PSA (Prospective Student-Athlete)

A Prospective Student-Athlete (PSA) is defined as an individual who has started classes for the ninth grade and has the potential to participate in collegiate athletics at an NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA institution. A student who has not yet started ninth grade becomes a PSA if they or their family are provided benefits by a college that are not generally available to prospective students.

Key Characteristics of a PSA:

1. Recruiting Communication:
   • Once a college coach begins sending recruiting materials or contacting the player, they are officially considered a PSA.
2. Verbal Commitments:
   • PSAs often verbally commit to a school before signing a National Letter of Intent (NLI) or officially enrolling.
3. Summer League Participation:
   • Many PSAs participate in summer leagues to gain exposure and develop skills.

Eligibility for Incoming Freshmen to Participate in Summer Ball

To maintain the integrity and development-focused mission of the summer league, incoming freshmen must meet the following criteria before participating:

1. Age Requirement:
   • Players must be 18 years old before the start of the summer baseball season.
2. College Commitment:
   • Players must be committed to an NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA institution for the upcoming academic year.
3. Parental and Coaching Approval:
   • Participation requires the approval of the player’s college coach and parents or guardians.

These guidelines ensure that participants are prepared for the competitive level of summer baseball and are aligned with the collegiate system they will be entering.

Eligibility for Coaches in Summer Leagues

To comply with NCAA rules and maintain the integrity of the league, the following restrictions apply regarding who can coach PSAs in your summer league:

1. Division I and Division II Coaches:
   • NCAA Rules: PSAs cannot play for a Division I or Division II head coach or assistant coach in a summer league.
   • This restriction prevents potential conflicts of interest and ensures fair recruiting practices.
2. Division III, NAIA, and JUCO Coaches:
   • Coaches from Division III, NAIA, and JUCO programs are permitted to coach PSAs, provided they comply with recruiting and amateurism rules.
3. Independent Coaches:
   • High school coaches, private instructors, or coaches unaffiliated with collegiate programs are also eligible to coach PSAs.
4. Conflict of Interest Prevention:
   • Coaches must not engage in any recruiting activities with PSAs that would violate NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA rules.

Categories of PSAs in Baseball

1. Incoming College Freshmen:
   • High school graduates committed to a college program but not yet enrolled.
   • These players often use summer leagues to develop skills, gain exposure, and transition to collegiate competition.
2. Junior College Transfers:
   • JUCO players exploring opportunities to transfer to a four-year institution.
   • Summer leagues often provide a platform for these players to showcase their abilities.
3. Transfer Portal Athletes:
   • Players in the NCAA Transfer Portal looking for new collegiate programs while maintaining eligibility.

How the NCAA Transfer Portal Works

1. Purpose and Process:
   • The NCAA Transfer Portal allows players to declare their intent to transfer and enables college programs to contact them.
   • Players must notify their current school and enter the portal during specified transfer windows.
2. Eligibility During Transfer:
   • Athletes remain eligible for summer leagues as long as they comply with amateurism and eligibility rules.
3. Impact on Summer Baseball:
   • Summer leagues often act as a proving ground for transfer players, offering exposure to coaches from prospective programs.

JUCO Eligibility Rules and Changes

1. General Eligibility:
   • NJCAA players are eligible for up to two years of competition (four semesters) at a JUCO.
   • After completing their JUCO eligibility, players may transfer to a four-year institution and have up to four additional years of athletic eligibility at the NCAA or NAIA level.
2. Eligibility at Four-Year Institutions:
   • The total eligibility clock for NCAA and NAIA athletes is typically five years from the start of their collegiate career (six years in cases with redshirt or medical waivers).
   • JUCO players who do not “burn” a year of eligibility (e.g., by redshirting or being academically ineligible) can maximize their eligibility at the next level.
3. Recent Rule Adjustments:
   • COVID-19 Waivers: Players affected by pandemic-related cancellations may have additional eligibility granted.
   • Academic Progress: Players transferring to four-year schools must meet credit hour and GPA requirements to be immediately eligible.
4. Role of Summer Baseball:
   • JUCO players often participate in summer leagues to showcase their skills to four-year coaches, especially if they are in the transfer process.
   • Summer leagues provide valuable opportunities for exposure, competition, and continued development.

Guidelines for Collegiate Summer Leagues

1. Recruiting Compliance:
   • Leagues must follow NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA rules to avoid recruiting violations.
2. Player Development:
   • Emphasize pitch count management and adequate rest to protect players’ arms.
3. Education and Support:
   • Provide resources and education to help PSAs understand recruitment, eligibility, and the expectations of collegiate athletics.