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Military Service and Your NCAA Eligibility

It’s not uncommon for high school student-athletes to enlist in the U.S. military after Military Service and Your NCAA Eligibility graduation. There are many reasons they do this, whether it be an opportunity for a clean start, a need for direction and focus, or just the passion and dedication for their country. Whatever the case may be, it often requires the sacrifice of giving up the sport they have competed in for so long.

Because of the commitment enlisting in the military requires, plans for college often get delayed or affected somehow. This also means that a student-athlete who wants to compete in college can’t compete until their service is over. This can cause problems in the eligibility process because of the NCAA’s Five-Year Rule. This rule stipulates that college student-athletes have five years to complete their four years of eligibility. In most college sports, athletes’ eligibility clocks start counting down only one year after their high school graduation. Obviously, those athletes who enlist in the military can’t plan on being able to use their eligibility until they have finished their service.

The NCAA recognizes the sacrifice that soldiers make and have created exceptions to the Five-Year Rule for them. Here are the two most important rules for student-athletes who spend time in the military:

14.2.1.2 – Service Exceptions to the Five-Year Rule.
Time spent in the armed services, on official religious missions or with recognized foreign aid services of the U.S. government is excepted from the application of the five-year rule. Among such services that qualify a student-athlete for an extension of the five-year rule are: (Revised: 4/2/10)
(a) Military Sea Transport Service;
(b) Peace Corps; or
(c) Service as a conscientious objector ordered by the Selective Service Commission (or the equivalent authority in a foreign nation) in lieu of active military duty.

– This rule basically stops an athlete’s five-year clock when they enlist in active duty in the military.

14.5.5.2.5 – Military Service Exception.
The student returns from at least 12 months of active service in the armed forces of the United States. (Revised: 1/9/06, 1/17/09 effective 8/1/09)

– This rule allows athletes to play immediately (without sitting out) if you transfer schools after leaving the military.

Finding a scholarship opportunity to play college sports as a military veteran is still possible. Even though you may be out of practice from your sport and unable to send a recent highlight video, coaches recognize the sacrifice you have made as a veteran. Plus, many of the things you learn in the service like team work, focus, and dedication are the same characteristics that coaches look for in athletes.

If you have more questions about finding a scholarship as a veteran or other recruiting questions, leave a comment below or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to start learning about recruitment.

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