A Game Plan for School Leaders: Simplifying NCAA Eligibility for Your Athletic Departments

By Shanay Howard

VirtuOwl NCAA Eligibility Specialist

School Leaders,

Navigating the intricacies of NCAA eligibility can seem daunting, especially when trying to ensure that your athletic department and students stay well-informed and compliant. Let’s explore practical steps you can take to prepare your athletic departments to demystify NCAA eligibility, with the backing of VirtuOwl's expertise.

1. Incorporate NCAA Workshops

- Ongoing Training: Organize annual or semi-annual workshops for coaches and athletic department staff, keeping them updated on NCAA requirements.

- Engage Experts: Invite VirtuOwl representatives or other NCAA specialists to provide firsthand insights, ensuring your staff receives accurate and timely information.

2. Establish a Dedicated NCAA Liaison

- Point Person: Designate a staff member as the school's NCAA Eligibility Liaison. This individual should be well-versed in NCAA requirements and be the go-to person for any related queries.

- Continued Learning: Allow this person to attend NCAA conferences or training sessions, ensuring they stay abreast of any changes in regulations.

3. Integrate NCAA Eligibility in Athletic Curriculum

- Information at Fingertips: Incorporate an NCAA eligibility module in your athlete orientation program, ensuring that athletes and their parents get acquainted from the start.

- Resource Compilation: Maintain a dedicated section in the school library or online portal with updated NCAA manuals, rulebooks, and other relevant literature.

4. Collaborate with School Counselors

- Academic Alignment: Work closely with the school's counseling department to ensure that athletes are enrolled in NCAA-approved courses and are aware of the academic requirements for eligibility.

- Feedback Loop: Regularly update school counselors about any potential red flags regarding student grades or course selections.

These are great options, however, I recommend #5...

5. Engage with Industry Experts & Technology for Seamless Navigation

- Engaging with professionals who specialize in NCAA regulations ensures that your school has the latest insights and understanding. The collegiate sports domain and its associated academic standards are ever-changing, and having an expert by your side means you're always in the know.

- How do you do this?: Our collaboration with Honest Game, a renowned leader in eligibility software, amplifies our offering. The pairing of VirtuOwl's NCAA eligibility experts with Honest Game's cutting-edge technology creates a robust strategy. This synergy ensures that your athletic department is always informed, prepared, and compliant, leaving no room for guesswork.

Closing Thoughts

Empowering your athletic departments with the tools and knowledge to navigate NCAA eligibility is an investment in your students' futures. With VirtuOwl by your side, you’re not only equipping your staff but also ensuring your student-athletes have a clear path to their collegiate dreams. Let's partner to take the uncertainty out of NCAA compliance and pave the way for athletic excellence both on and off the field.