Can My Head Coach Ask Me To Transfer to Another School?
The quick answer is yes, a coach can ask a player to transfer, but let us dive a little deeper. Choosing to transfer from your college to another university is a huge decision.
It should not be made when emotions are high or under stress and pressure. But instead, you should consider all the factors concerning this move. Student-athletes that consider transferring should take into account many influences such as athletic challenges and opportunities, academic goals, campus social life, school demographics, personal preferences, coaching staff, and the overall impact of the transfer, such as sitting out.
Coaches can and will ask some athletes to transfer for a variety of reasons which I cover in “The reasons A Coach might Ask a Player to Transfer” section.
What Percentage of Student-Athletes Transfer
In 2017 7% of Div. 1 athletes transferred or were the result of the transfer. In a 2018 study by the National, Student Clearinghouse estimated that 39% of all students who first enroll in college would transfer college universities at least once.
Given the increased pressures of finances, athletic aspirations, employment opportunities, and societal challenges, students are now willing to make drastic changes if they do not see a return in college immediately.
Athletes have typically transferred at a lower rate than non-athlete students. Still, in big-time sports such as basketball, the student-athlete transfer percentage is more significant than regular students.
Athletes are no longer willing to wait for a program in past years. Coaches have always seemed to hold the upper hand in these situations, but now college coaches must deal with this newfound outlook of independence shown by athletes.
Does the NCAA Prevent Athletes From Transferring Colleges?
No, as much criticism as the NCAA has gotten over the years. The NCAA does have a legitimate transfer system in place. The difficulty occurs when deciding when a transferred athlete is eligible to compete. Do they have to sit out a year, can he or she play immediately? Can the said player qualify for the exemptions or get a special waiver granted by the NCAA transfer committee?
Can An Athlete Transfer after Signing the National Letter of Intent
The NCCA allows the student-athlete to transfer after signing the Letter of Intent. Still, if they move, the athlete cannot compete in that competition year unless they receive a letter of release from the school that they signed the original message of intent with.
If a player has signed the Letter of Intent and then has changed their mind and is having second thoughts about the school and wants to transfer, they need to be sure and request a letter of release. Often the school that you signed the LOI will convince you to come during your change of mind and recruiting process.
You need to be sure they will hold up there end of the bargain, and you can meet academic and athletic standards. Because if anything goes wrong, this is when college coaches can use your failure at the school as a reason to make life difficult and not release you. Even though you had second thoughts before attending.
Before you sign your Letter of Intent; be sure you do not sign under pressure or anxiety. This college sporting industry is big business as marketing materials, and such will be built around recruits, so be sure you commit and limit your chances of transferring by choosing the right college upfront. Your commitment allows the colleges to also commit to you. It is a mutual relationship.
Why Don’t NCAA Colleges Allow Athletes TO Play Immediately
The NCAA argues that when a student-athlete transfer, this causes a massive disruption in academic development, and they need this year to just focus on academics and get on track before playing. Student-athletes can apply for exceptions and waivers if they meet requirements such as completing their undergraduate degree before transferring or being in excellent academic standing at their school, in addition to having their previous school support. Jalen Hurts is a superb example of this exception.
How To Transfer Colleges
In 2019 the NCAA created the college athlete transfer portal, which gave the athletes the option to announce publically and declared there intent to transfer and the motivation to talk with other schools. This is a big step in providing athletes some freedom and independence in their athletic careers.
Reasons A Coach might Ask A Player To Transfer
Not a Good Fit In The Program
Often coaches may speak with a player and ask the player if they would be open to transferring to a different school. When the player asks the coach the reason why; coaches can often give an ambiguous answer such as you are just not a good fit for the program.
In other words, they do not see you in their plans, or they want to free up money for a potential transfer player that they feel can contribute right now. In reality, this may be a good thing; if a coach informs you and gives you this feedback, it is best to stay calm, speak with your parents, and wise counsel.
Request an additional meeting with he coach as asking if he would give you a formal release and sign documents so you could then ask the NCAA a waiver and exemption that allows you to be immediately eligible at whichever college you choose.
Does Not See Getting Playing Time
Often it comes down to money and scholarship money. If you are down the depth chart of a deep team, the coach may ask you to transfer so that he can use that scholarship for a player at a need position.
On some occasions, a coach may have your best interest and ask you to transfer if he has a 5-star recruit coming in.
Never take it personally, keep working, the road to success is tough!
Does Not See You Contributing In Any Way
One of the misconceptions is that if a player does not start or get significant playing time, they are not a substantial part of the team. This is so far from the truth; the practice players and guys that give you the other teams offensive and defensive looks play a significant role on any team. If you are not starting, try to show your value in some way.
If a coach says this to you, he or she is just saying they don’t see you contributing in any way.
You Cause Chemistry Issues Within The Team
If you are a player that lacks discipline, focus, and is always late to team functions in addition to not producing, you can cause tremendous chemistry issues. A coach will most definitely look to move you elsewhere if you continually cause chemistry issues.
He Does Not Think You Are Coachable
If a coach does not think he can get you to be the player he or she would like and reach your potential, they will often label you as untouchable. Again everyone has different personalities. Do not internalize every criticism but instead look to get better in all ways.
You Played Under A various Staff, And His Scheme Does Not Fit YOur Talents.
If you started or played in a different scheme and the coach is now using a separate system, they may ask you to adapt or transfer.
You Are Failing To Live Up To Academic Standards
One of the quickest ways to cause yourself problems in college athletics is by failing to live up to the academic standards. This is something you must do. Colleges are taking graduation and eligibility rates serious as they are used in recruiting and to show the value of the college program
You Are Failing to Live Up TO Athletic Standards
Failing to meet athletic standards does not just equal playing time but instead, effort, practice, weight room training, meetings, and all things associated with performance on the field. If you continue to fail in this area, coaches may ask you to transfer.
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