Posted on February 26th, 2021

WHAT A DIVISION III STUDENT-ATHLETE CELEBRATORY SIGNING FORM IS AND HOW IS DIFFERS FROM A NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT THAT DIVISION I & II STUDENT ATHLETES SIGN

 

Since the 2015 National Convention when the NCAA voted to permit Division III prospective student-athletes to sign "a standard, non-binding athletics celabratory signing form which would be crafted by the NCAA and distributed to Division III schools so they can afix it to school letterhead and provide it to the student-athletes." Some equate the celabratory form to the national letter of intent (explained in further detail below)

 

Although this was well received by Division III institutions and lacrosse coaches in particular, some D-III coaches have attempted to take the measure a step farther. As prefaced in the opening paragraph defining what the celebratory signing form is, due to the fact that this form is not binding, some want it to be binding.  If it were to be binding, this would save coaches precious time from the need to continue actively recruiting players who have committed amid constant worries that other programs might poach them or the term, flip. Another reason is that some coaches find themselves to be embarrassed as there is nothing them nor the school can provide to make it official like the National Letter of Intent D-I & D-II players can. 

 

*It should be noted that many Division I and Division II athletes do not sign such a form because they are not receiving an athletic scholarship especially for those 3% of athletes who are going on to play Lacrosse at these levels. And at the Division III level, there are no athletic scholarships offered, only academic scholarships are awarded to some athletes.

 

This was implemented because of the overwhelming popularity that schools hold signing days to recognize their student-athletes accomplishments so this new rule change back in 2015 serves that purpose. “It ensures that academics, not athletics, govern Division III student-athletes’ college choices,” Steven Fritz, the Director of Athletics at the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) said. “That is why we added a rule that students cannot use the form until they have been accepted to attend the institution.” For the schools sake and the student-athletes sake, it will only be time when the NCAA Division III committee will legisltate new rules make the celebratory form official or the NLI applicable towards future DIII student-athlets as well  

 

*Note: Not all D-III institutions have to provide this form and institutions should keep in mind, however, that they are not permitted to publicize a prospective student-athlete’s commitment to the institution until the prospective student-athlete has submitted a financial deposit. 

 

 

EXAMPLE OF A NCAA DIVISION III STUDENT-ATHLETE CELEBRATORY SIGN FORM:

 

NCAA DIVISION III STUDENT-ATHLETE CELEBRATORY SIGNING FORM    

                       

I, ___________________________________, have been accepted to [Name of DIII Instiution], an NCAA Division III institution. In addition to my academic responsibilities, I intend to participate in the sport(s) of __________________________________.

Consistent with Division IIIs goal of fostering an environment where students can follow their passions and discover their potential, Division III student-athletes are encouraged to:

DISCOVER

Division III student-athletes are encouraged to pursue their interests and passions beyond the classroom and field of play...to discover themselves.

DEVELOP

Division III institutions provide an environment that encourages student-athletes to develop into well- rounded adults. Small class sizes, the ability to participate in more than one sport, and an emphasis on participating in activities outside of the classroom are all hallmarks of the Division III experience.

DEDICATE

Division III institutions expect student-athletes to dedicate themselves to achieving their potential. Student-athletes must manage their busy schedules, keep up with class work and face the same challenges as the rest of the student-body.

The mission of [Name of DIII Instiution] is to prepare students for fulfilling lives, meaningful work and responsible citizenship.


This form commemorates my choice to attend [Name of DIII Instiution]. By signing this form, I embrace the Division III philosophy. I also understand my signature neither obligates me to attend the institution, noted above, and participate in athletics nor does it guarantee me a roster position.

 

Prospective Student-Athlete: ___________________________________ Date: __________________

 

 

Contributed By:

 

Tom Michaelsen

Resources: NCAA.com 

 

About the Contributor:

Michaelsen was a HS All-American out of Bethpage NY and went on to play 4 years at the Division I level at St. Johns University and upon graduating with a Bachelors degree in Sports Management, he was drafted to play in the MLL and NLL - the 1st player ever to be drafted professionally from STJ.