Prospective student-athletes enrolling for the first time at a Division I or II school must receive a final amateurism certification before being eligible to compete. This includes transfers from junior colleges, NAIA, international or Division III schools.
To receive an amateurism certification, prospective student-athletes should:
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center;
- Completely and accurately fill out the “Sports Participation” section during registration;
- Request final amateurism certification promptly; and
- Monitor tasks assigned to their account.
Below are some situations that may impact a prospective student-athlete’s amateur status. Click on each topic to learn more about the NCAA Eligibility Center’s requirement in each of these examples.
- Taking a break between high school/secondary school and full-time collegiate enrollment and continuing to participate in your sport(s).
- Using a recruiting agency, scholarship agent or a scouting service.
- Receiving payment from a sports team to participate.
- Receiving funds or money to offset training expenses.
- Accepting prize money based on performance/finish at a competition.
- Being represented or marketed by a professional sports agent.
- Promoting or endorsing a commercial product or service.
Need more information? Click here for additional amateurism-related resources.
For information about the Eligibility Center’s amateurism response to COVID-19, click here.
