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IT seems there are more D1 college players represented here than D3, but I wonder if anyone can answer this hypothetical question.

Say a D3 player puts in a few innings his first two years of college, improves gradually, but doesn't make an impact. After two years he realizes he will need 5 years to graduate from college. He also is told that he has potentiol to become an impact player at his college but needs to get stronger. And he sees that he might have a better chance to be a starter his 4th and 5th years of college (instead of 3rd and 4th), because of his own strength development, plus some key players who are 1 year ahead of him.

Do you follow this so far?

If the D3 player decides he wants to play his 4th and 5th years of college and use the 3rd year for strength development (and playing more innings in the summer), can he do that? Would he have to stay completely away from his college team practices the whole year (very tough because of friendships). Or could he practice in the fall with the team, but practice on his own in the spring. Or could he be a student/assistant coach in the spring to work out with the team but not suit up. (But still play against good competition the next summer.)

Does anyone know of a player who has done this, or do you know the rules about it?
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montanadad,
Thanks for the vote of confidence...I've been absent as the season has progressed as you can imagine 44 games(29-15) has been alot of hard work...but to answer the question for you PitchDad...there are no longer Red shirts in DIII except for injuries...if you practice with the team after the teams first game, fall included then that wastes a year of eligibility. There is not clock that ticking, only semesters. In DIII you have 10 full time semesters to compete in 8 of them. If a player wants to take an "unofficial" season off then he cannot practice with the team anytime after the teams first contest...the rules changed 2 years ago, and will come back up for vote this January. I would also say, I have never seen a person take a season off and return to play in the future (except for injury) so be carefull with taking the time away! Good Luck!
VJC...with a documented injury and no innings played.....can a player still practice with the team.....and obtain a medical hardship for a 5th year?

Son has absolutely no intention of spending more than 4 years at his school.....but, never say never....so, we called the NCAA, and I'm pretty sure they said he could practice, but not play.....and to maintain the medical info....in the event we wanted to apply for a hardship at a latter date.......

Is this correct? And....congratulations on your great season.....
Last edited by LadyNmom
LadyNMom,
That is correct...medical redshirts work differently: must have played in less than 25% of games...for us usually 10, injury must occur before 50% of the season is complete 20, and injury must be season ending! I have a player that has a season ending injury but was still able to throw...(ss broken thumb on fielding hand) and still practiced in terms that he threw to keep arm in shape for when he able to play!

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