University of Massachusets Athletics

UMass Compliance Office • Prospective Student-Athletes

Who Is a Prospective Student-Athlete? 

In accordance with NCAA bylaw 13.02.12, the definition of a prospective student-athlete is anyone who has started classes for the ninth grade (7th grade in Men’s Basketball). A student who has not started classes for the ninth grade becomes a prospective student-athlete if the institution provides such an individual (or the individual’s relatives or friends) any financial assistance or other benefits that the institution does not provide to prospective students in general.  

How/When does my status change from a Prospective Student-Athlete to Student-Athlete

An individual remains a prospective student-athlete until one of the following occurs (whichever is easier): 
  • The individual officially registers and enrolls in a minimum full-time program of studies and attends classes in any term of a four-year collegiate institution’s regular academic year. (excluding summer); 
  • The individual participates in a regular squad practice or competition at a four-year collegiate institution that occurs before the beginning of any term; 
  • The individual officially registers, enrolls, and attends classes during a certifying institution's summer term prior to his/her initial full-time enrollment at the certifying institution; or 
  • The individual reports to an institutional orientation session that is open to all incoming students within 14 calendar days prior to the open day of classes of a regular academic year term.

NCAA Bylaw 13.3: Key Information regarding the University of Massachusetts and NCAA Division 1 Student-Athletes 
International Prospects 
National Letter of Intent (NLI) 
Sports Wagering