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College Baseball Information Frequently Asked Questions www.baseballnewzealand.com
Disclaimer The material contained in the following Baseball New Zealand presentation is provided for general use and information purposes only. Baseball New Zealand accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or authenticity of any material contained herein. Baseball New Zealand recommends that users exercise their own skill, care, judgment and diligence with respect to its contents. References to websites or resources are provided as an information service only and do not constitute an endorsement of the information within those websites or resources. Conversely, omissions should not be construed as non- endorsement. Although every care is taken to provide reference to suitable websites or resources, Baseball New Zealand does not guarantee the suitability or completeness of any material encountered through or on or in a linked website or referenced resource. While Baseball New Zealand takes care in the compilation and provision of information and data, it does not assume or accept any liability for the accuracy, quality, suitability, and currency of the information or data, or for any reliance on the information or data. Baseball New Zealand recommends that users exercise their own care, skill, judgment and diligence with respect to the use and interpretation of the information and data provided in this presentation and its materials. Baseball New Zealand does not warrant the accuracy of any information within on or in the linked websites or resources, or websites or resources referred to herein. © 2018 Baseball New Zealand Cover image: Jason Matthews
College Baseball Information: Frequently Asked Questions Can you briefly explain the American education system to me? The American education system is very similar to the New Zealand education system. All American schools conclude at Grade 12. The term “college” in America, however, applies, only to education beyond Grade 12. “Community Colleges” and “Junior Colleges” are two-year institutions that award an “Associate Degree,” such as an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Sciences (AS). Baseball played at these institutions is commonly referred to as “JuCo” baseball. Community colleges and Junior Colleges are similar to TAFE institutions. All Community Colleges and Junior Colleges are state-owned and state operated. Many students transfer from Community Colleges and Junior Colleges to “College” or “University” that awards a four-year “Bachelor Degree,” such as a “Bachelor of Arts” (BA) or a “Bachelor of Science” (BS). Credits earned at Community Colleges and/or Junior Colleges can be applied to the pursuit of a Bachelor Degree. Colleges and Universities can be either public (i.e., state-owned or state-operated) or private institutions. Public institutions commonly charge tuition based on state residency; “In-State Tuition,” “Out-of-State Tuition,” and/or “International Tuition. International students may pay Out-of-State Tuition or International Tuition rates at public institutions; each institution has its own tuition rates and rules. Private institutions normally charge the same tuition rates to all students, regardless of residency. Private institutions are almost always more expensive than public institutions. Each year of College and/or University in America has its own name. The “Freshman” year is the first year of study. The “Sophomore” year is the second year of study. The “Junior” year is the third year of study. The “Senior” year is the fourth and final year of study. Can you briefly explain college baseball to me? The “National Junior College Athletics Association” (NJCAA) governs baseball played at Community Colleges and Junior Colleges. (Please note that Community Colleges and Junior College baseball in California, Oregon, and Washington is governed by regional independent associations, the CCCAA and NWAACC, and not the NJCAA.) Baseball played at Colleges or Universities is governed by either the “National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics” (NAIA) or the “National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). The NCAA is the largest and most prestigious level of intercollegiate competition. NCAA baseball is classified into Division I, Division II, and Division III. Classifications are determined by the size of the school and its athletic program. (The term “Athletics” applies to all sport at American universities, not just track and field. The university department that manages sport is called “Athletics.”)
All Collegiate athletes must be amateurs. This amateur status must be maintained
prior to and throughout their collegiate career. Amateurism is a very serious
matter in intercollegiate athletics. Please refer to each governing body’s websites
for current rules and regulations.
The baseball season starts in mid-February and ends in late May. Teams play up
to 56 games during the regular season, and some teams advance to playoff and
championship play. Team rosters are sized between 24 and 35 players.
How much does college in America cost?
Tuition varies greatly from school to school. Community Colleges and Junior
Colleges are typically cheaper than Colleges and Universities. Public colleges and
universities are typically cheaper than private colleges and universities. In 2011,
CNN calculated the average cost of tuition at a two-year community/junior college
to be US$28,500 per year. As in New Zealand, many US schools charge different
tuition rates for international students.
Many schools offer athletic scholarships for qualified athletes. Athletic scholarships
for baseball players vary greatly from school to school. Some schools may offer a
“full ride” scholarship that includes 100% of tuition, books, housing, and meals. Some
schools may offer partial or variable scholarships. Some schools offer no athletic
scholarships. Almost all baseball programs, other than NCAA Division III and CCCAA
classifications, offer a wide variety of educational subsidy via athletic scholarship.
Student-athletes, including international students, may also be eligible for
academic scholarships, financial aid, and/or grants. Carefully research all
available funding options before negotiating with or committing to a school
and its baseball program.
What is the school schedule?
The typical school year starts in late August and ends in late May, but each school
has its own unique schedule based on a semester, trimester, or quarter system.
“Winter Break” is typically from mid-December to mid-January. “Spring Break”
is typically a one-week break in mid-March. Some schools also have a one-week
“Mid-Winter Break in late October. The break between school years, from late
May to late August, is called “Summer Break.”
The rising cost of college
Average estimated undergraduate budgets for full-time students, 2011-2012
PUBLIC PUBLIC FOUR- PRIVATE
TWO-YEAR YEAR IN-STATE FOUR-YEAR
Tuition & Fees $2,963 $8,244 $28,500
Room & board, books, etc. $12,323 $13,203 $13,724
Total expenses $15,286 $21,447 $42,224What is the baseball schedule? The baseball season runs from mid-February to the end of May. Baseball teams practice throughout the academic year (i.e., late August to the end of May). The regular season includes up to 56 games, and some teams advance to playoff and/or championship play. Many players choose to continue their baseball progression between school years by playing “summer baseball.” What is “summer baseball”? How does that work? Summer collegiate baseball, casually referred to as “summer ball,” is intensely competitive and invitation-only club baseball. All players are student-athletes from CCCAA, NAIA, NCAA, NJCAA, or NWAACC schools. All coaches are CCCAA, NAIA, NCAA, NJCAA, or NWAACC coaches. Teams are composed of players and coaches from several different schools. Players are often billeted with local families and receive free housing. Players are also commonly provided part-time employment, if they desire. Players are often asked to pay a modest fee (i.e., $300-$800) to help subsidise team operations, such as bus travel and uniforms. A typical season is about 40 games over a period of 8 weeks, and MLB scouts regularly attend games. Games are virtually played every day. The daily grind of the season is very similar to a professional baseball experience. Players receive excellent instruction from a variety of experienced coaches. The goal of summer baseball is to further develop and prepare players for the forthcoming college season. How does my son become eligible for admission? Each school determines its own admission criteria. Most two-year schools (i.e., the Community Colleges and Junior Colleges that form the NJCAA) require nothing more than proof of successful completion of high school, such as a diploma or certificate of completion. Four-year schools (i.e., institutions that belong to the NAIA or NCAA) require a combination of the following: A) high school certificate/diploma, B) transcripts of high school grades, C) successful completion of required core courses, D) ACT test score, and/or E) SAT test score. Some schools also require a writing sample (i.e. essay, reference(s), and/or CV for academic admission. Virtually every four- year school requires an applicant to have taken the SAT. Visit http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Quick_Reference_Sheet.pdf to learn more about the NCAA’s core course requirements. You can learn more about the SAT process from international students at http://professionals. collegeboard.com/testing/international/sat.
What is amateur eligibility? How might that impact my son? Amateurism is the crux of all intercollegiate athletics. Each governing association has its own specific rules and regulations regarding amateurism. It is best to get the most current and thorough information on amateurism from each association’s website. Generally, athletes are considered professionals – and therefore ineligible to play intercollegiate athletics – if they have A) been paid to compete in an athletic contest; B) committed in writing or orally to an agent or a professional sports organization; C) requested inclusion to a professional draft; D) used their athletics skills in any form to earn pay; E) played on a professional team; and/or F) played on an amateur team and received any payment or gratuity to do so. The NAIA’s and NCAA’s respective Eligibility Center websites contain the most current information on their amateur eligibility requirements. What would my son study at university? Your son could major in a variety of disciplines. Each school offers different programs. Each school has its own strengths. Thoroughly research any school that may interest your son. How important are the academics? What is the school-sport balance? The school-sport balance will likely be split 50-50. Academics are a serious component of being a student-athlete. There are mandatory study hall periods while the baseball team travels on road trips, and a student-athlete will lose his athletic eligibility if his grades drop below a certain threshold. Being a student-athlete is not easy, but it is an extremely rewarding experience. What is a typical day for a student-athlete? A typical day for a student athlete would start with either weightlifting or cardio in the early morning, followed by breakfast at the school cafeteria, classes throughout the morning and into midday, practice in the early afternoon, and then maybe another class in the late afternoon. Evenings are typically reserved for homework or socializing. Travel days – by bus and/or by airplane – typically start early morning, and student-athletes may be excused from classes. Game days typically start with arrival at the ballpark by 2:00 PM.
How does the university culture compare to New Zealand? American university culture is similar to New Zealand university culture. American campuses are typically larger than New Zealand campuses. As in New Zealand, American universities host educational, social, and professional events to enrich the student experience. It is not uncommon for students to work part-time or intern throughout the year, though most student-athletes are for too busy for extracurricular employment. Most American universities have a robust fraternity and sorority (i.e., “Greek”) culture. Many American universities have marquee Athletics programs (i.e., basketball and gridiron football) that regularly attract thousands of spectators, as well as regional and national television broadcasts. Often alumni form “booster clubs” that provide community support to athletics programs (i.e., tailgate barbeques, fund raisers, etc.) How often could my son come home? Only the Winter Break (about four weeks) and Summer Break (about ten weeks) are sufficiently long enough to travel to New Zealand from the United States. Baseball season continues through Spring Break, despite school being out of session. University, and baseball, is a minimum commitment of nine months a year in America. Where would my son live? Nearly every four-year institution (Colleges and Universities) offer student housing, such as dormitories, apartments, and/or town homes. Some two-year institutions (Community Colleges and Junior Colleges) offer the same. Your son may also rent an apartment or house off campus. Some schools try to assign teammates as roommates. Ask each school about its housing options. What would my son do during holidays and school breaks? Your son may have a difficult time coordinating a return to New Zealand during breaks. Winter Break and Summer break are the only two breaks longer than one week. The baseball season continues throughout Spring Break, so your son would continue his practice and game regiment throughout Spring Break. Campus housing and amenities (i.e., food, laundry, etc.) typically close during Winter Break and Summer break. International student-athletes commonly spend holidays and short breaks with a teammate’s family or a host family during summer ball.
Who looks after my son while he is away at university? Your son would have a collection of mentor resources available to him, in and out of the classroom. Each student is assigned an academic advisor, and virtually every Athletics department provides tutoring and mentoring services. Your son would have daily contact with his baseball coaches, which is why it is crucial to choose a coach and program that you feel can develop your soon as an athlete and a person. Carefully research each school and athletics program to make the best choice for you and your family. Can my son earn money working abroad? How? Your son will be very busy throughout the school year and baseball season, but he may be able to work part-time. Please refer to the American government for visa guidelines regarding work restrictions. How does my son get a visa? The best resource for visa information is the American government. The below links clearly explain the visa process. All student-athletes must be issued a visa before they can enter the United States. Your son must be admitted to an American school before the visa process can start. http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html http://www.educationusa.info/5_steps_to_study/undergraduate_step_1_ research_your_options.php#top How do we meet interested coaches? Baseball New Zealand has an existing network of collegiate coaches and programs, and that network is constantly expanding, but it is the prospective student-athlete’s responsibility to initiate contact with coaches. Internet research based on school type (i.e., two-year versus four-year), location, (i.e., coastal, inland, urban, suburban, rural, etc.), and/or academic strengths can be a useful starting point. Many young athletes have peers that play, or have played, college ball in the United States. Ask around and discover what can be learned from their experiences. Athletic associations (i.e., NAIA, NCAA, and/or NJCAA) often have well- organized and well-presented lists of baseball programs on their websites. Several American publications, such as the US News & World Report, annually produce comprehensive study guides – often these publications come with helpful academic and cost-ranking systems.
What happens if my son doesn’t like the school or baseball program? Your son may transfer schools or quit school at any time. However, please note that doing so may impact his visa and/or athletic eligibility. Can my son transfer to another university? Yes, your son many transfer to another college or university. However, such action may impact his visa, scholarship, and/or athletic eligibility. Generally, a student-athlete may transfer inter-association without penalty (i.e., from an NJCAA program to an NCAA program), but a student-athlete that transfers intra-association (i.e., from an NCAA program to another NCAA program) often ,by rule, may practice only – and not play – with his new baseball team for up to one year. Intricate differences in academic standards, athletic conferences, and athletic associations can make transferring a complex task. Please carefully read and thoroughly research the ramifications of transferring before committing to a transfer. Who, at Baseball New Zealand, can I contact for more information? Ryan Flynn is the Chief Executive Officer at Baseball New Zealand. You may contact him by phone (+64 21 665 339) or email (ryan.flynn@baseballnewzealand.com)
Sample questions to ask coaches: • What are the expected time commitments (practice, strength training, travel, etc.)? • What are the behavioural expectations of the team? • What would my role with the team be? How much playing time would I get? • What is your philosophy on offense and/or defence? Might that change? • What do I need to do to have a chance to compete and earn a scholarship with your program? • Are injuries handled by a team doctor and/or by school insurance? • What is the next step I should take? Sample question to ask about admissions: • D o professors allow tutoring and make-up tests when there is a baseball schedule conflict? • What is the teacher-to-student ratio? • H ow many classes must I take, and what GPA must I maintain, to remain athletically eligible? • W hat is the graduation rate for student-athletes? For baseball players, specifically? • Am I eligible for financial aid? If so, to what degree? Sample questions to ask student-athletes: • W hat is a typical day? In classes? In student housing? At team activities? On the road? • A pproximately how many hours a night do you study? Do you have to go to study hall? • How do the professors treat you? • How do you like the living arrangements? Do you live off campus? • How much access do you have to an academic advisor and/or tutor? • Do the coaches care about your academic progress?
Sample questions to ask about finances:
• W
hat forms of alternative (i.e., non-athletic scholarship) financial aid is
available?
• If a scholarship is offered, what exactly is included? How much will I have
to pay?
• If I am injured and unable to play, will I still retain my scholarship?
Joe KohlhaseGlossary ACT: Standardized test used by virtually every NAIA and NCAA university for academic purposes. The ACT and SAT are the most common admissions exams. Amateurism: Students must maintain amateur status in order to play NAIA, NCAA, and/or NJCAA sport. Refer to each respective organisation’s website for additional details. APR: The Academic Progress Report is a measure of eligibility and retention for NCAA Division I student-athletes that was developed to be an early indicator of academic success and graduation rates. Booster: An individual who supports a university program by donating money to the school or promoting the school. Clearinghouse: The organization responsible for certifying academic eligibility of NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, and NAIA student athletes. The NJCAA does not have a clearinghouse. Contact: The NCAA defines contact as any face-to-face contact off campus between a coach and a student and/or that student’s parents (or legal guardian). This pertains to NCAA programs only. Core courses: The NCAA requires student-athletes to complete academic courses that meet high school graduation standards in the fields of English, maths, natural/physical science, social science, foreign language, non- doctrinal religion, and/or philosophy. NCAA admission requires completion of core courses. Visit the NCAA website for the most recent core course requirements. The NAIA and NJCAA have no such class requirements. Dead Period: A period in time in which a college coach is restricted to phone, text, and/or email contact only. No face-to-face contact is permitted during these dead periods. This pertains to NCAA programs only. Financial Aid: Any money a student-athlete receives from a university or another source, such as a grant or loan. Financial aid may be granted due to excellence in academics or sport, or it may be distributed based on financial need. Financial aid is also commonly referred to as scholarship. Freshman: A student in his/her first year of study GED: The General Educational Development test may take the place of a high school graduation. Students that have passed the GED test may still be required to take specific courses or complete the ACT or SAT exam(s).
GPA: The Grade Point Average is a standard US measurement of grades. The scale runs from 0.00 to 4.00. The NCAA calculates GPA based upon core courses only. Grayshirt: A student-athlete recruited out of high school that delays full-time enrolment for one or more terms. Junior: A student in his/her second year of study. NAIA: The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics governs sport at four-year universities. NJCAA: The National Junior College Athletic Association governs two-year community and junior colleges, which are similar to TAFE institutes. Many student-athletes transfer from an NJCAA program to a NAIA or NCAA program to finish their four-year bachelorette studies. NCAA: The National Collegiate Athletic Association governs sport at four-year universities. The NCAA is split into Division I, Division II and Division III. Each division of NCAA play has different scholarship rules and regulations. NLI: The National Letter of Intent is a legal, binding contract that declares a student-athlete’s pledge to attend a NCAA university for at least one year. Reciprocally, the NCAA university agrees to provide that student-athlete with financial aid (in the form of an athletic scholarship) for at least one year. Non-Qualifier: A student-athlete that has not met fulfilled academic requirements. Non-qualifiers may not practice, compete, or receive financial aid. Prospective Student-Athlete or Prospect: A high school athlete that seeks to play competitive intercollegiate sport at a CCCAA, NAIA, NCAA, NJCAA, or NWAACC member institution. Recruit: A high school student-athlete that seeks to play competitive intercollegiate sport at a CCCAA, NAIA, NCAA, NJCAA, or NWAACC member institution. Redshirt: A student-athlete that does not play in any competition (game or scrimmage) during that given academic year. Usually, a student-athlete that has been redshirted will not lose a season of competitive eligibility. Therefore, the term “redshirt sophomore” describes a student-athlete that has been at university for three years but has played only two of his four eligible athletic seasons. SAT: Standardized test used by virtually every NAIA and NCAA university for admission purposes. The ACT and SAT are the most common admission exams.
Scholarship: Any money a student-athlete receives from a university or another source, such as a grant or loan. Financial aid may be granted due to excellence in academics or sport, or it may be distributed based on financial need. Scholarships are also commonly referred to as financial aid. Senior: A student in his/her fourth year of study. Sophomore: A student in his/her second year of study. Student-Athlete: A student that plays competitive intercollegiate sport at a NAIA, NCAA, or NJCAA member institution. Unofficial visit: Any visit to a university campus by a student and/or his parents (or legal guardians) that is not paid by the university. Verbal Commitment: A verbal commitment is not binding for the university or student. Walk-On: A student-athlete that does not receive sport-related financial aid.
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