1. How to Navigate the NCAA Process
Saraland City Schools
Jeff Kelly , Athletic Director

2. The Game Plan…… General overview of initial-eligibility rules   
Understand AHSAA and NCAA Eligibility Standards are Different!!
Different Standards for Different Levels?
What do I need to be focusing on as a Student Athlete?

3. AHSAA Eligibility…(is not NCAA Eligibility)
4 Core Classes ( English , Math , History , Science )
2 Electives ( PE, Weight Training , Spanish, Art, Speech , FACS)
Must have a 70 Average between those 6 classes.
Your Junior Year eligibility is determined by your grades as a Sophomore.
Example..
Algebra 75
Phy Science 64
US History 80
Eng 9 CPA 68
PE 92
Art 82
Total / 6 Classes = 76.8 Avg Eligible according to the AHSAA!

4. Who are the players in this game?
Division 1
FBS – Alabama, Auburn, USM , Troy , USA, UAB
FCS – Ala State, Ala A&M, Samford , North Alabama , Jacksonville State
Division 2
Miles College, Spring Hill, West Alabama, Tuskegee
Division 3  
Birmingham Southern, Huntingdon College
NAIA
U of Mobile, Faulkner University, Stillman College
NJCAA
Alabama Southern , Faulkner , Bishop State

5. 2.3 or take a Knee: GRADES MATTER!!!

6. NCAA Division I Eligibility
Students will need to meet the following requirements to receive athletics aid, practice and compete their first year:
16 Core Courses in the following areas:
4 years of English
3 years of math at Algebra I level or higher
2 years of natural or physical science (one lab class required)
1 year of additional English, math or natural/physical science
2 years of social science
4 years additional coursework from areas above or foreign language
Minimum required GPA
Minimum GPA of in those 16 core courses

7. Classes to be aware of for NCAA
The following classes are core classes in Saraland, but do not count for NCAA Eligibility (They do however determine your AHSAA eligibility) :
Algebra Connections
The following classes are core classes for NCAA Eligibility and should be taken :
All English , Science, History, and Math classes.
Speech
Mythology
Psychology
Sociology
All Foreign Languages
Discrete Math

8. How do you Compute CORE GPA?
Only use the classes defined by the NCAA as Core –
Refer to Saraland’s 48 H form .
Freshman Year Sophomore Year
Class Grade Quality Pts Class Grade Quality Points
Eng 9 B Eng 10 C 2
Alg 1 C Geo C 2
Whist D US Hist C 2
Phy Sc B Mar Sci B 3
Speech A 4
Junior Year
Class Grade Quality Pts
Eng 11 B Total Quality Points 35
US His 2 C Total Core Credits Earned 14
Biology B 3
Span 1 D CORE GPA 35 / 14 =
Sociology A NOTICE HOW SPEECH and SOCIOLOGY HELPED !!!

9. Division 1 Sliding Scale
Use for Division I beginning August 1,2016
Division 1 Sliding Scale
Examples: 2.20 Core GPA = 79 ACT SUM ( ) 2.30 Core GPA = 75 ACT SUM (18.75) 2.60 Core GPA = 64 ACT SUM (16) 2.80 Core GPA = 57 ACT SUM (14.25)

10. Division I Eligibility Reminders
Minimum core GPA = 2.3.
Ten core courses required prior to beginning of seventh semester. 
Seven of the 10 courses must be English, math or science. 
Ten core courses are “locked in” for GPA purposes.
Core Classes not in that “10” can be replaced.
GPA/test-score index (sliding scale). 

11. Three Possible Academic Outcomes for Division I Eligibility
Full Qualifier 
Access to practice, competition and athletics aid in the first year
Meets all academic requirements of the rule.
Academic Redshirt 
Access to practice and athletics aid only in the first year; 
No competition in the first year;
• Lacks the 10/7; and/or 
• Lacks 2.3 GPA.
o See Quick Reference Sheet.

12. Three Possible Academic Outcomes for Division I Eligibility Cont.
Non-qualifier 
No practice, no competition, no athletics aid in first year; and 
Three seasons of competition; may earn fourth season back.
Remember that these rules govern the college-bound student- athlete’s first academic year in residence. Student- athletes may gain or lose their eligibility each term based on institutional, conference and NCAA rules.

13. Division II Eligibility Requirements (NEW)
Complete the required 16 core courses
Earn a minimum 2.20 GPA or better in your core courses
Earn a minimum SAT or ACT score that matches the 16 core course GPA on the full qualifier sliding scale for Division II Eligibility

14. Division II Sliding Scale (New)

15. Taking the ACT and/or SAT
Be sure to enter “9999” code when registering for the ACT or SAT
This requests for your official test scores to be sent directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center.

16. ACT Secret > Sum vs. Composite
Rewards you for taking the ACT multiple times.
Allows you to take the highest score for each section on any of your tests.
Example:
Test Test Test 3
English English English 16
Math Math Math
Reading Reading Reading 18
Science Science Science 17
Composite Composite Composite 73
However, because this student took the ACT 3 times, their total Composite Score used by the NCAA is 83 !!!

17. Register for NCAA Clearinghouse
Ideal time is at the end of you Junior Year
Certifies academic and amateur status of every student that attends D1 or D2 Schools
Must complete before taking an official visit
$85 Fee by Credit Card on NCAA Eligibility Center
See a counselor , AD, or Coach Croley if you need assistance

19. NAIA Eligibility – another great opportunity for student athletes
If you will graduate from high school this spring and enroll in college this coming fall, the requirements are simple. High school graduation, plus two out of three of these requirements
1. Achieve a minimum overall high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Graduate in the top half of your high school class.
3. Achieve the NAIA's minimum test score requirement: 
16 composite score on the ACT for tests taken after March 2016 (18 if taken on or before March 2016) These rules will continue through the academic year, after which time a change in test score requirements could be implemented.

20. In Conclusion……What should you be doing NOW?
Be the best player you can be NOW for SHS.
Take the ACT as often as possible = Sum vs Composite
Give your coach a reason to sell the product (you).
Focus on Greatness in the Classroom
9th and 10th grade matters.

21. Contact Information
AD – Jeff Kelly AD – Donna Sunnycalb Academic Advisor – Scott Croley