A national letter of intent (NLI) is a commitment form signed by student-athletes intending to play sports at NCAA colleges. It’s exclusive to first-time enrollees at four-year institutions and specifies the chosen college and sport. The document must be accompanied by an athletic financial aid agreement specifying the scholarship amount offered.
The signing binds student-athletes to one year of academics and athletics scholarship. It details the school’s name and the sport and requires signatures from the student, director of athletics, and, if under 21, regardless of marital status, their parent or legal guardian. Coaches cannot be present during the signing.
Key Points to Consider
- A binding agreement between student-athletes and colleges.
- Sport-specific, ensuring commitment to a particular sport.
- Once signed, other schools cannot recruit the athlete.
- Primarily utilized by Division I and II schools.
- Enforced by the Collegiate Commissioners Association (CCA) and governed by NCAA regulations.
- Signing periods occur typically in November (for most sports except football) and February (for football).
Process and Requirements
Understanding the specifics of a national letter of intent is crucial for student-athletes navigating the collegiate recruitment process.
Signing Periods
The Collegiate Commissioners Association and NCAA Eligibility Center have set specific signing dates, which vary by sport and division, typically occurring during the student-athlete’s senior year. Signing outside these dates voids the NLI. Prospective students should consult the National Letter of Intent website for current requirements, which the NCAA updates annually based on the sport.
While many sign on the first day, it’s not mandatory. However, the NLI must be signed within seven days of issuance to be valid.
During the early signing period, if you’re a football player seeking other sports scholarships, you should refrain from signing an NLI for another sport. Doing so will render you ineligible to play football in your first year.
Sending the NLI: Institutions send the form via mail, email, or fax. If received ahead of time, wait until 7 AM of the first date of the signing period before signing it.
Enrollment and Eligibility
The NLI can be used in various enrollment situations:
- Enrolling at a 4-year college or university for the first time.
- Transitioning from a 4-year college to a 2-year college and then enrolling in another 4-year college (4-2-4 transfer).
Student-athletes can sign before receiving certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center, but if they are later deemed non-qualifiers, the NLI becomes void.
Financial Aid
Typically covering a year, the financial aid agreement accompanying the NLI may be extended for Division I athletes. Compliance with university, conference, and NCAA regulations is necessary to secure aid.
Limitations on Recruitment
An NLI ensures a scholarship opportunity and prohibits other colleges or universities from recruiting them once signed. This benefits both parties by providing athletes with the stability to focus on academics and sports while institutions secure players for their programs.
Terms of Agreement
The terms outlined in the NLI include commitments related to scholarship offers, athletic participation, one-year academic enrollment, and following the signing periods as enforced by the CCA. Understanding and adhering to these terms is essential for both parties involved.
NLI Release Request
The only way to exit NLI obligations is through a release request, available online. While the institution may deny the release, students can appeal the denial twice to the NLI Committee.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Failure to attend the institution results in penalties: the student cannot transfer to another school to play for a year, loses eligibility for all sports for that year, and may only receive a scholarship once eligible to play. However, immediate eligibility may be granted under certain circumstances with a release from the original school. Your athletic department will handle the process.
National Letter of Intent Sample
Download the national letter of intent (NLI) template below in PDF or Word format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to sign an NLI every year?
No, you don’t have to sign an NLI every year. It’s a one-time contract when you enroll in a four-year institution or as a 4-2-4 transfer.
Do you sign a national letter of intent for Division III?
Unlike higher divisions, Division III athletics operate independently from the NCAA and have distinct recruiting regulations. These schools do not offer athletic scholarships.
So, Division III student-athletes do not sign the national letter of intent. Instead, they can sign a non-binding celebratory form after being accepted to a college. However, the school cannot publicize its commitment until after the student submits a financial deposit.
Can you break away from the contract without penalty?
You may be granted a release without penalty if you:
- Request a release due to a head coaching change.
- Attend the signing institution for one full-time academic term (semester or quarter).
- Join the Military or Church Mission for at least 12 months.
Can a college or university reduce or cancel the scholarship during the academic year?
Athletic aid can be reduced or canceled if the recipient:
- Becomes ineligible for intercollegiate competition.
- Falsely represents any information on an application, NLI, or financial aid agreement.
- Engages in severe misconduct, warranting significant disciplinary action.
- Willingly withdraws from a sport for personal reasons at any time.
Athletic aid cannot be decreased or revoked:
- Based on a student-athlete’s athletic performance or contribution to the team’s success.
- Due to an injury, illness, or physical or mental medical condition.
- For any other athletic-related reason.