With many spring sports now underway or starting soon, here is a quick review of redshirt rules at each college level.

If your athlete is a freshman at a Division II school, be sure to note the new rule below.

NCAA Division I

Any appearance in a regular-season contest (varsity or JV) — even if for only one or two minutes or one or two plays — uses a season of competition.

Preseason scrimmages or exhibitions may be exempt, BUT rules vary by sport. Student-Athletes should confirm with their school’s NCAA compliance office before participating in an exhibition contest or preseason scrimmage.

NCAA Division II

For athletes other than true freshmen, any appearance in a regular-season contest at the varsity or JV level uses a season of competition.

New Rule: True freshmen may compete in up to 30% of games/dates of competition in their sport and still redshirt.

NCAA Division III

To redshirt, an athlete must completely remove themselves from the team before the first game or contest of the season.

 Practicing once the season begins counts as a season of participation, even if an athlete never appears in a game.

 Important for transfers: This rule can negatively impact athletes transferring to Division III for what they expect to be their final season of eligibility after graduating from a non-D3 university.

NJCAA and CCCAA

Any appearance – even if only for one or two minutes or for one or two plays – in a regular-season contest (varsity or JV) uses a season of competition.

NAIA

The NAIA charges a season of competition if an athlete appears in more than 20% of the maximum games/dates of competition in their sport.

Important to Know:  Any participation in NAIA-approved postseason competition counts as a season used—even if it is the athlete’s only appearance all season.

Questions About Redshirting or Medical Redshirts?

Schedule a confidential Eligibility Issues Consult online, email rick@informedathlete.com, or call 913-766-1235.