotten here, I like everything about my school and team except for the volleyball coach and program. The program is very unorganized. I was promised a scholarship beginning my junior year. She’s been promising me that since my incoming freshman year and that is the reason why I came to the school. It was just a couple of weeks ago that she changed her decision in giving me the scholarship. My mom advised me to share this with the compliance because she was upset about the whole thing. The compliance recently had a meeting with my coach about the scholarship problem. Yesterday, I received a call from compliance telling me that they reasoned with coach and I got my scholarship position back my junior year. Afterwards, I called my coach to say thank you but right when she picked up she talks to me in a shady way. I personally want to transfer to a different school. I thought Playing as a scholarship athlete once I’m a junior would make my collegiant volleyball experience bare able but I was wrong. I would like to hear from your point of view of whether I should stay or not.
Hi Noel,
According to the rules, other schools are not allowed to talk with you (or a family member or anybody speaking on your behalf) about the possibility of transfer unless they have written permission from your current school. However, it’s fairly common for former coaches, such as a high school or club coach, to talk to other schools for you to gauge their level of interest.
Keep in mind, though, that it’s common for coaches to talk to each other. A coach who has heard from you, or a friend or family member, inquiring about a transfer might very well contact your current coach to ask about your background, both on and off the field or court, to see if you would be a good fit for his program. It is very difficult to check out transfer options confidentially because of these types of communications between coaches. I suggest you wait until the end of your season or school year, and then determine if you really want to transfer. And don’t think that you can do it confidentially, because that is hard to do.
Good luck,
Rick
Hi-
I’m a junior at a D1 school and really just can’t stand the thought of playing another year here. I’m considering transferring but I am not sure yet– it would really depend on what other schools would be interested because I want high academics/specific major. I know to contact other schools my school has to give consent but how do I go about this with confidentially? Because if I decide to stay and my coaches find out I wanted to transfer there will be major issues.
Thanks
Hi Dakota,
You’ll need written permission from your current school before contacting coaches at other schools about a possible transfer. Talk to your current coach and let him know that you’re unhappy and would like to contact other schools. The reason to do this is he’ll find out as soon as you contact your compliance office for permission to contact other schools, or as soon as you call other schools, because they’ll want to contact your coach to ask about your background and why you’re transferring.
Good luck,
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am a freshmen Div. I athlete thinking about transferring to a Div. II college and I was wondering if it is NCAA “legal” for me to contact any of the transfer school’s coaches?
Hi Ray,
Div. II does not have a specific time limit that the school has to abide by when an athlete requests permission to talk to another school or to use the one-time transfer exception. I suggest you contact the compliance office at the school that your daugher was attending and ask if they received the request and if there is any particular reason for the holdup. Perhaps the coach has not passed the request and/or form along to the compliance office.
If you have additional questions about this, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi, my daughter plays lacrosse and just finished her 1st semester of D2 school. Her current school did not live up to her expectations in her major choice so she transferred.Prior to transferring she informed her coach and asked for permission to speak with her new schools coach and for an exemption for a transfer release. How long does her old school have to grant or deny the permission to speak and transfer release? THX, Ray
Hi Angie,
I think it would be best if we talk on the phone as soon as the holiday weekend is over to get some additional information on your daughter’s situation. This will allow me to provide the most appropriate information. I will follow up with a personal e-mail to you.
Rick
Rick,
Hello. I am so concerned for my daughter whom plays for a D1 mid-major school. Her freshman year was a disaster and now the sophmore year has started out even worse. She has been told that her playing time is limited because she is not as fast as the new recruits. Then the next was they are looking out for her health due to a knee injury at the beginning of the season. She is well now. My daughter has cried everyday. She is losing weight and the last game, she did not play at all. I have been up all night with her. I believe that if she asks for a written consent to contact, she would probably be blacked balled. What do we do? She wants to transfer. My hands are tied. Please help us.
Angie
Hi Randy,
You’ve obviously provided a lot of detail here. This is more appropriate for a private consultation. I’ll follow up with a direct e-mail to you regarding your questions.
Rick
Hello, What a mess we are in and soooooo very confused. My son went to an NAIA school (he signed the schools version of a letter intending to go there but this is not an NLI I dont think just a letter saying follow the rules or the partial scholarship we gave you goes away and so does your participation). Anyway here is the best I can explain it all.
1)This is his first quarter, baseball aside this was a very clear mistake and he is leaving the college.
2) I am trying to get him to hang with iot long enough to finish this academic quarter but if there is an advantage like saving a years playing time we will do that but need to do soon! I am NOT putting sports first but he is the type to do better in the classroom when athletics is involved.
3) He had be practicing with the team, doing inner squad scrimmages and mock game this fall when he hurt his elboy pitching. We went to the best there is for this type of injurty and NO surgery is needed. But he will be on rehab for a while. The current coach (whom does not know we intend to leave) said with the time it will take him to recover he may medically be release but if WE desired he would give him a “red shirt” due to the injury making him miss nearly right up to game time. If we wanted him to use him where he could we the family could decide that and he would not give him a red shirt…………no matter what he will not name hime a red shirt until WAAAY after we are leaving the school.
4) If I just drop him from all classes can he be treated as a freshman next year? If I go from this NAIA school and let him go to a community college for club ball for the “seasoning” is that ok? Can I take him right to (transfer) during the year and let the new coach based on medical situation decide to red shirt or not? (junior college or D3 tops) THEN next fall do a transfer to an NCAA3 school?
5) I already feel I steered him wrong and need to get him on track……we found a fantastic d3 who wanted him right out of HS but it was just too much money (this is where I feel I let him down)
help!