The Importance of the NCAA Clearinghouse
A lot of families ask me, “When should I sign for the NCAA Clearinghouse?” The BEST time to sign up for the NCAA Clearinghouse is once you have completed your Junior year in high school.
Many people ask me, “What exactly is the NCAA Clearinghouse?” I simply direct them to the definition on the NCAA website:
NCAA Clearinghouse: It is a registration process that qualifies and certifies student-athletes so college coaches can be confident that the student-athlete has completed certain academic requirements for eligibility. The Clearinghouse basically acts as a stamp of approval of student-athletes for college coaches. It helps coaches qualify student-athletes for their University.
Essentially, as you can read from the information above, the Clearinghouse is a simple way for NCAA D1 and D2 coaches to KNOW that you are academically eligible to play for them next season. It is a way for the NCAA to put a universal stamp approval on you so college coaches can easily and quickly know if you are academically eligible to play at their University.
To sign up for the NCAA Clearinghouse go to: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
QUICK NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE STORY
Awhile ago, I heard a story about a young man that earned a full ride basketball scholarship to a school in Northern California. The kid was excited to get on campus the fall of his freshman year. As he was preparing for fall ball, the coach happened to make sure his recruits where all qualified and prepared to contribute their freshman year. Well, this young man, who comes for a very prestigious high school did not register for the Clearinghouse his senior year. The college coach flipped out, and it almost cost this athlete his scholarship…even though he as a qualifier.
I share that story with you because it is IMPERATIVE that you register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. It does cost some money, and if you need financial assistance with it the NCAA has a way of subsidizing your costs.
The important thing is that you do well in the classroom, prepare for your SAT/ACT’s, and be sure to get yourself signed up for the Clearinghouse at the end of your Junior academic year.
Learn more about NCAA Clearinghouse. Stop by Coach Chris Berg’s site where you can find out all about Athletic Scholarships and how you can get one.