Setting a Course to Compete Setting a Course to Compete at the College Levelat the College Level

Zac SaundersZac Saunders

Director of ComplianceDirector of Compliance

Pitt AthleticsPitt Athletics

OverviewOverviewQuestions to AskQuestions to AskSeeking AdviceSeeking AdviceRecruiting ProcessRecruiting ProcessEligibility ProcessEligibility ProcessFinancial Aid and National Financial Aid and National Letter of IntentLetter of Intent

Questions to AskQuestions to Ask Do I really want to compete in this sport at the next level? Am I good enough?

What are my geographic interests? What are the best schools in that area?

How can I find out about the athletic program at my schools of interest? What kind of opportunity will I have there?

What do I want to study?

What do I need to do to become eligible?

Who Can Assist Me With Who Can Assist Me With these Questions?these Questions?

Parents/RelativesParents/Relatives

High School or Club CoachHigh School or Club Coach

High School Guidance CounselorHigh School Guidance Counselor

High School Athletic DirectorHigh School Athletic Director

Current Student-AthletesCurrent Student-Athletes

College Coach or Athletic Dept. College Coach or Athletic Dept. OfficialOfficial

Understanding the Understanding the Recruiting ProcessRecruiting Process

Recruiting TimelineRecruiting Timeline

High School Freshmen and High School Freshmen and SophomoresSophomores– College Coaches may not call or email you.College Coaches may not call or email you.– College Coaches are only permitted to send College Coaches are only permitted to send

you a few items via mail (questionnaires, you a few items via mail (questionnaires, camp brochures, admissions info).camp brochures, admissions info).

– Recruits can make calls and visit campuses Recruits can make calls and visit campuses on their own at any time.on their own at any time.

– College coaches may meet with recruits on College coaches may meet with recruits on campus if they visit on their own.campus if they visit on their own.

– Information generally available via website.Information generally available via website.

Recruiting TimelineRecruiting Timeline

High School Juniors and SeniorsHigh School Juniors and Seniors– Starting Sept. 1 of Junior year, college Starting Sept. 1 of Junior year, college

coaches may send you recruiting materials coaches may send you recruiting materials (i.e. letters, media guide, program (i.e. letters, media guide, program information.information.

– Following Junior year (generally July 1), Following Junior year (generally July 1), coaches may begin calling you on a once coaches may begin calling you on a once per week basis.per week basis.

– Starting with the first day of classes of Starting with the first day of classes of your senior year, coaches may bring your senior year, coaches may bring recruits on campus for “official visits”.recruits on campus for “official visits”.

Recruiting VisitsRecruiting Visits

Official visitsOfficial visits– Institution finances all or part of the visit.Institution finances all or part of the visit.– Maximum of 5 visits per prospect.Maximum of 5 visits per prospect.– One visit per school.One visit per school.– Maximum 48 hours in length.Maximum 48 hours in length.– Academic requirements for visit:Academic requirements for visit:

Division I: Test score and transcript.Division I: Test score and transcript.

**Registered at Eligibility **Registered at Eligibility CenterCenter

Recruiting VisitsRecruiting Visits

Unofficial VisitUnofficial Visit– Prospect pays all expenses.Prospect pays all expenses.– Institution may provide 3 Institution may provide 3

complimentary admissions to an on-complimentary admissions to an on-campus athletics event.campus athletics event.

– Prospect may take an unofficial visit at Prospect may take an unofficial visit at any time.any time.

– Prospect may take as many unofficial Prospect may take as many unofficial visits as he/she wishes.visits as he/she wishes.

MBB Recruiting Rules MBB Recruiting Rules UpdateUpdate

Beginning June 15Beginning June 15thth after prospect’s sophomore year, college after prospect’s sophomore year, college coaches are permitted to make unlimited calls to prospects coaches are permitted to make unlimited calls to prospects (and their parents)(and their parents)

Unlimited text messages beginning June 15Unlimited text messages beginning June 15thth after prospect’s after prospect’s sophomore yearsophomore year

Official Visits – Allowed, beginning January 1Official Visits – Allowed, beginning January 1stst of prospect’s of prospect’s junior yearjunior year

Institution may now cover transportation expenses for Institution may now cover transportation expenses for prospect’s parents (e.g., flight expense)prospect’s parents (e.g., flight expense)

During official visit, institution’s MBB coaches may conduct During official visit, institution’s MBB coaches may conduct on-campus evaluation (“work-out)”on-campus evaluation (“work-out)”

Contacts now permitted during Junior year and only at the Contacts now permitted during Junior year and only at the high school up until the end of April. Contact may not take high school up until the end of April. Contact may not take place while classes are in session…(this includes gym class)place while classes are in session…(this includes gym class)

College EligibilityCollege Eligibility

& the & the

NCAA Eligibility CenterNCAA Eligibility Center

The BasicsThe Basics

In order for a student in their first year In order for a student in their first year of collegiate enrollment to practice, of collegiate enrollment to practice, compete and receive athletically compete and receive athletically related financial aid at a Division I related financial aid at a Division I and/or II institution they must:and/or II institution they must:– Be registered at the NCAA Eligibility Be registered at the NCAA Eligibility

CenterCenter– Have Test Scores/Transcripts on file at Have Test Scores/Transcripts on file at

NCAA Eligibility CenterNCAA Eligibility Center– Receive a “Final Qualifier” Academic Receive a “Final Qualifier” Academic

Certification StatusCertification Status– Receive a Final Amateurism CertificationReceive a Final Amateurism Certification

What is a final academic What is a final academic qualifier?qualifier?

A final academic qualifier is an incoming A final academic qualifier is an incoming student-athlete for whom the NCAA student-athlete for whom the NCAA Eligibility Center has certified as meeting Eligibility Center has certified as meeting all Division I or II initial-eligibility all Division I or II initial-eligibility requirements.requirements.A final qualifier is eligible for financial A final qualifier is eligible for financial aid, practice and four seasons of aid, practice and four seasons of competition.competition.A final qualifier:A final qualifier:– Has passed the required amount of core Has passed the required amount of core

courses in the required areascourses in the required areas– Meets Division I “sliding scale” or Division II Meets Division I “sliding scale” or Division II

minimumsminimums– Has graduated from high schoolHas graduated from high school

Registering with the Eligibility Registering with the Eligibility CenterCenter

Any student who will attend a NCAA Any student who will attend a NCAA Division I or II institution Division I or II institution andand wishes to wishes to participate in intercollegiate athletics must participate in intercollegiate athletics must register at register at www.eligibilitycenter.org

Application fee: $70 ($120 for international Application fee: $70 ($120 for international students). Fee waivers accepted from students). Fee waivers accepted from Guidance Counselors.Guidance Counselors.

Online Registration Only.Online Registration Only.

Must be registered and paid to go on Must be registered and paid to go on

official visit.official visit.

What is a Core Course?What is a Core Course?An NCAA core course must meet the following:An NCAA core course must meet the following:

1.1. Recognized academic course which qualifies Recognized academic course which qualifies for high-school graduation credit in one or a for high-school graduation credit in one or a combination of: English, math, science, social combination of: English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, nondoctrinal studies, foreign language, nondoctrinal religion, philosophy;religion, philosophy;

2. 2. Course must be considered college preparatory Course must be considered college preparatory for entrance into a four-year college;for entrance into a four-year college;

3. 3. Mathematics must be at the level of Algebra I Mathematics must be at the level of Algebra I or higher;or higher;

4. 4. Course must be taught by a qualified Course must be taught by a qualified instructor;instructor;

5.5. Course must be at or above regular academic Course must be at or above regular academic level.level.

6.6. Computer Science is eliminated as a core Computer Science is eliminated as a core course unless it has been approved under the course unless it has been approved under the math category.math category.

Approved Courses Form (48H)Approved Courses Form (48H)

Each High School has a 48H form, found Each High School has a 48H form, found at www.eligibilitycenter.org, where all at www.eligibilitycenter.org, where all

accepted core courses are listed by accepted core courses are listed by subject area. Guidance Counselors may subject area. Guidance Counselors may

update this form via the website. A update this form via the website. A course will not be accepted as core—course will not be accepted as core—even if it meets the definition—if it is even if it meets the definition—if it is

not listed properly on this form.not listed properly on this form.*NEW at Eligibility Center: Date of Last Update**NEW at Eligibility Center: Date of Last Update*

High School Transcript and High School Transcript and Standardized Test ScoreStandardized Test Score

Core Course GPA will be determined Core Course GPA will be determined using the official transcript sent by the using the official transcript sent by the High School directly to the Eligibility High School directly to the Eligibility Center. No other type of transcript is Center. No other type of transcript is accepted.accepted.

SAT score is highest combination of SAT score is highest combination of Critical Reading and Math Sections.Critical Reading and Math Sections.

ACT score is highest combination of ACT score is highest combination of English, Math, Reading and Science English, Math, Reading and Science subsections.subsections.

Important! Important! Test Scores SubmissionTest Scores Submission

Test Scores must be sent directly to Test Scores must be sent directly to the Eligibility Center via the Testing the Eligibility Center via the Testing Agency.Agency.Code for NCAA Eligibility Center for Code for NCAA Eligibility Center for both SAT and ACT: 9999.both SAT and ACT: 9999.May be requested upon registration May be requested upon registration or may be sent after results are or may be sent after results are posted via the appropriate website.posted via the appropriate website.Test scores submitted by the high Test scores submitted by the high

school on an official transcript willschool on an official transcript will not be accepted.not be accepted.

Division I Core-Course Division I Core-Course RequirementsRequirements

4 years of English4 years of English3 years of math (at Algebra I or higher)3 years of math (at Algebra I or higher)2 years of science (one must be a lab)2 years of science (one must be a lab)1 years of additional English, math or 1 years of additional English, math or sciencescience2 years of social studies2 years of social studies4 years of additional core-course units4 years of additional core-course units

__________________________________________________________________________________________16 Total Core Courses16 Total Core Courses

CORE COURSE GPA MUST MATCH CORE COURSE GPA MUST MATCH TEST SCORE on “SLIDING SCALE”TEST SCORE on “SLIDING SCALE”

““Eight Semester” RuleEight Semester” RuleIn order to be eligible you must:In order to be eligible you must:– Satisfy 16 core course requirement not later Satisfy 16 core course requirement not later

than the standard graduation date of your than the standard graduation date of your incoming class (i.e. 4 years). If the incoming class (i.e. 4 years). If the requirements are not met within this time requirements are not met within this time frame, you will not be able to complete them frame, you will not be able to complete them during a “fifth” year of high school.during a “fifth” year of high school.

*Exception*: A prospect who graduates “on *Exception*: A prospect who graduates “on time” may use up to one additional core time” may use up to one additional core course taken up to one year after course taken up to one year after graduation to satisfy requirements.graduation to satisfy requirements.

No time restriction for SAT/ACT score No time restriction for SAT/ACT score and/or completion of graduation and/or completion of graduation requirements, except that both must be requirements, except that both must be completed before initial full-time enrollment completed before initial full-time enrollment at a collegiate institution.at a collegiate institution.

““Eight Semester” RuleEight Semester” RuleAmerican prospect must satisfy 16 core American prospect must satisfy 16 core course requirement not later than the course requirement not later than the standard graduation date of their standard graduation date of their incoming class (i.e. 4 years). If the incoming class (i.e. 4 years). If the requirements are not met within this time requirements are not met within this time frame, they will not be able to complete frame, they will not be able to complete them during a “fifth” year of high school.them during a “fifth” year of high school.

*Exception*: A prospect who graduates *Exception*: A prospect who graduates “on time” may use up to one additional “on time” may use up to one additional core course taken up to one year after core course taken up to one year after graduation to satisfy requirements.graduation to satisfy requirements.

ExamplesExamples

Prospect A:Prospect A:

– Grade 9: 2006-07 Grade 9: 2006-07 – Grade 10: 2007-08Grade 10: 2007-08– Grade 11: 2008-09Grade 11: 2008-09– Grade 12: 2009-10 Grade 12: 2009-10

(graduates with (graduates with class) class)

– ““A” may use all A” may use all courses in grades 9-courses in grades 9-12 for initial-12 for initial-eligibility and up to eligibility and up to one course during one course during the the summer/academic summer/academic year after year after graduation prior to graduation prior to enrollment in a enrollment in a college.college.

Prospect B:Prospect B:

– Grade 9: 2005-06 Grade 9: 2005-06 – Grade 9 (repeat): Grade 9 (repeat):

2006-072006-07– Grade 10: 2007-08Grade 10: 2007-08– Grade 11: 2008-09Grade 11: 2008-09– Grade 12: 2009-10 Grade 12: 2009-10

(graduates)(graduates)– ““B” may use all B” may use all

courses in the first courses in the first four years of high four years of high school towards initial-school towards initial-eligibility, but may eligibility, but may not use any taken not use any taken during the senior during the senior year, or any after year, or any after graduation.graduation.

Exception!Exception!Early CertificationsEarly Certifications

PSAs who meet certain criteria at the conclusion of PSAs who meet certain criteria at the conclusion of the junior year may receive an “early” academic the junior year may receive an “early” academic certification status at the Eligibility Center.certification status at the Eligibility Center.– 13 core courses (3 English; 2 math; 2 science; 6 additional) 13 core courses (3 English; 2 math; 2 science; 6 additional)

at a 3.00 gpa and;at a 3.00 gpa and;– SAT of 1000 or ACT of 85.SAT of 1000 or ACT of 85.

Official transcript and test score must be on file at Official transcript and test score must be on file at Eligibility Center.Eligibility Center.

Student remains a final qualifier regardless of senior Student remains a final qualifier regardless of senior grades and/or graduation.grades and/or graduation.

Student is still asked to submit final official transcript.Student is still asked to submit final official transcript.

DIVISION I ONLYDIVISION I ONLY

Division II Initial Eligibility Division II Initial Eligibility RequirementsRequirements

Qualifier: Graduates and earns a minimum of 2.0 Qualifier: Graduates and earns a minimum of 2.0 GPA in 14 core courses as designated and 820 GPA in 14 core courses as designated and 820 SAT (68 ACT). May practice, compete and SAT (68 ACT). May practice, compete and receive athletics aid in freshman year.receive athletics aid in freshman year.

Partial Qualifier: Graduates and meets either the Partial Qualifier: Graduates and meets either the GPA requirement or the test score requirement. GPA requirement or the test score requirement. In freshman year, may receive athletics aid and In freshman year, may receive athletics aid and practice only on campus, but may not compete; practice only on campus, but may not compete; still has 4 seasons of eligibility.still has 4 seasons of eligibility.

Non-qualifier: Any prospect who is neither a Non-qualifier: Any prospect who is neither a Qualifier nor a Partial Qualifier. No practice, Qualifier nor a Partial Qualifier. No practice, competition or athletics aid in freshman year; competition or athletics aid in freshman year; still has 4 seasons of eligibility.still has 4 seasons of eligibility.

Division II Core-Course Division II Core-Course RequirementsRequirements

3 years of English3 years of English2 years of math (at Algebra I or higher)2 years of math (at Algebra I or higher)2 years of science (one must be a lab)2 years of science (one must be a lab)2* years of additional English, math or 2* years of additional English, math or sciencescience2 years of social studies2 years of social studies3* years of additional core-course units3* years of additional core-course units

__________________________________________________________________________________________14 Total Core Courses14 Total Core Courses

*Starting August 1, 2013, requirement in *Starting August 1, 2013, requirement in this area will increase one unit to total a this area will increase one unit to total a 16 total core course requirement.16 total core course requirement.

Amateurism CertificationAmateurism CertificationAll prospective and enrolled student-athletes must All prospective and enrolled student-athletes must meet the NCAA’s definition of an amateur in order to meet the NCAA’s definition of an amateur in order to participate in intercollegiate athleticsparticipate in intercollegiate athletics– A student-athlete shall not be eligible for participation in an A student-athlete shall not be eligible for participation in an

intercollegiate sport if the individual takes or has taken pay, intercollegiate sport if the individual takes or has taken pay, or has accepted the promise of pay in any form, for or has accepted the promise of pay in any form, for participation in that sport, or if the individual has violated participation in that sport, or if the individual has violated any of the other regulations related to amateurism set forth any of the other regulations related to amateurism set forth in Bylaw 12.in Bylaw 12.

Upon registration, prospect will be asked a series of Upon registration, prospect will be asked a series of questions—different answers may trigger requests for questions—different answers may trigger requests for additional information.additional information.Starting in April of senior year, PSAs must return to Starting in April of senior year, PSAs must return to Eligibility website and request “final authorization”.Eligibility website and request “final authorization”.NCAA representatives email questions directly to NCAA representatives email questions directly to PSAs ONLY. Email is sent to address given during PSAs ONLY. Email is sent to address given during registration.registration.

Eligibility TimelineEligibility TimelineJunior year Junior year Register on line with the Eligibility Center and fill out Register on line with the Eligibility Center and fill out

Amateurism Questionnaire. Don’t Lose your PIN Amateurism Questionnaire. Don’t Lose your PIN Number!!Number!!

Take ACT or SAT test and report scores directly to Take ACT or SAT test and report scores directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center: the NCAA Eligibility Center:

Code 9999.Code 9999. Be sure to double check your approved core courses Be sure to double check your approved core courses

list (48H) to be sure that it reflects the current list (48H) to be sure that it reflects the current coursework being offered at your high school.coursework being offered at your high school.

After junior year After junior year Ask your guidance counselor to send a six-semester Ask your guidance counselor to send a six-semester

official transcript to the Eligibility Center. official transcript to the Eligibility Center. Request a preliminary report from the Eligibility Request a preliminary report from the Eligibility

Center and review it closely.Center and review it closely. Re-take SAT or ACT if necessary.Re-take SAT or ACT if necessary.

Eligibility TimelineEligibility TimelineDuring the senior yearDuring the senior year Choose enough core courses in senior year to meet requirements.Choose enough core courses in senior year to meet requirements. Check preliminary report. Check preliminary report. Be sure your test scores have been sent in to the eligibility center.Be sure your test scores have been sent in to the eligibility center. Return to Eligibility Center website (April 1) to request a final Return to Eligibility Center website (April 1) to request a final

amateurism certification.amateurism certification.After the senior yearAfter the senior year Review your final transcript with your guidance counselor to ensure Review your final transcript with your guidance counselor to ensure

accuracy.accuracy. Ask your guidance counselor sends final official transcript (with proof Ask your guidance counselor sends final official transcript (with proof

of graduation) to the NCAA Eligibility Center.of graduation) to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Ask the Eligibility Center to perform a final academic certification.Ask the Eligibility Center to perform a final academic certification.

Upon enrollment in a Division I or II institution, a recruited student may Upon enrollment in a Division I or II institution, a recruited student may participate in practice activities for no more than 14 days without a participate in practice activities for no more than 14 days without a FINAL academic and amateur certification. A non-recruited student FINAL academic and amateur certification. A non-recruited student

may participate for 45 days. No students may compete with a pending may participate for 45 days. No students may compete with a pending status.status.

Accommodations for Accommodations for Students with DisabilitiesStudents with Disabilities

Use of a nonstandard ACT and/or SAT Use of a nonstandard ACT and/or SAT test.test.

Use of three courses taken after Use of three courses taken after prescribed high-school graduation date.prescribed high-school graduation date.– No longer able to use unlimited courses up to No longer able to use unlimited courses up to

enrollment.enrollment.

Use of courses specifically designed for Use of courses specifically designed for students with disabilities and approved students with disabilities and approved as core courses by NCAA.as core courses by NCAA.

Financial AidFinancial Aid

National Letter of Intent (NLI)National Letter of Intent (NLI)– Binding one-year agreement (verbal Binding one-year agreement (verbal

agreements non-binding).agreements non-binding).– Prospect must attend that institution for Prospect must attend that institution for

one year.one year.– Institution must provide prospect with Institution must provide prospect with

athletics financial aid in conjunction with athletics financial aid in conjunction with the NLI.the NLI.

– Multi-Year Grants Now PermittedMulti-Year Grants Now Permitted

ALERT!!!ALERT!!!

NEW ELIGIBILITY RULES FOR NEW ELIGIBILITY RULES FOR STUDENTS ENTERING COLLEGE STUDENTS ENTERING COLLEGE IN 2016 AND LATER (This Year’s IN 2016 AND LATER (This Year’s High School Freshmen) High School Freshmen)

NEW RECRUITING RULES (coming NEW RECRUITING RULES (coming July 1, 2013) July 1, 2013)

Questions?Questions?

Zac SaundersZac SaundersDirector of ComplianceDirector of Compliance

412-648-8218412-648-8218zsaunders@athletics.pitt.eduzsaunders@athletics.pitt.edu