SideLine Chatter 

“Cheat Sheet” for Moms to learn the vocabulary 

around college athletics and recruiting. 

We’ll throw in some other “slang” to help you as well.

NCAA & Eligibility Terms

NCAA

National Collegiate Athletic Association – the governing body for most college sports.

NAIA / NJCAA

Other college sports associations (NAIA = private colleges; NJCAA = junior/community colleges).

Eligibility Center

Where student-athletes register to become eligible for NCAA DI or DII sports.

Core Courses

Specific high school courses required for NCAA eligibility.

Academic Redshirt

Athletes who meet admission but not full NCAA academic eligibility—can practice but not compete.

Recruiting & Communication

Contact Period

Time when coaches can directly contact athletes and parents.

Dead Period

Coaches cannot make in-person contact or visits, though written/electronic communication may still occur.

Quiet Period

Coaches may meet in person on campus but not off-campus.

Unofficial Visit

A campus visit paid for by the family; can occur at almost any time.

Official Visit

A campus visit paid for by the school (limited to 5 total in DI).

Verbal Commitment

A non-binding, informal commitment to a school. Not official until a letter is signed.

Scholarships & Offers

Athletic Scholarship

Money awarded based on athletic ability (DI & DII schools).

Equivalency Sport

Scholarships can be divided among multiple players (e.g., lacrosse, baseball).

Headcount Sport

Scholarships must be full (e.g., DI football, DI men’s and women’s basketball).

National Letter of Intent (NLI)

A binding agreement between an athlete and a school – typically signed in senior year.

Walk-On (Preferred/Non-Preferred)

A player joins the team without a scholarship. Preferred = more guaranteed opportunity.

Athletic Evaluation

Highlight Reel

A short video showcasing athletic performance—often shared with coaches.

Prospect

A student-athlete being considered by a coach.

Recruit

A prospect who is actively being pursued by coaches.

Roster Spot

A guaranteed position on a team, not always tied to scholarship money.

Redshirt

A year when a student practices but doesn’t compete, preserving a year of eligibility.