mrmom, buckeyefan -- thanks very much for your responses. I have been reading the NCAA by-laws, but have not yet found the specific guidance I am looking for, which is: what is the process for a student-athlete to have a year of eligibility counted as a redshirt year, when they play in NO games? Is this status granted automatically for the year, or does the coach have to offer and submit some paperwork? Is there any situation where the athlete would use the year of eligibility even tho they never play, if a coach does not process or classify the year as redshirt? Thanks to all who have responded to my many questions!