Eligibility Requirements
Overview
SMC adheres to the academic guidelines established by the NJCAA. This page is just a resource, and official NJCAA rules published on the NJCAA website are OFFICIAL. The College understands that navigation and interpretation of regulations may be complicated. As regulations are subject to annual change, student-athletes should refer to the NJCAA Handbook for current regulations. The 2023-2024 NJCAA Eligibility Handbook can be found below, along with links to assist in understanding NJCAA and NCAA Compliance.
Your eligibility to participate in athletics is based upon your academic performance as well as on your adherence to a variety of non-academic eligibility regulations.
Questions and concerns should be directed to the coach or athletic director.
What it takes to be Eligible
A student must be in regular attendance within eighteen (18) calendar days from the first day of classes of the term the student chooses to participate. Students must maintain enrollment in twelve (12) or more credit hours during each term of athletic participation. Students that drop below twelve (12) credit hours become immediately ineligible for athletic participation. Being dropped for nonattendance may render you ineligible.
The basis for NJCAA eligibility is directly related to the number of full-time terms a student-athlete has previously attempted. A student-athlete is charged with attempting a term of full-time enrollment when they remain enrolled in full-time status beyond the 18th calendar day of the term or if they have participated.
First Season Academic Requirement: A first season participant must meet accumulation requirements below in Figure 1 for semester institutions OR earn 12 credits with a GPA of 2.00 or higher during their previous full-time term. These requirements must be met on or before the 18th calendar day of the term (not to end on a weekend or Federal Holiday).
Second Season Academic Requirements: A second season participant must meet accumulation requirements above in Figure 1 for semester institutions OR earn 12 credits with a GPA of 2.00 or higher during their previous full-time term. These requirements must be met on or before the 18th calendar day of the term (not to end on a weekend or Federal Holiday). AND have accumulated 24 earned/passing semester hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher.
NJCAA Regulations
The information on athletic eligibility is taken from The National Junior College Athletic Association Handbook. As regulations are subject to annual change, student-athletes should refer to the NJCAA Handbook for current regulations. Information about NJCAA Eligibility, Region 10, and NCAA compliance can be found below.
NJCAA – Region 10 Constitution and Bylaws
NCAA – FAQs About Becoming a Student-Athlete
Each student-athlete must be enrolled in 12 or more credits (full-time status) during the semester of the regular season. If you are not enrolled in 12 or more credits, you are not eligible for participation. Student-athletes must also meet progress toward degree requirements to maintain NJCAA eligibility. There are additional eligibility requirements for second-season participants and transfer students. For more information, please consult the NJCAA handbook and ask your head coach or Athletic Director.