New Eligibility Model Coming

The NCAA is considering a new age-based eligibility model for college athletes. The proposed new model was reviewed by the Division I cabinet this past Friday. The cabinet decided to pump the brakes on the crossed changes but made minor adjustments to the model.

Current Situation:

College athletes currently have four years of college eligibility over five year period. A red shirt year may be used for development or injury rehabilitation. However, in recent years, eligibility waivers have been granted extending eligibility to an athlete upon appeal. In some cases, we have 27-28 year-old athletes still playing. The NCAA is concerns about the health of 17-18 year old athletes competing against athletes ten years older.

Proposed Model:

The new proposal now gives a college athlete five seasons of competition over five years. Once the college eligibility clock starts, the athlete will be allowed five seasons of competition over five years.

The Hang-Up:

The hang up now is over when the eligibility clock starts. The cabinet removed language about starting an athlete's eligibility clock after their high school graduation. The proposal now says the clock will start upon initial full-time enrollment in college or at the beginning of the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. The adjustment would apply to all sports.

BOTTOM LINE:

It’s coming. Once the college eligibility clock starts, the athlete will be allowed five seasons of competition over five years.

GO CANES!