Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does a prospective become considered a student-athlete?
A: Due to the unique A prospect becomes a student-athletes when he or she reports for regular practice or attends classes in any term.
Q: Does the NJCAA have an “eligibility clock” or an age limit for participation?
A: The NJCAA does not have an “eligibility clock” as other intercollegiate organizations do nor does the NJCAA have an age limit. An individual has eligibility in the NJCAA provided they have not previously competed in their first two or more years of intercollegiate competition in a sport and have maintained their amateur status.
Q: What is the NJCAA Letter of Intent?
A: The NJCAA Letter of Intent is used to commit an individual to a specific institution for a period of one academic year. The form is only valid for NJCAA member colleges and has no jurisdiction over NCAA or NAIA colleges.
Q: If I am awarded an athletic scholarship and voluntarily do not participate, could I lose my scholarship?
A: Cancellation or modification of an athletic scholarship during the period of its effectiveness is allowed for the following reasons only:
- If the athlete becomes ineligible for participation in athletics because of academic and/or disciplinary reasons.
- For misconduct (unrelated to athletic ability) found by the person or body in charge of general discipline at the institution.
- If the student-athlete voluntarily withdraws from a sport prior to the institution's first competition in that sport.
- The student-athlete graduates.
Q: How do I determine my initial eligibility?
A: Due to the unique academic and athletic situation of each individual, and the complexity of the NJCAA eligibility rules, it is recommended that each potential student-athlete discuss their athletic eligibility with the athletic personnel at the NJCAA college where they have chosen to attend. Should the athletic staff have any questions in determining an individual’s eligibility, the college may contact the NJCAA National Office for assistance.
Q: What are the requirements for transfer students?
A: All transfer students must adhere to the eligibility rules of the NJCAA to be eligible for participation at a member institution. Please refer to the NJCAA Handbook to make sure you meet all transfer requirements of the NJCAA.
Q: Must I have graduated from high school?
A: Students must be a high school graduate or must have received a high school equivalency diploma or have been certified as having passed a national test such as the General Education Development Test (GED). Non-high school graduates can establish eligibility by completing one term of college work having passed twelve credits with a 1.75 GPA or higher. This term must be taken after the student’s high school class has graduated.
Q: How many seasons may I participate in a sport?
A: Students are allowed two (2) seasons of competition in any sport at an NJCAA college if they have not participated at any intercollegiate level during two (2) seasons previously. Playing in one or more regularly scheduled contests prior to post-season competition uses one season of participation in that sport. Warning: Students who falsify their academic records and/or information about previous athletic participation shall be barred from any future competition in any NJCAA member college at any time.
Q: Must I be a full-time student during the season?
A: Students must maintain full-time status during the season of the sport(s) in which they have chosen to participate (full-time status being 12 credit hours or more