INTERNATIONAL STUDENT-ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY
Initial eligibility for international student-athletes is certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center. The following procedure relative to that certification is monitored by the Office of Athletic Compliance.
- Prior to the issuance of an NLI, the coach is required to provide a statement or conduct a meeting with the Assistant Athletic Director describing the international student-athlete's educational experience, their history of athletics participation (which includes contracts, monies or benefits received as well as any involvement with professional athletes), and recruitment activities. The Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance will then notify the coach of any additional documentation that will be necessary before an NLI will be approved for the individual.
- Coaches should instruct international recruits to submit all application materials to the RMU Office of Admissions and final official (and sometimes translated) documentation of all academic materials to the NCAA Eligibility Center for evaluation and certification. There are specific criteria for reviewing the core-curriculum eligibility of students who have completed any portion of their secondary education in a non-U.S. education system for intercollegiate athletics competition. The NCAA has developed an index by country for the educational systems of foreign countries as well as grading-scale conversions that is updated on an annual basis. [See the NCAA Guide to International Academic Standards for Athletics Eligibility.]
- Once the international student-athlete has their amateurism status certified by the Eligibility Center, the institution is responsible for certifying their amateurism status from the date they are final certified by the Eligibility Center until the first day of classes. The NCAA requires international prospective student-athletes to complete the NCAA International Student-Athlete Amateurism/Eligibility Questionnaire and Statement. The Office of Athletic Compliance will have the prospect complete the form at their sports fall certification meeting.
- The Office of Athletic Compliance reviews the form to ensure compliance with NCAA rules. If questions arise from the student-athlete's responses an interview will be conducted with the student-athlete and further inquiries may be made of the Eligibility Center, International Student Office, head coach of the student-athlete's team, or others with relevant information regarding the student-athlete's amateur status.
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
COOPERATION, CONSCIENCE, COMPLIANCE... COLONIALS!
