I will be taking my talents to........

At the end of each school year, senior high school students have to make important decisions about the future. For student athletes, this heralds an exciting time in their lives, since some will have the opportunity to be collegiate athletes. For these young people, the process of being recruited and offered a scholarship, often by an American university can be daunting. There are many decisions to be made and depending on your talent level, a lot of pressure.

For aspiring future NBA players who hope to eventually enter the draft, there is a requirement that they be at least 19 years of age and a year removed from high school graduation. In the NFL, an athlete has to be 3 years removed from high school to be eligible for the draft. For most athletes hoping to make it to the big leagues, the best option is the post secondary route. Collegiate sports enable athletes of all abilities and levels to remain involved in their chosen sport.

If you are a high school student athlete hoping to combine your studies while competing in college or university sport, there are a few things which you should take into consideration:

1. Figure out your academic eligibility requirements in the CIS, NCAA, etc. There are core requirements that you should familiarize yourself with as soon as you begin high school. 
2. Be aware of recruiting regulations such as when you can make an official visit, when the coach can contact you and what is a quiet period. Know your rights, what is expected and what is not - both on your end and that of the institution recruiting you. 
3. Take the required standardize test such as the SAT and ACT and know the required minimum score to be accepted at the prospective institution(s). 

For prospective collegiate athletes, the final year of high school can be hectic. With finishing up high school, maintaining good grades, performing on the field at a high level and deciding which post secondary institution best fits your academic and athletic abilities, the year can be a roller coaster of mixed emotions. Familiarizing yourself with the intercollegiate rules and regulations, and understanding what is required of you by the institutions vying for your academic and athletic talents, can make the process much smoother.

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Brown G. Knight panel urges educational 'intervention' for recruits. NCAA News. January 29, 2007;44(3):8.

2. Flett M, Gould D, Paule A, Schneider R. How and Why University Coaches Define, Identify, and Recruit 'Intangibles'. International Journal Of Coaching Science. July 2010;4(2):15-35.

3.Johnson G. Hamline course dissects art and science of recruiting. NCAA News [serial online]. September 25, 2012;:1.

4. Johnson G. Spotlight shines on student-athlete experience at summit. NCAA News. February 13, 2006;43(4):7-17.

5. Klungseth S. The Five NCAA Recruiting Rules That High School Coaches Should Know. Coach & Athletic Director. April 2005;74(9):75-81.

6. Trendafilova S, Hardin R, Seungmo K. Satisfaction Among International Student-Athletes Who Participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Journal Of Intercollegiate Sport. December 2010;3(2):348-365.