See below for more information about NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA
Now let’s look at Playing sports in College. If you think you may play a sport in college, you will need to register with the eligibility center for that particular college level. College sports are separated into different levels of competition — the NCAA and NAIA for four-year institutions, and the NJCAA, CCCAA, and NWAC for two-year schools. Each level is designed to cater to student-athletes with different goals in mind.
For example: If you plan to play football at Murray State, you will need to register with the NCAA eligibility center. Qualifying to play at an NCAA school requires the high school athlete to take 16 of the NCAA approved courses. You may need to take 2 years of a foreign language to meet this requirement.
NCAA D3, NAIA, and junior college eligibility are not as strict for incoming freshmen.
For more information visit the eligibility centers or contact the GCHS Athletic Director or School Counselor. The online Curriculum Guide also contains eligibility information.
Planning Guide for Collegiate Sports Eligibility
Freshman Year: Register
Start planning now! Take NCAA-approved courses and earn the best grades possible.
Find your high school’s list of NCAA-approved core courses at eligibilitycenter.org/courselist.
Register for a free Profile Page account at eligibilitycenter.org for information on NCAA initial eligibility requirements.
Take college preparatory courses.
Sophomore Year: Plan
If you fall behind academically, ask your counselor for help finding approved courses you can take.
If you are being actively recruited by an NCAA school and have a Profile Page account, transition it to a Certification account.
Monitor the task list in your Eligibility Center account for next steps.
Junior Year: Study
Check with your counselor to make sure you are on track to complete the required number of NCAAapproved core courses and graduate on time with your class.
Take the SAT/ACT and submit your scores to the Eligibility Center using code 9999 and or the NAIA Eligibility Center using code 9876. These codes are provided in the ACT registration materials.
Ensure your sports participation information and academic information is correct in your Eligibility Center account.
Continue to take college preparatory courses.
Senior Year: Graduate
Complete your final NCAA-approved core courses as you prepare for graduation.
Take the SAT/ACT again, if necessary, and submit your scores to the Eligibility Center using code 999 and or the NAIA Eligibility Center using code 9876. These codes are provided in the ACT registration materials.
Request your final amateurism certification beginning April 1 (fall enrollees) or Oct. 1 (winter/spring enrollees) in your Eligibility Center account at eligibilitycenter.org.
Continue to take college prep courses.
Prospective student-athletes should become familiar with each association's unique eligibility requirements.
