What does an extra year of eligibility mean?
Traditionally, a student-athlete has 5 years to play 4 years of their sport. An extra year means a current college student-athlete would have 6 years to play their 4 years. This means, NCAA student-athletes can compete in all or a portion of the 2020-21 season, but it won’t be counted against their years of eligibility depending on their division level specific eligibility rules.
For example, a D1 freshman athlete, whether they compete in the 2020-21 competition season or not, is eligible for an extra year of competition. Starting their sophomore year, this athlete competes in 100% of the season through senior year. After their senior season, this athlete’s eligibility count is 3 years and they decide to enroll as a fifth-year senior to compete in their fourth collegiate season. Upon the completion of their fourth competition season, this athlete has the option to compete for one final season, a fifth year, because the NCAA D1 had granted all 2020-21 athletes an extra year of eligibility. If this athlete returns for a fifth year, they will have been a member of the team and eligible to receive financial aid for six year, because their first year of competition didn’t count against their years eligibility.
For college coaches, this extra year of eligibility means roster needs may be different for the 2021-22 season. If 50% of the 2020-21 senior class decides to return for an additional year of competition, coaches will need to fill fewer roster sports and possibly re-evaluate the positions they are recruiting. This not only means competition for roster spots will be increasingly more difficult but playing time for committed recruits who play the same position as a returning senior may see less playing time during their rookie year of competition.
Source: ncsasports.org
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