1. NCAA & NAIA Eligibility Informational Meeting

2. VAST number of websites found on Guidance Website, “N” page
Information and Resources for College-Bound Student-Athletes and Parents
VAST number of websites found on Guidance Website, “N” page

3. What is the NCAA?
The NCAA, or National Collegiate Athletic Association, was established in 1906 and serves as the athletics governing body for many colleges, universities, conferences and organizations.
Web Site:

4. What is the NCAA? 1,027 total schools as of 2005
326 schools in Division I
Division I is divided into Division I-A and I-AA for football only
282 schools in Division II
419 schools in Division III

5. What is the NAIA? National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
(founded in 1940):
360 Colleges and Universities divided into two Divisions:
Division I
Division II
Web Site:

6. Differences between NCAA & NAIA
Many student athletes automatically think that the NCAA is the only way to go…..
Perception is based on larger size of NCAA schools, as a general rule, and the prevalence of large, State universities in the NCAA Division I grouping

7. Differences between NCAA & NAIA (con’t)
Generally smaller schools – but the list contains many fine, highly considered, academic institutions
Not unusual to find schools in the NAIA in the size range between several hundred to several thousand students
Generally smaller than NCAA Division I and II schools
Can grant athletic scholarships!!!

8. Differences between NCAA & NAIA (con’t)
Generally speaking, NAIA institutions:
Are primarily private and/or religious based
Emphasize a liberal arts curriculum
Have enrollments under 2,000 students
Provide for a greater sense of community/belonging
Offer fewer graduate programs
Have higher graduation rates for athletes than NCAA D1 or D2

9. NAIA Eligibility

10. Kentucky NAIA schools Alice Lloyd College, Pippa Passes, Ky.
Asbury College, Wilmore, Ky.
Berea College, Berea, Ky.
Brescia University, Owensboro, Ky.
Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, Ky.
University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Ky.
Georgetown College, Georgetown, Ky.
Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, Ky.
Mid-Continent University, Mayfield, Ky.
Midway College, Midway, Ky.
Pikeville College, Pikeville, Ky.
Union College, Barbourville, Ky.

11. **NEW - Must now register with NAIA Eligibility Center
Every student who plays in the NAIA for the first time must have their eligibility determined through the NAIA Eligibility Center.

12. Early Determination process
For students who have:
completed their junior year of high school and
have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and
the minimum test scores required (18 ACT or 860 SAT) .
Need to request that school send official transcripts and contact ACT or SAT to have their test scores sent .

14. NAIA Eligibility
Minimum eligibility rules for NAIA are slightly different than those of the NCAA. A high school recruit must satisfy two of the following three conditions to play at the NAIA level:
1.  Achieve either an 18 (Composite) on the
ACT or a 860 on the SAT (CR & Math)
2. A minimum 2.0 grade point average
3. Graduate in the upper half of his/her
graduating class

16. NCAA Eligibility

17. What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?
The NCAA Eligibility Center is an organization that works with the NCAA to determine a student’s eligibility for athletics participation in his or her first year of college enrollment.

18. The center is not the NCAA, but an organization that performs academic evaluations for the NCAA.
Students who want to participate in college sports during their first year of enrollment in college must register with the center.
Divisions I and II may offer athletic scholarships, while Division III colleges and universities may not.

19. Eligibility Center Registration
Students will click here to create or log into their account.

20. Eligibility Center Responsibilities
The NCAA Eligibility Center is responsible for determining the eligibility of every college-bound student-athlete in NCAA Divisions I and II using the following two areas:
Academic Certification.
Does the college-bound student-athlete meet the legislated minimum academic requirements?
Amateurism Certification.
Has the college-bound student-athlete jeopardized his or her amateur status?

21. When To Call The Center
Please contact the center when you have questions like these:
• How do I register?
• I have forgotten my PIN. Can I get a new one?
• Where do I send my transcripts?
My report shows I am missing some material. What is missing?
• What do the codes on my report mean?

22. Contact Information:
NCAA Eligibility Center
P.O. Box 7110
Indianapolis, IN
(Fall 2010 & after)
Phone: (317)
Toll Free: (877) (customer service M – F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central time)
Fax: (317)

23. Initial-Eligibility Overview

24. Initial-Eligibility Overview: Academics
Academic initial-eligibility requirements are different for each of the three divisions.
It is possible for a college-bound student-athlete to be eligible in one division and not another.

25. Initial-Eligibility Overview: New Legislation:
Early academic certification waiver for Divisions I and II.
Final certification to academically qualified students following six semesters of coursework.
Must, however, send a final transcript after graduation.

26. New Legislation: Early Certification Waiver
Students who meet the following criteria after six semesters will be certified as qualifiers:
Minimum SAT (math and critical reading) of 1000 or minimum sum score of 85 on the ACT;
For Division I: Core-course GPA of 3.0 or higher in a minimum of 13 core courses:
3 English;
2 math;
2 science; and
6 additional core courses.

27. New Legislation: Early Certification Waiver
For Division II: Core-course GPA of 3.0 or higher in a minimum of 12 core courses:
3 English;
2 math;
2 science; and
5 additional core courses.

28. Initial-Eligibility Overview: New Legislation:
Core-course time limitation for Division I.
Students must complete required coursework in eight semesters from the beginning of grade nine.

29. New Legislation: Core-Course Time Limitation
for Division I Only
If students do not complete the 16 core-course requirement "on time" in eight semesters, any core courses taken after the eighth semester will not be counted toward NCAA academic-eligibility requirements.
“On time” means that students have four years (eight semesters), based on when students start grade nine (freshman year), to earn 16 core-course credits and required GPA needed to qualify.

30. New Legislation: Core-Course Time Limitation
for Division I Only
From the time you enter the ninth grade, you have four (4) years or eight (8) semesters to complete the 16 core-course requirement. If you fail to complete high school "on time" in eight semesters, core courses taken after the eighth semester will not be counted toward your NCAA academic-eligibility requirements.
“On time" also means that if your high school graduation takes place June 1, you must graduate June 1. If you do not graduate June 1 with the rest of your high school class, you have not completed your requirements "on time."

31. Amateurism Eligibility Requirements

32. Eligibility Requirements
Amateurism
Eligibility Requirements
If you plan to participate in intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA
Division I or II institution, you must have both your academic and amateurism status certified by the Eligibility Center before representing the institution in competition.

33. Eligibility Requirements
Amateurism
Eligibility Requirements
The Eligibility Center encourages you to update your athletics participation information often, especially if you participate in events outside your normal high school season.
•Make sure that you are protecting your amateurism
•Stay college eligible –always ask before you act!
•NCAA amateurism certification Web site: .

34. Eligibility Requirements ALWAYS ASK BEFORE YOU ACT!
Amateurism
Eligibility Requirements
ALWAYS ASK BEFORE YOU ACT!
Amateurism Red Flags
Ask questions before:
Signing a contract with a professional team.
Receiving money for participating in athletics. Receiving prize money above actual and necessary expenses.
Playing with professional athletes.
Trying out, practicing or competing with a professional team.
Receiving benefits from an agent or prospective agent.
Agreeing to be represented by an agent.
Participating in organized competition after your first opportunity to enroll in college.

35. Steps You Must Take to Participate in NCAA Division I or II Athletics

36. Steps You Must Take: Freshmen and Sophomores Must:
Start planning now!
Work hard to get the best grades possible.
Take classes that match your high school’s NCAA List of Approved Core Courses. The NCAA Eligibility Center will only use approved core courses to certify your initial eligibility.
You can access and print your high school’s NCAA List of Approved Core Courses at and clicking “Resources” at the top of the screen.

37. Steps You Must Take: Juniors Must:
At the beginning of your junior year, log on to the Eligibility Center Web site at and register.
Register to take the ACT, SAT or both and use the Eligibility Center code “9999” as a score recipient.
Double check to make sure that you are taking courses that match your high school’s NCAA List of Approved Core Courses.

38. Steps You Must Take:
Request that your high school guidance counselor send an official transcript to the Eligibility Center after completing your junior year. (The Eligibility Center does NOT accept faxed transcripts.)
Prior to registration for your senior year, check with your guidance counselor and the Eligibility Center to determine the number of core courses that need to be completed your senior year.

39. Steps You Must Take: Seniors Must:
You may take the SAT and/or ACT as often as you feel necessary. The Eligibility Center will use the best scores from each section of the SAT or ACT to determine your best cumulative score.
Check to make sure that you are taking courses that match your high school’s NCAA List of Approved Core Courses.
Review your amateurism questionnaire responses and request final amateurism certification beginning April 1 (for fall enrollees) or October 1 (for spring enrollees).

40. Steps You Must Take: Continue to earn the best grades possible.
Graduate on time (in eight academic semesters).
After graduation, ask your high school guidance counselor to send your final transcript to the Eligibility Center with proof of graduation.

41. Core Courses, GPA, Test Scores

42. Core Courses
Not all classes you take to meet high school graduation requirements may be used as core courses. Be aware of this when registering.
Out of state transfer students – Must have original transcripts from all schools.
Check the high school’s list of approved core courses (attached to “Quick Reference Sheet”).

43. Grade-Point Average
Not all classes you take to meet high school graduation requirements will be used in calculating your “Core GPA”.
ALL grades are used for NAIA (no “core”).
The best grades from your NCAA core courses will be used.
Grades from additional core courses you took will be used only if they improve your grade-point average.

44. Grade-Point Average
The eligibility center will assign the following values to each letter grade:
A – 4 points
B – 3 points
C – 2 points
D – 1 point
Therefore, your NCAA Core GPA will be lower than your EHS GPA.

45. ACT and SAT Tests
You must achieve the required score on an SAT or ACT test before your full-time college enrollment. (last test dates are in June).
The Eligibility Center only accepts scores from the SAT or ACT testing agency. Test scores submitted from high schools will not be used.
Save yourself time and money when registering, use Code 9999 so that your scores will be sent directly to NCAA Eligibility Center.

46. ACT and SAT Tests
If you’ve already taken a test and didn’t send scores, contact Eligibility Center or go online to send additional score report.
The writing component of the ACT or SAT will not be used to determine qualifier status.

47. DIVISION I
Requirements

48. Complete listing of D 1 schools:
KY Division I Schools
University of Kentucky University of Louisville Eastern Kentucky University
Morehead State University
Murray State University Western Kentucky University
Complete listing of D 1 schools:

49. Eligibility Requirements
Academic
Eligibility Requirements
Division I
In order to practice, compete and receive institutional financial aid as a freshman, a student-athlete must:
Graduate from high school;
Earn a minimum required grade-point average (GPA) (at least a 2.0) in 16 approved core courses; and
Earn a combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches the core-course GPA (refer to the “sliding scale” in the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete).

50. 16 Core Courses:
4 years of English
3 years of math (algebra 1 or higher)
2 years of natural or physical science
(including one year of lab science if
offered by your high school)
1 extra year of English, math or natural
or physical science
2 years of social science
4 years of extra core courses (from any
category above or foreign language);

51. GPA & Test Score
Sliding Scale

52. EHS Graduation Requirements provide:
4 years of English
3 years of Math
3 years of Science
3 years of Social Science
13 total credits of the 16 required by NCAA
Therefore, students must choose THREE additional courses as electives to fulfill NCAA requirements.

53. Must choose THREE of the following:
Foreign Language (Spanish or French – each year counts as one credit)
Drama
Journalism
American Government/KY Studies
Psychology (not always offered)
Criminal Justice
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus
Anatomy & Physiology
Physics
AP Chemistry
**KVHS AP Courses – are not automatically approved. They are considered on a “case by case” basis.

54. GPA & Test Score Sliding Scale
If a student takes the ACT or SAT more than once, he/she may use the best subscore from different tests to meet the minimum test-score requirements for NCAA.
NAIA – 18 composite must be from one test sitting

55. SAT Test Math Verbal/ Critical Reading Total Score SAT (10/03) 350 470
Example:
Math
Verbal/
Critical Reading
Total Score
SAT (10/03)
350
470
820
SAT (12/03)
420
440
860
Scores used
890

56. GPA & Test Score Sliding Scale
Example: A student takes the ACT and earns the following sub-scores:
English = 16
Math = 20
Reading = 17
Science Reasoning = 15
His sum score is = 68
Based on the sliding scale, his core GPA must be at least a

57. Sliding Scale

58. Qualifier vs. Non-Qualifier
You will be a qualifier if you meet the academic requirements listed previously. As a qualifier, you:
• Can practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college;
• Can receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college; and
• Can play four seasons in your sport as long as you maintain your eligibility from year to year.

59. Qualifier vs. Non-Qualifier
You will be a nonqualifier if you do not meet the academic requirements listed above. As a nonqualifier, you:
• Cannot practice or compete for your college or university or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college;
• Can play only three seasons in your sport as long as you maintain your eligibility from year to year (to earn a fourth season you must complete at least 80 percent of your degree before beginning your fifth year of college).

60. DIVISION II
Requirements

61. Complete listing of D2 schools:
KY Division II Schools
Bellarmine Kentucky State Kentucky Wesleyan Northern Kentucky
Complete listing of D2 schools:

62. Eligibility Requirements
Academic
Eligibility Requirements
Division II
In order to practice, compete and receive institutional financial aid as a freshman, a student-athlete must:
Graduate from high school;
Earn at least a 2.0 GPA in 14 approved core courses; and
Earn a combined SAT score of at least 820 (critical reading and math) or an ACT sum score of at least 68.

63. 14 Core Courses: •3 years English •2 years math (Algebra I or higher)
•2 years natural/physical science ( 1 year of lab if offered by high school)
•2 years additional English, math or natural/physical science
•3 years 2013 and after
•2 years social science
•3 years additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy)
•4 years 2013 and after

64. Eligibility Requirements
Academic
Eligibility Requirements
Division II
•No sliding scale for Division II.
* Beginning August 1, 2013, students planning to attend an NCAA Division II institution will be required to complete 16 core courses.

65. Qualifier, Partial, & Non-Qualifier
Qualifier status is the same as that for Division I.
You will be a partial qualifier if you do not meet all of the academic requirements listed for Division II but you have graduated from high school and meet one of the following:
• The combined SAT score of 820 or ACT sum score of 68; OR
• Completion of the 14 core courses with a core-course grade-point average.

66. As a partial qualifier, you:
• Can practice with your team at its home facility during your first year of college;
• Can receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college;
• Cannot compete during your first year of college; and
• Can play four seasons in your sport as long as you maintain your eligibility from year to year.

67. You will be a nonqualifier if you did not graduate from high school, or, if you graduated and are missing both the core-course GPA and the required ACT or SAT scores.
As a nonqualifier, you:
• Cannot practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college;
• Cannot receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college, although you may receive need-based financial aid; and
• Can play four seasons in your sport as long as you maintain your eligibility from year to year.

68. DIVISION III

69. KY Division III Schools
Centre College Spalding University Transylvania University
Thomas More College
Complete listing of D 3 schools:

70. Eligibility Requirements
Academic
Eligibility Requirements
Division III
Unlike Divisions I and II, there is no uniform set of eligibility requirements for Division III schools. Therefore, registration with the Eligibility Center is not required.
•Eligibility for admission, financial aid, practice and competition is determined by the institution.

71. Registration

72. Eligibility Center Registration
Students who plan to play Division I or II athletics in college need to register with the Eligibility Center after they complete their junior year in high school.
You must be registered and pay the fee before you can take an Official Visit.
Any student entering college must register online at .

73. Eligibility Center Registration
Select the “New Account” button at the top right of the screen or the cell phone on the left side of the screen.
•Complete the registration.

74. Eligibility Center Registration
Students will click here to create or log into their account.

75. Filling out the Worksheet
The worksheet (found on Website. ) is provided to assist in monitoring the progress in meeting NCAA initial-eligibility standards. The Eligibility Center will determine the official status after graduation.
Remember to check the high school’s list of approved courses for the classes taken.
Use the following scale:
A = 4 quality points; B = 3 quality points; C = 2 quality points; D = 1 quality points

76. Use NCAA Worksheet Examples.

77. Students With Disabilities
A student with a disability must meet the same requirements as all other students but is provided certain accommodations to help meet these requirements.
Students with a diagnosed disability only need to let the NCAA know about their disability if they plan on using core courses after their eighth semester of high school and they plan on attending a Division I college.
See website for more information.

78. You are eligible for a waiver of the registration fee only if you have already received a fee waiver for the ACT or SAT fee.
Your fee waiver section must then be completed online by your high school counselor.
If you have not yet been granted a fee waiver by ACT or SAT, you are not yet eligible for a waiver of the NCAA Eligibility Center registration fee.

79. Registration – Transcripts
A preliminary transcript is sent when you register. You must ask the Guidance Office to send this transcript once you have registered.
A final transcript is sent after graduation. You must also ask the Guidance Office to send this transcript.
Final transcripts can not be changed, therefore, you should come in and double check for errors.
We will mail Final Transcripts the Friday following Graduation!!

80. PIN Number
After you submit the Registration form you may check the status of your file:
by phone or
by visiting the website
Either way – you will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your account.

81. Check Your Status
After you have registered, paid the fee and had your transcript and SAT or ACT score(s) sent, you may check your status by: 1) Phone – Eligibility Center Customer Service toll free – a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time M - F. 2) Internet

82. When Does a Student Receive a Preliminary Report?
The Eligibility Center prioritizes incoming information by the following categories:
Students who are being actively recruited by an institution and are on an institutional request list (IRL)
Students with disabilities who have taken a non-standard test or who have registered with NCAA disability services
Students who request a report. You can call or send an to request.

83. Remember, meeting the NCAA academic rules does not guarantee your admission into a college. You must still apply for admission.

84. Recruiting
Specific information about recruiting policies can be found in Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.

85. Financial Aid •There are no four-year athletics scholarships.
•All athletics scholarships awarded by NCAA institutions are limited to one year and are renewable each academic year and may be reduced or withdrawn.
•Athletics scholarships may be renewed each academic year for a maximum of five years within a six-year period of continuous college attendance.
•Athletics scholarships are awarded in a variety of amounts, ranging from full scholarships (including tuition fees, room, board and books) to partial scholarships (e.g., books only).

86. Questions???

87. Questions???
The Eligibility Center has created a high school direct phone line. Please contact the Eligibility Center with your questions at 877/

88. Questions
Q: If I transferred from another school, how are my “Core Courses” defined?
A: You will use the List of Approved Courses and Grading scale from each school attended in calculating “Core GPA”. You will need original transcripts from each school, also.

89. Questions
Q: If I am taking a class at ECTC, does it count toward my “Core GPA?”
A: Yes, if it is in the area of English, Math, Science, or Social Science. You will need to provide the NCAA with your ECTC Transcript in addition to the EHS transcript.

90. Questions
Q: If I am taking a class through Kentucky Virtual High School (KVHS), does it count toward my “Core GPA”?
A: More than likely, if it is in the area of English, Math, Science, or Social Science. The NCAA approves classes taken “by non-traditional means” on a case-by-case basis. However, they have researched KVHS and have approved those courses in the past.

91. Questions
Q: On the registration form it asks for my address. What if I don’t have ?
A: All students have free accounts through EHS. However, you could simply leave that part blank and indicate, where asked, that you prefer the paper option for all correspondence.

92. Questions
Q: I took Algebra 1 in the 8th grade. Does it count as a Core Course for me?
A: NO – only courses taken in the 9th grade and beyond count as “Core”, even if listed on the high school transcript.

93. Resources Go to www.eligibilitycenter.org
From the home page, click on “Resources.”

96. The “Resources” page has a link to the “Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete”, as well as other helpful information.
You will need Acrobat Reader to view the Guide.
Also found on Guidance website.

97. Resources
- for college-bound student-athletes to complete their registration and check their status with the Eligibility Center. Also to download and print a copy of the Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.
–Under “Academics & Athletes” section, click on “Eligibility and Recruiting” and then click on “Information for College-Bound Student-Athletes and Parents.”

98. Summary
Register with Eligibility Center in junior year. Request that Guidance Office send preliminary transcript.
Take the required number of “core courses”.
Take the ACT/SAT & send scores to Eligibility Center.
Complete the Worksheet to calculate “core GPA”. Compare GPA and test scores on sliding scale.
Check status online.
Request that Guidance Office send final transcript upon graduation.