Don’t Believe These 5 College Eligibility Myths

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been contacted by a number of athletes or families who have been given incorrect information regarding seasons of eligibility or the opportunity for a waiver for another season.

These “myths” may have been found in an online article or may have been given to an athlete directly by a coach or a recruiter and include:

“Our son qualifies for a Pavia Waiver to have another season of eligibility.”

 It is true that the NCAA issued a “blanket waiver” regarding seasons of eligibility in the wake of the lawsuit that had been filed against the NCAA by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, but that waiver is no longer available.

“If you don’t have any statistics in a game, you don’t use a season of eligibility.”

That myth was provided by a JUCO coach to a football athlete whose only participation was to be the holder on field goals and PAT’s.  Think about this – IF that were true, most offensive linemen would never be charged with a season of eligibility!!

 “As long as you graduate from your junior college, you can be eligible to compete when you transfer to a four-year university.” 

Graduation from a JUCO is often required to be eligible at an NCAA program, but there are often other academic requirements as well.  Those requirements can depend on factors such as your high school academic record as well as how many semesters (or quarters) you have attended a JUCO.

“My daughter participated in less than 20 percent of her season so shouldn’t be charged with a season of eligibility.” 

That is true when an athlete is participating in an NAIA athletic program, but does not apply in the NCAA, except in specific situations.

“My coach told me that playing on the JV team does not count as a season of eligibility.”

 In most situations, depending upon the sport and the college division or level, any amount of competition when representing your college or university counts as using a season of eligibility.

Do You Have Questions?

To discuss your athlete’s past participation or their future options for eligibility, schedule a confidential Eligibility Consult online, e-mail rick@informedathlete.com or call our office at 913-766-1235.