The NCAA passed new legislation on Thursday that will affect how players maneuver this summer.
On Thursday, the NCAA Division I Council adopted new legislation that will allow all Division I student-athletes a one-time opportunity to transfer to another school and compete immediately, starting in the 2021-22 academic year. According to the NCAA, the Division I Board of Directors will meet on April 28 to ratify the legislation, but all signs point to a win for student-athletes on the horizon.
Before the Council adopted this legislation, student-athletes competing in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, football, and men’s ice hockey had to sit out a year when transferring to a new school. They could file a waiver requesting immediate eligibility, but it was not guaranteed to be granted and oftentimes were not. Now, these players will have the same opportunities as all others to transfer and play right away aIf the board adopts the legislation as expected, the change is effective for student-athletes who have not transferred before and want to compete at a new school as early as this fall.
In addition to the transfer legislation passed, the Council also announced that all Division I sports will return to their regular recruiting calendars beginning June 1.
So what does it all mean for you? Free Game Program has got you covered.
The NCAA transfer portal will be hectic for student-athletes
The NCAA’s transfer portal has already seen some pretty insane numbers so far this year. Players from all over the country at every level are on the move. It’s going to get crazy. In addition to the transfer portal circus, players affected by COVID have an extra year of eligibility. All these factors lend to a ton of more competition in the recruiting space.
To stand out, players should:
- Maintain the best grades possible (academic $ is still $)
- Have highlight films and transcripts readily available
- Seriously consider your situation before transferring
Players and parents should understand that the recruiting process just got a little trickier. Camps will be overflowing this summer with talented players who have been waiting a full COVID year to show college coaches their stuff. So the best thing a player or parent reading this can do is be prepared.
This blog will work to keep you updated on new developments as it pertains to all things parents and players should know. As always, contact us @info@freegameprogram.com with your questions and follow us on social!