NO. There isn't! :-)
In 2003, the NCAA management council voted to change a number of things. One of those was the option to red shirt as a freshman for Division III schools.
The NCAA DIII athlete has 10 total semesters (or 15 quarters) to complete 4 seasons of any one sport. This athlete's NCAA “clock” begins at the time of his or her full time enrollment at any collegiate institution- (NCAA, NAIA, or club) regardless if that school sponsors his or her sport.
In division III, athletes use a season of eligibility if they play after his or her team's first contest- regardless of the level of an athlete's participation. They could be a full time starter, or a practice player and play in NO games; either way, the season is used. Each institution has a responsibility to education its student athletes about these rules- but
more importantly student athletes have to educate themselves.
The NCAA does offer a number of legislative relief waivers so a student- with the help of a compliance officer or Athletic Director- can petition to the NCAA Subcommittee for Legislative Relief get a year back.
Those include:
14.2.2.4.1.1 Circumstances Beyond Control
a. Season-ending injury (pregnancy is treated as a season-ending injury)
b. Life-threatening illness by student or family member
c. Erroneous academic advice
d. Natural Disaster
e. Extreme Financial Difficulties
14.2.2.4.1.2 Circumstances Within Control
a. Institution does not sponsor his/her sport
b. Inability to participate in athletics due to institutional disciplinary or incarceration
c. Misinformation from a coaching staff member
d. Redshirt year at a previous institution
e. Academic year in residence
f. A students' lack of understanding of the 10-semester/15-quarter period regarding the starting date of his/her eligibility
If you believe any of the above applies to you and would like to explore gaining an additional season/year of eligibility, please contact your head coach and the Neumann University Compliance Coordinator,
Sarah Kurpel-
kurpels@neumann.edu
