With news that TCC is closing after graduation in May, I am wondering what options the girls on the SB team has for transferring? Can they leave now and play second semester somewhere or do they lose a year of eligibility playing on a lame duck team this semester? There are several girls that could help other NAIA or D3 teams.
If a school goes out of business (closes or ceases operations), NCAA eligibility rules don't "change" in the sense of adding or losing years, but special exceptions are triggered to protect the student-athlete.
The NCAA generally views a school closure as a "discontinued sport" or "extenuating circumstance," which allows for much more flexibility than a standard transfer.
1. Immediate Transfer Eligibility In a typical transfer, some athletes may face restrictions or specific windows. However, if your school closes:
Waiver for Immediate Play: You are typically eligible to compete immediately at your new school. You do not have to sit out a "year in residence."
Outside Transfer Windows: While most athletes must enter the transfer portal during specific 30- or 45-day windows, the "discontinued sport" exception often allows you to enter the portal and sign with a new school outside of those standard dates.
2. The "Five-Year Clock" The most rigid NCAA rule is the five-year clock (in Division I), which states you have five calendar years to play four seasons once you enroll full-time.
Clock Extensions: If a school closure causes you to miss a season because you couldn't find a new program in time or your credits didn't transfer properly, you can apply for an Extension of Eligibility waiver.
The NCAA is generally lenient here, as the closure is an "extraordinary circumstance" beyond the student’s control.
3. Progress-Toward-Degree (PTD) Requirements Usually, you must pass a certain number of credits each year to remain eligible.
Credit Transfer Issues: When a school closes, sometimes other colleges won't accept all your credits.
PTD Waivers: The NCAA often grants waivers for "Progress-Toward-Degree" requirements if the school's closure caused a loss of credits that makes you technically "ineligible" by the numbers.
4. Financial Aid and Scholarships Scholarship Limits: If you transfer because your school closed, your new school can often apply for a "scholarship limit waiver." This allows them to give you a scholarship even if they are already at their maximum allowed number of scholarships for that sport.
