AFHS Student Services
NCAA Clearinghouse
If you want to play sports in college or go to college on an athletic scholarship, you need to start planning during your junior year of high school. There are many regulations and conditions you need to know ahead of time so that you don’t miss possible opportunities.
Probability of Competing in College Athletics
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) establishes rules on eligibility, recruiting, and financial aid for most college athletic programs. Colleges are members of one of the NCAA’s three membership divisions—Division I, II, or III—according to the size and scope of their athletic programs and whether they provide athletic scholarships.
NCAA Eligibility Information Presentation
Steps for Division I and Division II Freshmen Athletes
If you plan to participate in NCAA Division I or II college sports as a freshman, you need certification from the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net). You should start the certification process when you are a junior in high school.
Step 1: Take the core curriculum
Check with your counselor to make sure you are taking classes that meet the NCAA core course requirements.
Step 2: Take the SAT or ACT Take the ACT or SAT as a junior.
Make sure the Clearinghouse receives your ACT and/or SAT score reports by entering the specific code (9999) printed in the ACT and SAT registration packets.
Step 3: Submit your Student Release Form
Submit your Student Release Form to the Clearinghouse by the beginning of your senior year.
This form authorizes: Your high school to release your student transcripts—including test scores, proof of grades, and other academic information—to the Clearinghouse.
The Clearinghouse to release this information to the colleges that request it.
The Clearinghouse must receive your Student Release Form and corresponding fee before processing any documents. Fee waivers are available for economically disadvantaged students.
What Happens Next?
The Clearinghouse personnel will validate your form and determine your initial eligibility.
Colleges will request information from the Clearinghouse on the initial eligibility of prospective student-athletes.
The Clearinghouse will make a certification decision and report it directly to the college.
Three types of eligibility are possible:
1. Certification of eligibility for expense-paid campus visits.
2. Preliminary certification of all eligibility to participate in college sports (appears likely to meet all NCAA standards but not yet graduated).
3. Final certification granted when the Clearinghouse receives proof of graduation
Website Registration Checklist
Find additional information about the NCAA Clearinghouse in the “Guide for CollegeBound Student Athletes,” published by the NCAA. To get a copy of this guide, call 800- 638-3731 (toll-free) or visit www.ncaa.org/student-athletes.