Expert: Thom Brooks - 12/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: I play football at a D1 school on a full ride scholarship. I now have a completely
new coaching staff that just arrived before christmas break. I wanted to know if
there was a way i could still play next year at another D1 program without
sitting out a full year?

ANSWER: Patrick, hello!

I have attached the NCAA eligibility website but the probable answer is that you would have to sit out for one year (unless you transfer to a lesser division school).

If you're happy with your team, many times you can channel any unhappiness towards making yourself a better player.  You don't have to like the coaches to play for your teammates.  It would be awesome if you stayed on the same team and played better than ever next season.  

Have an incredible 2009 and enjoy this window in your House of Life.
You are living a great dream.  Don't let anything destroy it.  


Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia




Please review the following websites. The first one is my youngest son's band!

www.myspace.com/listen2three


Official Web Site of the NCAA



http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828


http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828
http://www1.ncaa.org/membership/membership_



svcs/eligibility-recruiting



Eligibility Center Contact Information
NCAA Eligibility Center:
Certification Processing
P.O. Box 7136
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7136
Package or overnight delivery:
1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Web address:
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
Eligibility Center customer service
Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
U.S. callers (toll free): 877/262-1492
International callers: 317/223-0700
Fax: 317/968-5100


Eligibility
PlayYourGame.com - NCAA Eligibility Explained


JC Football Recruiting Front Page


Football Championships Administration


D1AFootball.com


NCAA I-AA

Welcome to I-AA.org, the worldwide leader in I-AA official news!

D1AA College Football  


NCAA Football Coaching Records






















---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey its me again. About your comment about liking my team, i feel like i
might have made a wrong decision when i chose this place. Thats the only
reason Im looking to transfer in the first place. I also am a freshman who
redshirted this year so i feel that if i want to/ need to move this would be the
year to do it. Since i would be sitting out my RS Freshman year, would i be
considered a Sophmore the year i become eligible again? thanks

Answer
Patrick, the NCAA has to make an official opinion on your record.  If you were reshirted and did not take the field, they could waive the first year and let you start over without a year's penalty.  There are occasions where the player could get a 6th year of eligibility so your new college and the NCAA will have to look at the details to see if you can get it waived.  

Happy New Year!

Thom Brooks