1. PAGES 1-35 - Texas Track & Field Coaches Association

IS THERE A REQUIRED MINIMUM GPA FOR CORE COURSES TO BE ELIGIBLE?
Yes. The minimum is 2.000 or better on a 4.000 grading scale for
both NCAA Division I and II.
Updates
from the
NCAA
Eligibility
Center
BY JOHN PFEFFENBERGER
Each year, the NCAA Eligibility Center attempts to provide as
much outreach and communication as possible as it relates to
NCAA rules and regulations for initial eligibility in Divisions I
and II. That being said, the NCAA Eligibility Center can sometimes
be a place of confusion and frustration for athletes and coaches
alike. I thought that I would use this column to explain some of the
very basic elements of NCAA initial eligibility, and what aspects are
important to know for both athletes and coaches.
WHAT IS INITIAL ELIGIBILITY AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?
Initial eligibility rules are in place to ensure that college-bound student-athletes
have met NCAA academic and amateurism guidelines.
College-bound student-athletes cannot participate in any sport for an
NCAA Division I or II college or university without this certification.
WHAT ARE THE TEST-SCORE REQUIREMENTS?
In Division I, the NCAA uses a sliding scale that combines the
core-course GPA (see below for more on core courses) and
ACT/SAT scores to determine eligibility. Division II requires a
minimum SAT score of 820 for the critical reading and math sections
only or a minimum ACT sum score of 68. For more information
about the NCAA Division I and II academic requirements,
please visit www.eligibilitycenter.org.
WHAT IS A CORE COURSE AND HOW MANY DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE?
Core courses are primarily English, math, foreign language, social
studies and science classes with an emphasis on college preparation.
To play in Division I, high school graduates must complete 16 core
courses. Currently, Division II college-bound student-athletes must
complete 14 core courses, but that will change to 16 core courses
beginning in 2013.
WHAT ARE THE AMATEURISM REQUIREMENTS?
The online registration process includes questions relating to a
prospective student-athlete’s sports-participation history. The information
provided will be reviewed by the NCAA Eligibility Center’s
amateurism staff, and a determination will be made as to whether
the individual’s amateur status should be certified. Individuals with
questions about their amateur status should contact the NCAA
Eligibility Center at 877-262-1492.
WHEN SHOULD PROSPECTIVE STUDENT-ATHLETES REGISTER WITH THE NCAA
ELIGIBILITY CENTER?
The NCAA Eligibility Center staff recommends that prospective
student-athletes that wish to attend an NCAA Division I or II institution
register at the beginning of their junior year of high school, or
international equivalent.
WHAT WILL I BE ASKED TO PROVIDE WHEN I REGISTER WITH THE NCAA
ELIGIBILITY CENTER?
Prospective student-athletes should first create an account by
going to www.eligibilitycenter.org. After a prospect has registered his
or her account, three basic sections will need to be completed.
About Me – In this section, a prospect will answer some basic demographic
information such as name, date of birth, gender and where
he or she lives.
My Coursework – Prospects will be asked to enter the name and location
of his or her high school (currently attended), along with information
about summer school or any additional schools the prospect
may have attended.
My Sports – This is the section where a prospect will provide information
related to his or her sports participation history. The NCAA
Eligibility Center will ask about high school and/or club teams, as
well as high school and post-high school events.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REGISTER WITH THE NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER?
Accounts will be eligible for processing with a payment of the
application fee. This fee is currently set at $65 for domestic
prospects and $95 for international.
Hopefully this article provided some basic Q&A about general
information as it relates to the NCAA Eligibility Center. With that, I
will leave you with a few tips for those incoming high school seniors
to stay on top of the game when it comes to obtaining your NCAA
eligibility for fall 2012:
Take the SAT and/or ACT again, if necessary. The NCAA Eligibility
Center will use the best scores from each section of the ACT or SAT
to determine your best cumulative score.
Continue to take college-prep courses.
Check the courses you have taken to match your school’s list of
approved core courses.
Review your amateurism response and request final amateurism
certification on or after April 1 (for fall 2012 NCAA enrollees).
Continue to work hard to get the best grades possible.
Graduate on time (in eight academic semesters). If you fall
behind, use summer school sessions before graduation to catch up.
After graduation, ask your guidance counselor to send your final
transcript to the Eligibility Center with proof of graduation.
John Pfeffenberger is the Coordinator of Amateurism Certification for
the NCAA Eligibility Center and can be reached at jpfeffenberger@ncaa.org
56 techniques AUGUST 2011