Want to Try Out for a College Coach? Well, Maybe…
NCAA Says Yes to DII, but No to DI and DIII
If you are not in your high school sport’s season, NCAA DII coaches may ask you to come to their campus for a tryout. You may not, however, tryout at a DI or DIII college. Confused? Let’s explain.
NCAA only allows tryouts in DII.
The reason for restricting DIII schools is because, in theory, no DIII prospect can be admitted because of athletic ability. Again, in theory, the only qualifications a potential DIII student-athlete have to meet for admission are the academic standards set by that school. Neither the candidate’s athletic skills nor the opinion and influence of a coach can have any bearing on that particular student’s admission. So, a tryout would be pointless.
As for DI, the no-tryout rule is a way to level the playing field to some degree for DII athletic programs competing for DI-level prospects. Prospects may take unofficial and official visits at both and the rules pertaining to those visits are the same in both divisions.
No such rule or restriction on athlete tryouts exists in the NAIA or NJCAA. In fact, in these organizations, even juniors, sophomores and freshman may try out, or work out, for a coach at any time. If you ever have a question about whether or not a scheduled “tryout” is legal or not, contact our office at (800) 354-0072.
