NCAA & NAIA Eligibility

Informational Meeting

Information and Resources for College-Bound Student-

Athletes and Parents

VAST number of websites found on Guidance Website, “N” page

http://www.etown.k12.ky.us/Sch_EHS_Guidance/EHS%20Guidance/counselor/NGuide/index.htm

What is the NCAA?

The NCAA, or National Collegiate Athletic Association, was established in 1906 and serves as the athletics governing body for many colleges, universities, conferences and organizations.– Web Site: Web Site: www.www.ncaa.orgncaa.org

What is the NCAA?

1,027 total schools as of 20051,027 total schools as of 2005

326 schools in Division I326 schools in Division IDivision I is divided into Division I is divided into Division I-A and I-AA for Division I-A and I-AA for football onlyfootball only

282 schools in Division II282 schools in Division II

419 schools in Division III419 schools in Division III

What is the NAIA?

National Association of National Association of Intercollegiate AthleticsIntercollegiate Athletics

(founded in 1940):(founded in 1940):– 360 Colleges and Universities 360 Colleges and Universities

divided into two Divisions:divided into two Divisions:

Division IDivision I

Division IIDivision II– Web Site: Web Site: www.www.naia.orgnaia.org

Differences between NCAA & NAIA

Many student athletes Many student athletes automatically think that the automatically think that the NCAA is the only way to go…..NCAA is the only way to go…..– Perception is based on larger size of Perception is based on larger size of

NCAA schools, as a general rule, NCAA schools, as a general rule, and the prevalence of large, State and the prevalence of large, State universities in the NCAA Division I universities in the NCAA Division I groupinggrouping

Differences between NCAA & NAIA (con’t)

Generally smaller schools – but the Generally smaller schools – but the list contains many fine, highly list contains many fine, highly considered, academic institutionsconsidered, academic institutions– Not unusual to find schools in the Not unusual to find schools in the

NAIA in the size range between NAIA in the size range between several hundred to several thousand several hundred to several thousand studentsstudents

– Generally smaller than NCAA Division Generally smaller than NCAA Division I and II schoolsI and II schools

Can grant athletic scholarships!!!Can grant athletic scholarships!!!

Differences between NCAA & NAIA (con’t)

Generally speaking, NAIA Generally speaking, NAIA institutionsinstitutions::

Are primarily private and/or religious Are primarily private and/or religious basedbased

Emphasize a liberal arts curriculumEmphasize a liberal arts curriculum

Have enrollments under 2,000 studentsHave enrollments under 2,000 students

Provide for a greater sense of Provide for a greater sense of community/belongingcommunity/belonging

Offer fewer graduate programsOffer fewer graduate programs

Have higher graduation rates for athletes Have higher graduation rates for athletes than NCAA D1 or D2than NCAA D1 or D2

NAIA Eligibility

Kentucky NAIA schools

Alice Lloyd College, Pippa Passes, Ky.Alice Lloyd College, Pippa Passes, Ky.

Asbury College, Wilmore, Ky.Asbury College, Wilmore, Ky.

Berea College, Berea, Ky.Berea College, Berea, Ky.

Brescia University, Owensboro, Ky.Brescia University, Owensboro, Ky.

Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, Ky.Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, Ky.

University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Ky.University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Ky.

Georgetown College, Georgetown, Ky.Georgetown College, Georgetown, Ky.

Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, Ky.Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, Ky.

Mid-Continent University, Mayfield, Ky.Mid-Continent University, Mayfield, Ky.

Midway College, Midway, Ky.Midway College, Midway, Ky.

Pikeville College, Pikeville, Ky.Pikeville College, Pikeville, Ky.

Union College, Barbourville, Ky.Union College, Barbourville, Ky.

**NEW - Must now register with NAIA Eligibility Center

Every student who plays in the NAIA for the first time must

have their eligibility determined through the NAIA

Eligibility Center.http://www.playnaia.org/

Early Determination processFor students who have:– completed their junior year of high school

and – have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and – the minimum test scores required (18 ACT

or 860 SAT) .

Need to request that school send official transcripts and contact ACT or SAT to have their test scores sent .

NAIA Eligibility

Minimum eligibility rules for NAIA are Minimum eligibility rules for NAIA are slightly differentslightly different than those of the NCAA. than those of the NCAA. A high school recruit must satisfy A high school recruit must satisfy twotwo of of the following three conditions to play at the following three conditions to play at the NAIA level:the NAIA level:

1.  Achieve either an 18 (Composite) on the1.  Achieve either an 18 (Composite) on the

ACT or a 860 on the SAT (CR & Math)ACT or a 860 on the SAT (CR & Math)

2. A minimum 2.0 grade point average2. A minimum 2.0 grade point average

3. Graduate in the upper 3. Graduate in the upper halfhalf of his/her of his/her

graduating classgraduating class

http://naia.cstv.com/member-services/legislative/currentissues/FreshmenEligibilityRequirements.htm

NCAA Eligibility

What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?

The NCAA Eligibility Center is an organization that works with the NCAA to determine a student’s eligibility for athletics participation in his or her first year of college enrollment.

The center is not the NCAA, but an organization that performs academic evaluations for the NCAA.

Students who want to participate in college sports during their first year of enrollment in college must register with the center. www.eligibilitycenter.org

Divisions I and II may offer athletic scholarships, while Division III colleges and universities may not.

Eligibility Center Registration

Students will click here to create or log into their account.

Eligibility Center Responsibilities

The NCAA Eligibility Center is responsible for determining the eligibility of every college-bound student-athlete in NCAA Divisions I and II using the following two areas:Academic Certification.– Does the college-bound student-athlete meet the

legislated minimum academic requirements?

Amateurism Certification.– Has the college-bound student-athlete

jeopardized his or her amateur status?

Please contact the center when you have questions like these:

• How do I register?• I have forgotten my PIN. Can I get a new one?• Where do I send my transcripts?• My report shows I am missing some material. What is missing?• What do the codes on my report mean?

When To Call The Center

Contact Information:

NCAA Eligibility CenterP.O. Box 7110Indianapolis, IN 46207-7110

www.eligibilitycenter.org (Fall 2010 & after)

Phone: (317) 223-0700Toll Free: (877) 622-2321 (customer service M – F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central time)Fax: (317) 968-5100

Initial-Eligibility Overview

Initial-Eligibility Overview:

Academics

Academic initial-eligibility requirements are different for each of the three divisions. It is possible for a college-bound student-athlete to be eligible in one division and not another.

Initial-Eligibility Overview:

New Legislation:

Early academic certification waiver for Divisions I and II.– Final certification to academically

qualified students following six semesters of coursework.

Must, however, send a final transcript after graduation.

New Legislation: Early Certification Waiver

Students who meet the following criteria after six semesters will be certified as qualifiers:

– Minimum SAT (math and critical reading) of 1000 or minimum sum score of 85 on the ACT;

– For Division I: Core-course GPA of 3.0 or higher in a minimum of 13 core courses:

3 English;2 math;2 science; and6 additional core courses.

New Legislation: Early Certification Waiver

– For Division II: Core-course GPA of 3.0 or higher in a minimum of 12 core courses:

3 English;2 math;2 science; and5 additional core courses.

Initial-Eligibility Overview: New Legislation:

Core-course time limitation for Division I.– Students must complete required

coursework in eight semesters from the beginning of grade nine.

New Legislation: Core-Course Time Limitation

If students do not complete the 16 core-course requirement "on time" in eight semesters, any core courses taken after the eighth semester will not be counted toward NCAA academic-eligibility requirements.– “On time” means that students have four years

(eight semesters), based on when students start grade nine (freshman year), to earn 16 core-course credits and required GPA needed to qualify.

for Division I Only

New Legislation: Core-Course Time Limitation

From the time you enter the ninth grade, you have four (4) years or eight (8) semesters to complete the 16 core-course requirement. If you fail to complete high school "on time" in eight semesters, core courses taken after the eighth semester will not be counted toward your NCAA academic-eligibility requirements. “On time" also means that if your high school graduation takes place June 1, you must graduate June 1. If you do not graduate June 1 with the rest of your high school class, you have not completed your requirements "on time."

for Division I Only

Amateurism Eligibility

Requirements

Amateurism Eligibility Requirements

If you plan to participate in intercollegiate athletics at an

NCAADivision I or II institution, you must have both your academic

and amateurism status certified by the Eligibility Center before

representing the institution in competition.

Amateurism Eligibility Requirements

The Eligibility Center encourages you to update your athletics participation information often, especially if you participate in events outside your normal high school season. •Make sure that you are protecting your amateurism•Stay college eligible –always ask before you act!•NCAA amateurism certification Web site: http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal/ncaahome?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/ncaa/NCAA/Legislation+and+Governance/Eligibility+and+Recruiting/Eligibility/Amateurism+Certification+Clearinghouse/index .

Amateurism Eligibility Requirements

ALWAYS ASK BEFORE YOU ACT!Amateurism Red Flags

Ask questions before:•Signing a contract with a professional team.•Receiving money for participating in athletics. Receiving prize money above actual and necessary expenses.•Playing with professional athletes.•Trying out, practicing or competing with a professional team.•Receiving benefits from an agent or prospective agent.•Agreeing to be represented by an agent.•Participating in organized competition after your first opportunity to enroll in college.

Steps You Must Take to Participate in NCAA Division I

or II Athletics

Steps You Must Take:

Freshmen and Sophomores Must:– Start planning now!– Work hard to get the best grades possible.– Take classes that match your high school’s

NCAA List of Approved Core Courses. The NCAA Eligibility Center will only use approved core courses to certify your initial eligibility.

You can access and print your high school’s NCAA List of Approved Core Courses at www.eligibilitycenter.org and clicking “Resources” at the top of the screen.

Steps You Must Take:

Juniors Must:At the beginning of your junior year, log on to the Eligibility Center Web site at www.eligibilitycenter.org and register.Register to take the ACT, SAT or both and use the Eligibility Center code “9999” as a score recipient.Double check to make sure that you are taking courses that match your high school’s NCAA List of Approved Core Courses.

Steps You Must Take:

Request that your high school guidance counselor send an official transcript to the Eligibility Center after completing your junior year. (The Eligibility Center does NOT accept faxed transcripts.)Prior to registration for your senior year, check with your guidance counselor and the Eligibility Center to determine the number of core courses that need to be completed your senior year.

Steps You Must Take:

Seniors Must:You may take the SAT and/or ACT as often as you feel necessary. The Eligibility Center will use the best scores from each section of the SAT or ACT to determine your best cumulative score.Check to make sure that you are taking courses that match your high school’s NCAA List of Approved Core Courses.Review your amateurism questionnaire responses and request final amateurism certification beginning April 1 (for fall enrollees) or October 1 (for spring enrollees).

Steps You Must Take:

Continue to earn the best grades possible.Graduate on time (in eight academic semesters). After graduation, ask your high school guidance counselor to send your final transcript to the Eligibility Center with proof of graduation.

Core Courses, GPA, Test

Scores

Core Courses

• Not all classes you take to meet high school graduation requirements may be used as core courses. Be aware of this when registering.

•Out of state transfer students – Must have original transcripts from all schools.

• Check the high school’s list of approved core courses (attached to “Quick Reference Sheet”).

Grade-Point Average• Not all classes you take to meet high school graduation requirements will be used in calculating your “Core GPA”.

• ALL grades are used for NAIA (no “core”).

• The best grades from your NCAA core courses will be used.

• Grades from additional core courses you took will be used only if they improve your grade-point average.

Grade-Point Average

The eligibility center will assign the following values to each letter grade:

A – 4 points B – 3 points C – 2 pointsD – 1 point

Therefore, your NCAA Core GPA will be lower than your EHS GPA.

ACT and SAT Tests

You must achieve the required score on an SAT or ACT test before your full-time college enrollment. (last test dates are in June).

The Eligibility Center only accepts scores from the SAT or ACT testing agency. Test scores submitted from high schools will not be used.

Save yourself time and money when registering, use Code 9999 so that your scores will be sent directly to NCAA Eligibility Center.

ACT and SAT Tests

• If you’ve already taken a test and didn’t send scores, contact Eligibility Center or go online www.actstudent.org to send additional score report.

• The writing component of the ACT or SAT will not be used to determine qualifier status.

DIVISION IRequirements

KY Division I Schools

University of KentuckyUniversity of LouisvilleEastern Kentucky UniversityMorehead State UniversityMurray State UniversityWestern Kentucky University

Complete listing of D 1 schools:

http://web1.ncaa.org/onlineDir/exec/divisionListing

AcademicEligibility

RequirementsDivision I

In order to practice, compete and receive institutional financial aid as a freshman, a student-athlete must:

•Graduate from high school;•Earn a minimum required grade-point average (GPA) (at least a 2.0) in 16 approved core courses; and•Earn a combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches the core-course GPA (refer to the “sliding scale” in the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete).

16 Core Courses:

- 4 years of English - 3 years of math (algebra 1 or higher)- 2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered by your high school)- 1 extra year of English, math or natural or physical science- 2 years of social science- 4 years of extra core courses (from any category above or foreign language);

GPA & Test ScoreSliding Scale

EHS Graduation Requirements provide:

4 years of English3 years of Math3 years of Science3 years of Social Science13 total credits of the 16 required by NCAA

Therefore, students must choose THREE additional courses as electives to fulfill NCAA requirements.

Must choose THREE of the following:

• Foreign Language (Spanish or French – each year counts as one credit)• Drama •Journalism• American Government/KY Studies• Psychology (not always offered)•Criminal Justice• College Algebra• Pre-Calculus• AP Calculus• Anatomy & Physiology• Physics• AP Chemistry**KVHS AP Courses – are not automatically approved. They are considered on a “case by case” basis.

GPA & Test ScoreSliding Scale

If a student takes the ACT or SAT more than once, he/she may use the best subscore from different tests to meet the minimum test-score requirements for NCAA.

NAIA – 18 composite must be from one test sitting

SAT Test

Math Verbal/Critical Reading

Total Score

SAT (10/03)

350 470 820

SAT (12/03)

420 440 860

Scores used

420 470 890

Example:

GPA & Test ScoreSliding Scale

Example: A student takes the ACT and earns the following sub-scores:

English = 16Math = 20Reading = 17Science Reasoning = 15

His sum score is 16 + 20 + 17 + 15 = 68Based on the sliding scale, his core GPA must be at least a 2.500.

Sliding Scale

Qualifier vs. Non-QualifierYou will be a qualifier if you meet the

academic requirements listed previously. As a qualifier, you:

• Can practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college;

• Can receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college; and

• Can play four seasons in your sport as long as you maintain your eligibility from year to year.

Qualifier vs. Non-QualifierYou will be a nonqualifier if you do not meet the

academic requirements listed above. As a nonqualifier, you:

• Cannot practice or compete for your college or university or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college;

• Can play only three seasons in your sport as long as you maintain your eligibility from year to year (to earn a fourth season you must complete at least 80 percent of your degree before beginning your fifth year of college).

DIVISION II Requirement

s

KY Division II Schools

BellarmineKentucky StateKentucky WesleyanNorthern Kentucky

Complete listing of D2 schools:

http://web1.ncaa.org/onlineDir/exec/divisionListing

AcademicEligibility

RequirementsDivision II

In order to practice, compete and receive institutional financial aid as a freshman, a student-athlete must:•Graduate from high school;•Earn at least a 2.0 GPA in 14 approved core courses; and•Earn a combined SAT score of at least 820 (critical reading and math) or an ACT sum score of at least 68.

14 Core Courses:

•3 years English•2 years math (Algebra I or higher)•2 years natural/physical science ( 1 year of lab if offered by high school)•2 years additional English, math or natural/physical science

•3 years 2013 and after•2 years social science•3 years additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy)

•4 years 2013 and after

AcademicEligibility

Requirements

•No sliding scale for Division II.

* Beginning August 1, 2013, students planning to attend an NCAA Division II institution will be required to complete 16 core courses.

Division II

Qualifier, Partial, & Non-Qualifier

Qualifier status is the same as that for Division I.

You will be a partial qualifier if you do not meet all of the academic requirements listed for Division II but you have graduated from high school and meet one of the following:

• The combined SAT score of 820 or ACT sum score of 68; OR• Completion of the 14 core courses with a 2.000 core-course grade-point average.

As a partial qualifier, you:

• Can practice with your team at its home facility during your first year of college;• Can receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college;• Cannot compete during your first year of college; and• Can play four seasons in your sport as long as you maintain your eligibility from year to year.

You will be a nonqualifier if you did not graduate from high school, or, if you graduated and are missing both the core-course GPA and the required ACT or SAT scores.

As a nonqualifier, you:

• Cannot practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college;• Cannot receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college, although you may receive need-based financial aid; and• Can play four seasons in your sport as long as you maintain your eligibility from year to year.

DIVISION III

KY Division III Schools

Centre CollegeSpalding UniversityTransylvania University Thomas More College

Complete listing of D 3 schools:

http://web1.ncaa.org/onlineDir/exec/divisionListing

AcademicEligibility

RequirementsDivision III

Unlike Divisions I and II, there is no uniform set of eligibility requirements for Division III schools. Therefore, registration with the Eligibility Center is not required.

•Eligibility for admission, financial aid, practice and competition is determined by the institution.

Registration

Eligibility Center Registration

Students who plan to play Division I or II athletics in college need to register with the Eligibility Center after they complete their junior year in high school.

You must be registered and pay the fee before you can take an Official Visit.

Any student entering college must register online at www.eligibilitycenter.org .

Eligibility Center Registration

•Select the “New Account” button at the top right of the screen or the cell phone on the left side of the screen.

•Complete the registration.

Eligibility Center Registration

Students will click here to create or log into their account.

Filling out the WorksheetFilling out the Worksheet• The worksheet (found on Website. ) is provided to assist in monitoring the progress in meeting NCAA initial-eligibility standards. The Eligibility Center will determine the official status after graduation. • Remember to check the high school’s list of approved courses for the classes taken.

• Use the following scale:A = 4 quality points; B = 3 quality points; C = 2 quality points; D = 1 quality points

Use NCAA Worksheet Examples.

Students With DisabilitiesA student with a disability must meet the same requirements as all other students but is provided certain accommodations to help meet these requirements.

Students with a diagnosed disability only need to let the NCAA know about their disability if they plan on using core courses after their eighth semester of high school and they plan on attending a Division I college.

See website for more information.

• You are eligible for a waiver of the registration fee only if you have already received a fee waiver for the ACT or SAT fee.

• Your fee waiver section must then be completed online by your high school counselor.

•If you have not yet been granted a fee waiver by ACT or SAT, you are not yet eligible for a waiver of the NCAA Eligibility Center registration fee.

Registration – TranscriptsA preliminary transcript is sent when you register. You must ask the Guidance Office to send this transcript once you have registered.

A final transcript is sent after graduation. You must also ask the Guidance Office to send this transcript.

Final transcripts can not be changed, therefore, you should come in and double check for errors.

We will mail Final Transcripts the Friday following Graduation!!

PIN NumberAfter you submit the Registration

form you may check the status of your file:

1)by phone or 2)by visiting the website

Either way – you will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your account.

After you have registered, paid the fee and had your transcript and SAT or ACT score(s) sent, you may check your status by:

1) Phone – Eligibility Center Customer Service toll free – 1-877-622-2321 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time M - F.

2) Internet

Check Your Status

When Does a Student Receive a Preliminary Report?

The Eligibility Center prioritizes incoming information by the following categories:

•Students who are being actively recruited by an institution and are on an institutional request list (IRL)

•Students with disabilities who have taken a non-standard test or who have registered with NCAA disability services

•Students who request a report. You can call or send an email to request.

Remember,meeting the NCAA

academic rules does not guarantee your

admission into a college.

You must still apply for admission.

Recruiting

Specific information about recruiting policies can be found in

Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.

Financial Aid

•There are no four-year athletics scholarships.•All athletics scholarships awarded by NCAA institutions are limited to one year and are renewable each academic year and may be reduced or withdrawn. •Athletics scholarships may be renewed each academic year for a maximum of five years within a six-year period of continuous college attendance.•Athletics scholarships are awarded in a variety of amounts, ranging from full scholarships (including tuition fees, room, board and books) to partial scholarships (e.g., books only).

Questions???

Questions???The Eligibility Center has

created a high school direct phone line. Please contact the

Eligibility Center with your questions at 877/622-2321.

1.1. Q: If I transferred from another Q: If I transferred from another school, how are my “Core school, how are my “Core Courses” defined?Courses” defined?

A: You will use the List of Approved A: You will use the List of Approved Courses and Grading scale from Courses and Grading scale from each school attended in calculating each school attended in calculating “Core GPA”. You will need “Core GPA”. You will need originaloriginal transcripts from each school, also.transcripts from each school, also.

Questions

2.2. Q: If I am taking a class at Q: If I am taking a class at ECTC, does it count toward my ECTC, does it count toward my “Core GPA?”“Core GPA?”

A: Yes, if it is in the area of English, A: Yes, if it is in the area of English, Math, Science, or Social Science. Math, Science, or Social Science. You will need to provide the NCAA You will need to provide the NCAA with your ECTC Transcript in with your ECTC Transcript in addition to the EHS transcript.addition to the EHS transcript.

Questions

3.3. Q: If I am taking a class through Q: If I am taking a class through Kentucky Virtual High School Kentucky Virtual High School (KVHS), does it count toward my (KVHS), does it count toward my “Core GPA”?“Core GPA”?A: More than likely, if it is in the area A: More than likely, if it is in the area of English, Math, Science, or Social of English, Math, Science, or Social Science. The NCAA approves classes Science. The NCAA approves classes taken “by non-traditional means” on taken “by non-traditional means” on a case-by-case basis. However, they a case-by-case basis. However, they have researched KVHS and have have researched KVHS and have approved those courses in the past.approved those courses in the past.

Questions

4.4. Q: On the registration form it Q: On the registration form it asks for my email address. asks for my email address. What if I don’t have email?What if I don’t have email?

A: All students have free email A: All students have free email accounts through EHS. However, accounts through EHS. However, you could simply leave that part you could simply leave that part blank and indicate, where asked, blank and indicate, where asked, that you prefer the paper option for that you prefer the paper option for all correspondence.all correspondence.

Questions

5.5. Q: I took Algebra 1 in the 8Q: I took Algebra 1 in the 8thth grade. Does it count as a Core grade. Does it count as a Core Course for me?Course for me?

A: NO – only courses taken in the A: NO – only courses taken in the 99thth grade and beyond count as grade and beyond count as “Core”, even if listed on the high “Core”, even if listed on the high school transcript.school transcript.

Questions

Resources

Go to www.eligibilitycenter.org From the home page, click on “Resources.”

The “Resources” page has a link to the “Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete”, as well as other helpful information.

You will need Acrobat Reader to view the Guide.

Also found on Guidance website.

ResourcesResources

www.eligibilitycenter.org - for college-bound student-athletes to complete their registration and check their status with the Eligibility Center. Also to download and print a copy of the 2009-10 Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.www.NCAA.org –Under “Academics & Athletes” section, click on “Eligibility and Recruiting” and then click on “Information for College-Bound Student-Athletes and Parents.”www.Actstudent.org www.Collegeboard.com

Summary1. Register with Eligibility Center in junior year.

Request that Guidance Office send preliminary transcript.

2. Take the required number of “core courses”.

3. Take the ACT/SAT & send scores to Eligibility Center.

4. Complete the Worksheet to calculate “core GPA”. Compare GPA and test scores on sliding scale.

5. Check status online.

6. Request that Guidance Office send final transcript upon graduation.