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College Baseball Information Frequently Asked Questions - www.baseballnewzealand.com
College Baseball Information
Frequently Asked Questions

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College Baseball Information Frequently Asked Questions - www.baseballnewzealand.com
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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           $42,224
What 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 Kohlhase
Glossary
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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