What High School Athletes Need To Know About The NCAA Eligibility Center

Are you a high school athlete with dreams of playing in college? If so, it's important to understand the role of the NCAA Eligibility Center. This organization is responsible for ensuring that student-athletes meet academic and amateurism standards before they can play in NCAA-sanctioned sports. In this blog post, we'll explain what the NCAA Eligibility Center is, how it works, and what high school athletes need to do to be eligible.

What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?

The NCAA Eligibility Center is an organization that reviews the academic and amateurism eligibility of high school student-athletes who want to play in college sports at the Division I or II level. To be eligible, student-athletes must meet certain academic requirements, such as completing a minimum number of core courses and maintaining a GPA of at least 2.3. They must also meet amateurism requirements, which means they cannot accept payment or benefits for their athletic performance.

How does it work?

To become eligible for NCAA-sanctioned sports, high school athletes must first register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. During the registration process, they will provide information about their academic history, as well as their sports participation and any amateurism activities. The Eligibility Center will then review this information and determine whether the student-athlete meets the eligibility requirements. If the athlete is deemed eligible, they will be cleared to play in NCAA-sanctioned sports at the Division I or II level.

What do high school athletes need to do to be eligible?

To be eligible for NCAA-sanctioned sports, high school athletes need to take a series of important steps. They should start by registering with the NCAA Eligibility Center early in their high school career (ideally by the end of their sophomore year). They should also work closely with their high school guidance counselor to ensure that they are taking the required core courses and achieving the necessary grades. Additionally, they may need to take the ACT or SAT and submit their scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center. High school athletes should also be proactive in communicating with college coaches and letting them know about their eligibility status.

Why is the NCAA Eligibility Center important for high school athletes?

The NCAA Eligibility Center is important for high school athletes for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures that athletes are academically eligible to compete in college sports. This helps to protect students from being exploited or manipulated by unscrupulous coaches or recruiters. Additionally, the Eligibility Center helps to level the playing field for all student-athletes, regardless of their background or resources. It also provides a standardized system for evaluating athlete eligibility, which helps to prevent confusion or misunderstanding.

How can high school athletes stay on track?

To stay on track with NCAA Eligibility Center requirements, high school athletes should work closely with their guidance counselor and athletic director to ensure that they are meeting all the necessary requirements. They should also stay organized and keep track of deadlines and paperwork. Additionally, they should communicate regularly with college coaches to ensure that they are aware of any changes or updates to their eligibility status.

The NCAA Eligibility Center plays a crucial role in ensuring that high school athletes are academically and amateurism eligible to compete in college sports at the Division I or II level. As a high school athlete, it's important to understand the role of the Eligibility Center and take the necessary steps to become eligible. By working closely with your guidance counselor and athletic director, staying organized, and communicating regularly with college coaches, you can put yourself in the best position to succeed both academically and athletically.