PROSPECTIVE STUDENT-ATHLETES
Thank you for your interest in UMHB athletics. We are excited that you are considering UMHB as a possible next step in your academic and athletics journey. We hope these resources will help you in your decision and answer any questions you may have about competing as a Division III student-athlete.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is NCAA Division III?
Division III is the largest subdivision of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) with more than 450 member institutions. Division III includes a large number of smaller, private institutions; but also includes several larger public universities. The Division III philosophy is that athletics are an important part of the total university experience, but that student-athletes are treated on equal terms with the rest of the student populations.
Because of this philosophy, NCAA Division III institutions are not allowed to award scholarships based solely on athletic ability or participation.
Learn why Division III (NCAA Link
http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/become-division-iii-student-athlete) offers the purest form of being a college student-athlete.
Who is a Prospective Student-Athlete?
A prospective student-athlete is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade. In addition, a student who has not started classes for the ninth grade becomes a prospective student-athlete if a college provides you (or your relatives or friends) any financial assistance or other benefits that the institution does not provide to prospective students generally.
An individual remains a prospective student-athlete until one of the following occurs (whichever is earlier):
- The individual officially registers and enrolls in a minimum full-time program of studies and attends classes in any term of a four-year collegiate institution's regular academic year (excluding summer); or
- The individual participates in a regular squad practice or competition at a four-year collegiate institution.
Who is a Recruited Athlete?
A "prospective student-athlete" becomes a "recruited student-athlete" at a particular college when a coach or representative of the college's athletics interests approaches you (or any relative) about enrolling and participating in athletics at that college.
Actions by staff members or athletic representatives that cause you to become a recruited athlete are:
- Providing you with an official visit;
- Placing more than one telephone call to you or any other member of your family; or
- Visiting you or any member of your family anywhere other than on that college campus.
How do I know if I will be eligible to compete?
Unlike prospective student-athletes looking to compete at the Division I and II levels, those wishing to compete at the Division III level do not need to meet initial eligibility standards set forth by the NCAA. The prospective student-athlete must meet the eligibility standards set forth at the Division III institution they wish to attend. Also, any student-athlete who wishes to compete in intercollegiate sports must carry a full-time load of course work (12 credits)
for participation throughout the playing season. Failure to stay above a full-time course load while in season will result in your being ineligible.
Prior to your practicing with a team for the first time, you must be cleared to play by insuring that the appropriate paperwork for both the NCAA and UMHB has been completed. Also, you must have a valid physical on file with the Athletic Training staff. Further questions regarding the pre-participation physical may be obtained by contacting the Athletic Training Office at (254) 295-4239 or (254) 295-4482.
Can I play at UMHB on an athletic scholarship?
No. UMHB is a NCAA Division III institution, and does not offer any athletic scholarships for play. Academic merit scholarships and other types of aid are available to all prospective students and information about these can be found on UMHB’s Financial Aid page.
I thought ALL college student-athletes received athletic scholarships?
Honestly, the vast majority of college student-athletes receive little or no financial aid from participating in athletics. In most programs, "full-ride" athletic scholarships are limited to a very few select athletes, mostly in the major sports. NCAA Division I and II programs are allowed a limited numbers of scholarships for their programs, but most universities divide those limited funds between a number of student-athletes, and then rely heavily on non-funded "walk-ons" to fill out their rosters.
Though they receive no athletic scholarship funding, Division III student-athletes are very often just as competitive and skilled as many of those at other levels. It is certainly not a testament to a student-athlete's ability if they are not awarded an athletic scholarship.
What type of student-athlete is UMHB looking for?
It is important to us that you are a "good fit" for UMHB. We are looking for student-athletes of high moral character who are interested in a Christ-centered liberal arts education.
Secondly, you need to committed to academics in order to balance class and competition. The admission process is the same for student-athletes as it is for any other applicant. If you feel you are a strong student who will succeed in college and have relatively good test scores, we encourage you to apply.
And, of course, you must be ready to be a part of the Cru tradition of athletic excellence. Hard work, commitment to team and dedication to improvement have always been the hallmark of our programs. Because of the quality of our teams, you can expect a lot of competition for roster spots and playing time in most programs.
Can a coach come see me play?
Yes. If a coach determines you will be a good fit for the college and their program, they may come see you play in person at games, tournaments or other events. However, by NCAA rule, a coach cannot make "direct" contact with you or your parents at these off-campus events until AFTER the contest is over and only after you have completed your SOPHOMORE year in high school.
If you are a sophomore in high school or younger, a coach is not permitted to visit with you or your parents in person at an off-campus location (such as a game or tournament). They may come see you play for evaluation purposes, but NCAA rules prohibit direct contact.
When can I come meet the coach and visit the UMHB campus?
Anytime. Prospects and their families can make as many self-funded visits to the campus as they want, and at any time during the recruiting process. These are called UNOFFICIAL visits. You may also consider making an OFFICIAL visit after January of your junior year, which must adhere to UMHB and NCAA guidelines. Check with the coach or the UMHB Compliance Office for more information.
If you come to the UMHB campus, we can visit with you and your parents in person regardless of your high school classification. It is also a great time to learn more about the university. Contact the coach directly to setup a visit, and you can contact the UMHB’s Admissions Office to arrange for a campus tour, meetings with professors, etc.
What about tryouts?
NCAA Division III does NOT allow its member universities to conduct tryouts - on-campus or off-campus - for prospective student-athletes. If another NCAA Division III school invites you for a "tryout," they are very likely in violation of this rule, and your eligibility for future competition may be jeopardized.
When do I sign a Letter of Intent & announce my "signing" to the media?
There are NO National Letters of Intent or "Signing Day" for NCAA Division III. However, NCAA Division III does allow you to complete a "Celebratory Signing Form" to indicate your intention to compete at your chosen college. Talk to your coach if you are interested in doing that. You "commit" to UMHB by completing all admission requirements to the college, making a deposit and registering for classes. If you do decide to complete the "Celebratory Signing Form" at a formal ceremony at your school, you are allowed to invite your local media, but the college or coaching staff is not allowed to officially participate in the event by NCAA Division III rules.
In dealing with your local media, it is very important for you to understand what is acceptable to say and what would be considered "out of compliance" and thus jeopardize the institution and your team. The following should serve as a guide for you as you communicate with interested parties about your decision to attend UMHB...
Samples of what an appropriate press release might say ...
- Player X has decided to continue his/her education and athletic career at UMHB next season.
- Player X will attend UMHB to continue their education and athletic career for the Cru after graduation.
Samples of what a press release should NOT say ...
- Player X has signed a letter of intent to play Sport X at UMHB next season.
- Player X has received an athletic scholarship to play Sport X at UMHB.
- Player X has signed a contract in order to continue their playing career for UMHB after graduation.
I am currently a student at UMHB and am thinking about joining a team. What do I do?
You should contact the head coach of the sport you are wishing to play. The respective coach for your sport will contact you and give you more information concerning available spots. While many of our student-athletes have been recruited to play a particular sport, there are ample opportunities for "walk-ons" to compete for a roster spot.
As a student already enrolled for over a semester at the college, how do I know if I will be eligible to compete?
Any student-athlete who wishes to compete in intercollegiate sports must carry a full-time load of course work (12 credits), must be making satisfactory progress toward a degree and must be in good academic standing to be eligible for participation throughout the playing season. Returning students to UMHB, whether they are sophomores, juniors, or seniors, must adhere to the same continuing eligibility requirements, which are set forth in the course catalog.
What do I do about missed class time when I am on a team? Do I have to miss class for practice?
Under no circumstances is a student-athlete to miss class time for team practices. Student-athletes will occasionally need to miss class for travel to and participation in approved college competition. In such cases, the student-athlete
must communicate that absence to their professors in advance. Student-athletes cannot miss class time for intercollegiate contests played during the non-traditional season of their respected sports (fall baseball, spring soccer, etc.).
Students are required to make up all academic work missed as a result of intercollegiate contests played in-season. Every effort possible is made to ensure student-athletes will not miss excessive classroom time for intercollegiate competition; however, it is important for student-athletes to consider their academic schedules when registering for classes.
