This page aims to provide guidance to prospective student-athletes and their parents in understanding NCAA rules and regulations in their preparation for intercollegiate athletics. Below are some frequently asked questions about the NCAA by prospective student-athletes and helpful links for additional information.
What defines a "prospective student-athlete"?
A prospective student-athlete is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade.
I am a junior in high school. What kind of contact can I have with a coach?
In Division III, coaches can call and email prospective student-athletes at any time. In person, off campus contact is not permitted with prospective student-athletes, or their parents or guardians, until the prospective student-athlete has completed his or her sophomore year of high school.
What should my parents know about the recruiting process?
Parent are active participants in the college search and recruiting process. UW-River Falls encourages parents to be involved, however, you, the prospective student-athlete, should be the primary contact for the coaches and admissions. Remember, when practices begin it is YOU the student-athlete running drills and playing in the games.
The NCAA does not allow Division III student-athletes to receive “extra benefits” because they happen to participate on an athletic team. What is a non-permissible “extra benefit”?
An extra benefit includes any special arrangement by a UW-River Falls employee or booster to provide prospective student-athletes, their relatives or friends, a benefit expressly authorized by the NCAA. Examples of impermissible extra benefits include, but are not limited to:
a) Gifts or loans of clothing, stereo equipment, compact discs, food, beverages
b) Transportation
c) Use of an automobile
d) Low interest or interest-free loans, telephone cards, credit cards, charge accounts, etc.
e) Gifts of more than the allowable number of complimentary admissions
f) Special discounts on products or services
g) Special payment arrangements on personal purchases
h) Material benefits that are not available to the general student body
Helpful Links:
Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete
NCAA Division III Recruiting Resources
NCAA Eligibility Center Link
