Athletes
DIVISION SPORTS
If you plan to participate in athletics at the junior/community college level or at a four year college or university level, you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at www.ncaa.org. Visit this site for all the rules and requirements – and there are many - pertaining to the college athlete. Ideally, this should happen some time in your junior year. Your current coaches need to be of assistance in this process by contacting potential college coaches and advising on development of tapes to send college coaches.
There are different levels of sports programs at four year colleges. Division I is the highest level of skill, Division II next highest and Division III the lowest level. Division I and II can provide some scholarships (money) but Divisions III does not.
NON-DIVISION SPORTS
If you are interested in playing sports in college but do not have the skill level or desire to commit to division play, many schools have club sports and intramural sports.
Club sport is where the school pays some money for uniforms and travel and there is a more informal league among different schools. depending on the school, some experience will be helpful and could be competetive.
Intramural sports are among different groups who attend the same school. Usually no experience in the sport is necessary to enjoy playing.
DIVISION SPORTS
There are different levels of sports programs at four year colleges. Division I is the highest level of skill, Division II is the next highest, and Division III the lowest level. Dvision I and II can provide some scholarship money but Division III does not.
There are specific numbers of certain high school classes required to be completed which are detailed on the NCAA website so do not wait until your senior year to prepare.
To best determine what level division schools you might consider applying to, speak with your coach and attend division sports events to see how you match up.
The CCC has reference books listing schools within each division.
