NCAA Division I Transfer Notification Approved

NCAA Division I representatives have voted to change the requirement that an athlete must first obtain permission from their university before coaches at other universities can speak with them about a possible transfer.

The change in the rule does not take effect until October 15.  On that date, the need for “permission to contact” will give way to “Notification of Transfer.”

When this change takes effect, a Division I athlete (one attending a Division I university at the time they decide to transfer) will be able to simply notify their athletic department that they plan to transfer and want to contact other colleges. 

Here’s how this will impact Division I athletes who choose to transfer on or after October 15:

  • The student-athlete will be required to notify their athletic department in writing or via email that they are planning to transfer to another college.
  • The student-athlete’s university will be required to enter his or her name into an official transfer database managed by the NCAA within two business days of the written notification.
  • Once the athlete’s name is in the database, coaches at other colleges can contact that athlete regarding his or her desire to transfer.
  • This new rule does NOT yet change anything about whether the athlete can be immediately eligible upon transfer to a new university.

The athletic scholarship of an athlete providing transfer notification can be cancelled by their university at the end of the semester in which they provide such notification. 

As a result, an athlete giving transfer notification to their Division I university in November, for example, will not be able to retain their scholarship for the Spring even if they’re planning to complete the academic year at their original university.

If you would like more information and assistance regarding the transfer process for your student-athlete, click here to schedule a consultation.