NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA Eligibility
Thinking about playing sports in college?Being a college athlete can open doors to great competition, new friendships, and unique experiences on and off the field. This page will walk you through the benefits of college athletics and help you understand the steps to get started with the recruitment and eligibility process.
ELIGIBILITY
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Eligibility:
If you are a high school athlete hoping to participate in athletics at a NCAA Division I or II college or university, you must register online with the NCAA Eligibility Center. NCAA recommends registering as a sophomore. Special attention needs to be given to eligibility requirements.
- Registration can be completed on the NCAA Eligibility Center website.
- A reference guide for the college-bound student athlete can be found here.
- NCAA FAQs
- For NCAA Approved Courses, use Parkway South's school code 260-129 to view what South High courses are approved for NCAA eligibility.
NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics):
If you are a high school student athlete hoping to participate in athletics at a NAIA school, you must register online with the NAIA Eligibility Center.
NAIA reference guide for the college-bound student athlete can be found here.
NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association):
If you are a high school student athlete hoping to participate in athletics at a NJCAA school, this includes Community Colleges, you must register online with the NJCAA Eligibility Center.
RECRUITMENT VS. ADMISSION
It is important for Student-Athletes to have an understanding of the equally important but separate processes for admissions and athletic eligibility.
I plan to play college athletics. If a coach is discussing my joining the team, do I need to do anything else?
YES!!!!! Unfortunately, there can be miscommunication and misunderstandings about college athletics and college admissions.
The two (athletics and admissions) are separate processes. Even if a coach is talking to you about playing athletics, you must still apply and be accepted to the university. Athletics does NOT take the place of the application process for admission. The application process takes place in senior year and is the same for athletes and non-athletes.