Redshirting-need some clarification

As I understand it, you have 5 years to complete 4 years of eligibility. If he didn't compete his frosh year, he still has 4 years of eligibility.

4 years in 5 is my understanding, also. There are two guys on my kids team on their 6th years. One due to him not playing the first year due non-qualifying the first year. The other, due to injury, got an extra red-shirt year. He's married with a kid finishing his MBA.

Thanks for the response, but doesn't your posts apply to d-1 and d-2 only.

My understanding is that in d-3 there is only the possibility of a medical redshirt and that absent that possible medical issue, in d-3 you otherwise just get the 4 years, whether you play or not, make the team or not etc. - can I get a little more help here as it applies to d-3. Thanks.

I am not sure but I don't think so. I have known a couple D1 guys transfer to D3 and have that 5th year. As I said, I could be wrong.

The ncaa.org is a wonderful website with all the answers. As it states" a four year institution..." , (being regardless of the Division.) You have 5 years to play 4.

I believe that the student in question DOES have another year of eligibility. This thread is interesting to me because one of our pitchers from my high school (I also helped coach him on our summer team last year) is a freshman LHP playing at a DIII school this season. He cannot redshirt, however.

redbird5, Dad04, stickwatcher, the NCAA website does include some information concerning redshirting, but it is not a complete explanation.

It is true that in Division I and II, a student-athlete has 5 years to complete 4 seasons of eligibility, and the clock begins ticking on those 5 years as soon as the student begins college. Previously, in Division III, a similar situation existed (except that DIII also included an alternative system where the 4 seasons of eligibility must be completed in 10 consecutive full-time semesters). However, in January 2004, the Division III membership voted to effectively end redshirting at the Division III level, beginning with the 2004-05 school year (news article reference: Division III Schools Scrap Their Redshirt Policy In Fall). For further reference, here is a list of amendments (the critical one here is Proposal 57): 2004 NCAA Convention Legislative Summary and Application Guide. For a bit more, check this as well: WBCA Legislative Updates---scroll to "Division III Legislative Updates".

However, HeyBatter, I believe that the dad is right! In Division III, there is a big difference in the way the eligibility works as opposed to Div I and II. As noted, in DI and DII, the 4 years of eligibility kicks in whether or not the student is actually playing any sports. But in DIII, it is a year of eligibility ONLY if the student plays or practices with a team. If the student does not participate in any way with an organized school team, then he/she has not used a year of eligibility.

So in this case, you are correct that the Division III rule is different than in DI or DII. But I believe the dad is correct about his son having another year of eligibility, if his son was not involved with the team his freshman year.