Being declared ineligible by your school or the NCAA can be an overwhelming and devastating experience as a student-athlete given the countless hours you have spent training and competing while simultaneously balancing your academic demands. You may feel that your identity has been taken away since you cannot play in any regular-season or postseason competition until your eligibility is restored, but fortunately, becoming ineligible does not necessarily mean you have to completely abandon your sport or your teammates. Depending on the circumstances of your ineligibility, you may still be able to practice with and be around your team. However, navigating these eligibility rules requires careful attention to detail to avoid extending your period of ineligibility or otherwise facing additional sanctions.
Training During NCAA Ineligibility
The ability to train during your period of ineligibility will vary based on factors like the reason for your suspension (e.g., academic ineligibility issue, anti-doping violation, sports betting violation, etc.) and its duration. However, most ineligible NCAA athletes can:
- Attend practices. You can typically continue attending regular team practices and training sessions, allowing you to maintain your conditioning and skill development.
- Access facilities. You can use athletic department training facilities, weight rooms, and other resources during designated team times.
- Participate in team meetings. You can attend film sessions, strategy meetings, and other team gatherings that don't involve actual competition.
- Get coaching support. You can receive instruction, feedback, and guidance from the coaching staff during permitted training activities.
- Utilize academic services. You will still be able to access study hall, tutoring, and other academic support services provided to student-athletes.
However, it will ultimately be up to your school to determine what you are allowed to have access to or can participate in.
Other Potential Restrictions
While ineligible NCAA student-athletes may be permitted to do some activities with the team, the following activities are generally not allowed:
- Competition ban. You cannot participate in any intercollegiate competitions, including regular season games, tournament play, or exhibition matches.
- Travel restrictions. Team travel to away competitions is not permitted, even if you would only be watching from the sidelines.
- Uniform guidelines. During competitions, you may not wear team uniforms or be included in game rosters and programs.
- Public representation. You cannot represent your institution in any official athletic capacity during the ineligibility period.
The length of your ineligibility period will significantly impact your training privileges and restrictions. Athletes facing short-term academic eligibility issues typically retain more training privileges than those being suspended for anti-doping violations, sports betting, or other conduct-related issues. Your eligibility notice will specify the exact training activities and restrictions that apply to you. Again, ultimately, your school will decide the extent of your restrictions.
Maintaining NCAA Academic Standards
Continued training access depends on meeting academic requirements. You must maintain full-time enrollment and satisfy all requirements regarding progress toward earning your degree. Additionally, you must meet both institutional and NCAA GPA standards, attend required study hall hours, and schedule periodic advisor meetings.
Documentation and Compliance
Protecting your training rights requires careful attention to documentation. NCAA student-athletes should obtain clear written confirmation of permitted training activities from compliance staff, maintain detailed records of all practice participation and team activity involvement, document interactions with coaches or administrators, and keep copies of all eligibility-related correspondence in case they are ever questioned.
