Please read the policy statement and disclaimer before reading the answers on this page.

Q1: Where can I find information on recruiting?

A1: You can find out information by contacting the NCAA directly. Their web site, http://www.ncaa.org, has information for prospective student athletes. You can obtain phone numbers, download information, order publications, and search their handbooks and regulations. It is the complete and official resource for this type of information. The main page for eligibility and recruiting is located here. Prospective female student athletes can download gymnastics-specific information from the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches - Women, at this link.

Q2: What is a National Letter Of Intent (NLI)?

A2: The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is administered by the Collegiate Commisioners Association, not the NCAA. It is described at their special web site. In "fans" terms, it is a formal acceptance of a scholarship offer, made under and bound by, standard rules and conditions.

Q3: What is a "verbal commit"?

A3: In "fan's terms", this term is commonly refers to a verbal promise made by a prospective student athlete to an institution offering them a scholarship. This reportedly does not become binding until the National Letter of Intent is signed during the official signing period. Verbal commits are also sometimes called a "verbal" or an "oral commit".

Q4: When is the "signing period" for the 2010-2011 school years?

A4: The Early Signing period for the 2010-2011 school year is in November 11th to the 19th, 2009. The late signing period for 2009-2010 is April to August 1st 2009.

Q5: How many scholarships athletes can each team offer?

A5: Division 1 women's team may have a total of 12 athletes receiving some form of athletics-related scholarship. This includes athletes receiving partial support.

Men's teams are limited to 6.3 scholarship equivalents. For the men, this number represents a total budget that can be distributed to multiple athletes. It is measured in full scholarship (out of state) equivalents. Thus, 6.3 scholarships can stretch to 12 or more athletes. And, in state athletes can be fully funded for far less than a full scholarship equivalent. The number available for award and the amount of the award varies by team and by year.

Q6: When does the recruiting period officially start?

A6: If you are a Prospective Student Athlete, please consult the NCAA Handbook or the compliance office of your target college for more information and exact guidelines. However, for other observers such as fans, the recruiting period is largely viewed to begin in the month of July prior to the PSA's senior year. Increasingly, however, commits are occuring earlier, during the PSA's junior year.

Q7: What athletic skills do college recruiters look for in their prospects?

A7: For the women, there are no clear generalizations that can be made with regard to recruiting. However, athletically, we frequently hear college coaches express similar criteria in terms of skills. Besides a certain skill level, attributes such as natural athletic ability, good execution, clean lines, and excellent fitness are valued in varying combinations by recruiters. Although the weighting of criteria may differ, in general, college coaches tend to value gymnasts that can already demonstrate 10.0 start value routines that also meet the minimum criteria for composition in the NCAA. These routines must also be competed with good consistency, good execution, good form and amplitude.

Here are a few examples of skills sought by teams in the Top 36 nationally:

On vault, the Yurchenko Layout 1/1 and 1/2 have become commonplace. 10.0 start value vaults with saltos are preferred.

On UB, a major release such as a Gienger, Tkachev or Jaeger plus another D release is viewed favorably. An E dismount is also desired.

On BB, a solid bhs-layout flight series or comparable plus another D salto is usually required. Other skills should yield a 10.0 start value under the NCAA rules.

On FX, the athlete preferably should show at least a D double salto mount (E value if front tumbling or twisting), plus a second pass with a combination of a C salto plus bonus. In addition, the last pass must contain at least C combination bonus, and preferably another D value salto. A consistent E level salto is also viewed favorably.

These criteria are only examples, and exceptional ability on a few events (especially uneven bars) can sometimes compensate for a weakness on a single event.

For men, the competition is even more competitive, due to the small number of programs and the scarcity of scholarship funds. Gymnasts receiving the most funds are at the top of the age group ranks.

Q8:  Where can I find contact information for college programs?

A8:  The women's coaches' association has a contact list at this link.  The men's directory is at this link.