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.

Now, if you are asking yourself, "What is the NCAA Clearing house?", a good definition is below from the NCAA website:

NCAA Clearinghouse - Students who plan to play Division I or Division II sports during their freshman year of college must register with the NCAA during their senior year of high school. This registration process certifies that the student has met certain academic and other standards, as required under NCAA guidelines in order to compete and receive athletic-based financial aid.

The Clearinghouse allows NCAA D I and D II coaches to quickly and easily sort through athletes so they know that you are academically eligible to compete at their University. It saves them time instead of having to deal directly with your high school counselor.

You can sign up for the Clearinghouse at: 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.

Registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse is IMPERATIVE. If you want to play as a frosh, YOU MUST BE REGISTERED! It may cost you some money, and there are ways to get it subsidized.

As you can see, it is very important to get yourself registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse at the end of your Junior year. Study hard and keep your grades up...that is the KEY!