Ask Coach Taylor – Can You Explain the Transfer Rules: Part 2
March 3rd, 2010 - byLast week I we explained the types of transfers that athletes can make in Part 1. You can read it here. This week we will cover the steps you need to take in order to transfer as well as the timing involved.
Getting Permission to Contact:
• If a recruit is enrolled full-time in a 4 year school they need to get a written letter from their AD or compliance officer.
• If a recruit signed the NLI they will need to request a release from their coach.
• They can write to any NCAA college, but they can’t receive a response until that coach has your permission to contact and/or release papers.
• The recruit’s current school can deny permission or their release. They can also determine where they are allowed to transfer to. Intra-conference rules will vary.
o In this case you can appeal or you will have to sit out a year.
o If you sit out a year, you must pass a full-time schedule without taking summer classes.
*The recruit does not need permission if transferring from an NJCAA or NCCAA school.
*If the recruit is transferring from DIII to DIII, they can use a self release. The form and instructions are available on the NCAA Web site at ncaa.org.
*If the recruit is transferring from an NAIA school, they can speak to any other coach, yet that coach needs to inform the school the recruit has contacted them.
One-time Exceptions:
You may be able to play right away if you do not transfer to a DI school for Football, Basketball Men’s Ice Hockey or Baseball, it is your first time transferring, academically are in good standing, and/or receive a release agreement from school you are leaving.
How long do I have to complete my 4 years of playing?
Five-year clock — If you play at a Division I school, you have five-calendar years in which to play four seasons of competition. Your five-year clock starts the minute you become a full-time student at any college. Thereafter, your clock continues even if you spend an academic year in residence as a result of transferring; decide to red shirt, if you do not attend school or even if you go part-time during your college career.
10-semester/15-quarter clock — If you play at a Division II or III school, you have the first 10 semesters or 15 quarters in which you are enrolled as a full-time student to complete your four seasons of participation. You use a semester or quarter any time you attend class as a full-time student or are enrolled part-time and compete for the institution. You do not use a term if you only attend part-time with no competition or are not enrolled for a term.
If you are currently in college and looking to proactively transfer, I encourage you to contact the NCSA Scouting Center at 866-579-6272 immediately. College coaches contact us frequently looking for athletes that wish to transfer and already have collegiate experience.
Send your recruiting questions to askcoachtaylor@ncsasports.org
If you would like to speak with a NCSA Recruiting Coordinator about your personal recruiting situation, call 866-579-6272.
