About the National Letter of Intent

The NCAA manages the daily operations of the NLI program while the Collegiate Commissioners Association (CCA) provides governance oversight of the program. Started in 1964 with seven conferences and eight independent institutions, the program now includes 657 Division I and Division II participating institutions.

The NLI is a voluntary program with regard to both institutions and student-athletes. No prospective student-athlete or parent is required to sign the NLI and no institution is required to join the program.

The NLI is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an NLI member institution.

A prospective student-athlete agrees to attend the institution full-time for one academic year (two semesters or three quarters).

• The institution agrees to provide athletics financial aid for one academic year (two semesters or three quarters).
• The penalty for not fulfilling the NLI agreement: A student-athlete has to serve one year in residence (full-time, two semesters or three quarters) at the next NLI member institution and lose one season of competition in all sports.

An important provision of the NLI program is a recruiting prohibition applied after a prospective student-athlete signs the NLI. This prohibition requires member institutions to cease recruitment of a prospective student-athlete once an NLI is signed with another institution.

The penalty for not fulfilling the NLI agreement: A student-athlete has to serve one year in residence (full-time, two semesters or three quarters) at the next NLI member institution and lose one season of competition in all sports.

NLI Provision

• Initial Enrollement in Four-Year Institution
• This NLI applies only to prospective student-athletes who will be entering four-year institutions for the first time as full-time students. It is permissible for 4-2-4 transfer student-athletes to sign the NLI provided a previous valid NLI does not apply. The terms of the previous NLI are satisfied if a student-athlete graduates from the two-year college.
• Financial Aid Requirement
• At the time I sign this NLI, I must receive a written offer of athletics financial aid for the entire academic year from the institution named in this document. The offer must list the terms, conditions and amount of the athletics aid award. (A midyear football two-year college transfer student-athlete must receive a written offer of athletics financial aid for the remainder of the academic year. If the institution does not renew the athletics aid for the following academic year, the student-athlete must be released of the NLI). In order for this NLI to be valid, my parent/legal guardian and I must sign the NLI and I must also sign the offer of athletics aid (see institutional policy for parent/legal guardian signature) prior to submission to the institution named in this document, and any other stated conditions must also be met. If the conditions stated on the financial aid offer are not met, this NLI shall be declared null and void.
• Professional Sports Contract
• If I sign a professional sports contract in the sport in which I signed the NLI, I remain bound by the NLI in all other sports, even if NCAA rules prohibit the institution named in this document from providing me with athletics financial aid for the sport in which I signed the NLI.
• Provisions of Letter Satisfied
• a.   One-Year Attendance Requirement.  The terms of this NLI shall be satisfied if I attend the institution named in this document for one academic year (two semesters or three quarters) as a full-time student.
• b.   Two-Year College Graduation.  After signing this NLI while in high school and if I later attend a two-year college, the terms of this NLI will be satisfied if I graduate from the two-year college.
• Basic Penalty
• I understand that if I do not attend the institution named in this document for one full academic year and I enroll in another institution participating in the NLI program, I may not compete in intercollegiate athletics until I have completed one full academic year in residence at the latter institution. Further, I understand I shall be charged with the loss of one season of intercollegiate athletics competition in all sports. This is in addition to any seasons of competition used at any institution.
• Early Signing Period Penalties
• Prospective student-athletes who will participate in football are prohibited from signing an NLI during the early signing period for another sport. A prospective student-athlete who signs an NLI during the early period in a sport other than football will be ineligible for practice and competition in football during the first year of enrollment at an NLI member institution and shall forfeit one season of competition in football. In circumstances where a prospective student-athlete's primary sport is not football, but anticipates participating in football, the prospective student-athlete should delay signing an NLI until either the football signing period or a later signing date for the other sport.
• Release Request and Appeal Process
• In the event I wish to be released from my NLI obligation, the NLI release request and appeal process information can be reviewed on the NLI Web site at http://www.nationalletter.org/releaseAndAppeals. I understand that the NLI Policy and Review Committee has been authorized to issue interpretations, settle disputes and consider appeals for complete release from the provisions of the NLI when extenuating circumstances are determined to exist and the signing institution denies my request for release. I further understand the Committee's decision may be appealed to the NLI Appeals Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding.
• Letter becomes Null and Void
• This NLI shall be declared null and void if any of the following occur:
• a.   Admissions Requirement.  This NLI shall be declared null and void if the institution named in this document notifies me in writing that I have been denied admission or, by the opening day of classes in the fall, has failed to provide me with written notice of admission, provided I have submitted a complete admission application. It is my obligation to provide, by request, my academic records and an application for admission to the signing institution. If I fail to submit the necessary academic credentials and/or application to determine an admission decision prior to September 1, the NLI office per its review with the institution will determine the status of the NLI.                                                                                                        If I am eligible for admission, but the institution named in this document defers my admission to a subsequent term, the NLI will be declared null and void; however, this NLI remains binding if I defer my admission.
• b.   Eligibility Requirements.  This NLI shall be declared null and void if, by the opening day of classes in the fall, I have not met NCAA initial eligibility requirements; NCAA, conference or institution's requirements for athletics financial aid; or two-year college transfer requirements, provided I have submitted all necessary documents for eligibility determination.
• (1) This NLI shall be rendered null and void if I become a nonqualifier per the NCAA Eligibility Center. This NLI remains valid if I am a partial qualifier per NCAA Division II rules unless I do not meet the institution's policies for receipt of athletics aid.
• (2) It is my obligation to register with and provide information to the NCAA Eligibility Center. If I fail to submit the necessary documentation for an initial-eligibility decision and have not attended classes at the signing institution, the NLI office per its review with the institution will determine the status of the NLI.
• (3) This NLI shall be rendered null and void if I am a midyear football two-year college transfer and I fail to graduate from two-year college at midyear, if required per NCAA, conference or institutional rules. The NLI remains binding for the following fall term if I graduated, was eligible for admission and financial aid and met the two-year college transfer requirements for competition for the winter or spring term, but chose to delay my admission.
• c.   One-Year Absence.  This NLI shall be declared null and void if I have not attended any institution (two-year or four-year) for at least one academic year, provided my request for athletics financial aid for a subsequent fall term is denied by the signing institution. Service in active duty with the U.S. armed forces or an official church mission for at least 12 months can use the One-Year Absence to null and void the NLI. I may still apply this provision if I initially enrolled in an NLI member institution but have been absent for at least one academic year. To apply this provision, I must file with the appropriate conference office a statement from the director of athletics that such athletics financial aid will not be available for the requested fall term.
• d.   Discontinued Sport  This NLI shall be declared null and void if the institution named in the document discontinues my sport.
• e.  Recruiting Rules Violation.  If eligibility reinstatement by the NCAA student-athlete reinstatement staff is necessary due to NCAA and/or conference recruiting rules violations, the institution must notify me that I have an option to have the NLI declared null and void due to the rules violation. It is my decision to have the NLI remain valid or to have the NLI declared null and void, permitting me to be recruited and not be subject to NLI penalties.
• Recruiting Ban After Signing
• I understand all participating conferences and institutions are obligated to respect my signing and shall cease contact with me and my family members after my signing this NLI which includes me and my family members not initiating contact with athletic staffs at other institutions. Any contact in excess of an exchange of a greeting is not permitted regardless of the conversation. The conversation does not have to result in recruiting discussion for a recruiting ban violation to occur. I shall notify any coach who contacts me that I have signed an NLI. Once I enroll in the institution named in this document, the NLI Recruiting Ban is no longer in effect and I shall be governed by applicable NCAA bylaws.
• 7-Day Signing Deadline
• If my parent/legal guardian and I do not sign this NLI and accompanying offer of athletics aid within 7 days after the date of issuance (noted on the signing page) it will be invalid. The 7-day signing deadline does not apply if the NLI is received on the last day of a signing period (e.g., August 1). In this case, the 7-day signing deadline only applies if there are 7 days remaining for the signing period. Additionally, the institution must file the NLI with its conference office within 14 days of the date of final signature; otherwise, the NLI is invalid.
• Statute of Limitations
• I am subject to the NLI penalty if I do not fulfill the agreement; however, if I do not attend an NLI member institution to fulfill the agreement or penalty and four years has elapsed since my signing date, the NLI is no longer binding. Therefore, this NLI is in full force and effect for a period of four years, commencing with the date I sign this NLI, if I do not attend an NLI member institution during the period of four years.
• Coaching Changes
• I understand I have signed this NLI with the institution and not for a particular sport or coach. If a coach leaves the institution or the sports program (e.g., not retained, resigns), I remain bound by the provisions of this NLI. I understand it is not uncommon for a coach to leave his or her coaching position.
• Coaching Contact Prohibited at Time of Signing
• A coach or an institutional representative may not hand deliver this NLI off the institution's campus or be present off campus at the time I sign the NLI per NCAA rules. This NLI may be delivered by express mail, courier service, regular mail, email or facsimile. An NLI submitted to an institution electronically is permissible.

Q&A

• Signing the NLI
• Am I required to sign an NLI?
• No. You are not required to sign an NLI but many prospective student-athletes sign because they want to create certainty in the recruiting process. Specifically, by signing an NLI, you agree to attend the institution for one year in exchange for the institution's promise, in writing, to provide you athletics financial aid for the entire academic year. Simply, by signing an NLI you are given an award including athletics aid for the upcoming academic year provided you are admitted to the institution and you are eligible for athletics aid under NCAA rules. Furthermore, by signing an NLI you effectively end the recruiting process. Once you sign an NLI, a recruiting ban goes into effect and you may no longer be recruited by any other NLI school..
• Who signs an NLI?
• Prospective student-athletes enrolling in a four-year institution for the first time can sign an NLI. Student-athletes who start their academic career at a four-year institution and then transfer to a two-year college may also sign an NLI if they plan on entering a second four-year institution.
• Do I sign an NLI every year?
• No. Although under NCAA rules you must be notified annually regarding whether your athletics aid has been renewed, you only sign an NLI when you first enroll in a four-year institution or if you are a 4-2-4 transfer student.
• Can a school send me my NLB by email?
• Yes. It is permissible for an institution to provide a prospective student-athlete with an NLI as an attachment to an email provided the offer of athletic aid is also included in the email. Be sure to follow the institution's instructions for signing and returning the NLI and athletics aid agreement to the institution. It is important that you keep a copy of the NLI and athletics aid agreement for your records.
• Is it permissible to submit the NLI to the institution by fax or electronically? 
• Yes. When you sign the NLI you enter into an agreement with the institution. Fax and email only represent the means by which you transmit the NLI. Accordingly, an NLI transmitted electronically is permissible. Be sure to follow the institution's instructions for signing and returning the NLI and athletics aid agreement to the institution. It is important that you keep a copy of the NLI and athletics aid agreement for your records.
• When is the permissible time period for signing an NLI?
• You may sign an NLI only during the designated signing period. If you sign an NLI outside the appropriate signing period, the NLI shall be considered invalid. Presuming you are within the permissible signing period, you and your parent or legal guardian must sign the NLI and financial aid agreement within 7 days of the issuance date noted on the NLI signing page. You may find the appropriate signing period for your sport on the NLI website: www.nationalletter.org
• Am I required to sign the NLI on the initial signing day for my sport?
• No. Signing the NLI is voluntary at any and all times. Prospective student-athletes are not required to sign the NLI on the first day of the signing period. Many prospective student-athletes do choose to sign their NLI on the first available day to bring an end to the recruiting process. You should note the NLI Provision allows a student 7 days from the date the NLI is issued (or the initial signing date if the NLI is received before that date) to sign and still have it declared valid.
• Is it necessary for a parent or legal guardian to sign the NLI? 
• Yes. If you are under the age of 21, regardless of marital status, your parent or legal guardian must sign the NLI in order for it to be considered valid. If you are 21 years of age or older, it is not necessary for your parent or legal guardian to sign the document.
• Can I sign an NLI if I don't have a parent or legal guardian available to sign with me?
• If your parent or legal guardian is not available (e.g. incarcerated, death), it is permissible for another individual to sign the NLI with you. You must be approved in advance by the NLI Office before you sign the NLI. In order to gain approval, you should work with the school recruiting you to put together a statement with the following information:
• Explain why your parent or legal guardian is unable to sign the NLI with you.
• The name of the person (not a coach or athletics administrator) who has agreed to sign with you, and
• The reason why your parent or legal guardian is not able to sign.
• Your school will submit this information and any supporting documentation to the NLI Office for review and a decision.
• If I sign an NLI in one sport may I sign a second NLI in a different sport?
• No. You may only sign one valid NLI annually. Furthermore, when you sign an NLI, the letter is signed with an institution and not with a coach.
• If I am going to walk-on to the team, may I sign an NLI?
• No. An institution is strictly prohibited from allowing you to sign an NLI if you are a non-scholarship walk-on. In order for an NLI to be considered valid, it must be accompanied by an athletics financial aid award letter, which lists the terms and conditions of the award, including the amount of the financial aid. The athletics financial aid offer must be signed by both the prospective student-athlete and his or her parent or legal guardian. Simply put, there must be an athletics scholarship for an NLI to be valid.
• May I sign an NLI before I am certified as eligible by the NCAA Eligibility Center?
• Yes. You may sign an NLI before you receive your final certification determination from the NCAA Eligibility Center. When you sign an NLI, you agree to submit the necessary information and documents to the Eligibility Center. These documents do not have to be received by the Eligibility Center before you sign an NLI. Later if you are determined by the Eligibility Center to be a nonqualifier per NCAA rules, this means you are not eligible at the NLI member institution for practice, competition and athletics aid. Your NLI will be declared null and void by the NLI signing institution, if by the opening day of classes, you are not academically eligible.
• Where is my signed NLI filed and who is responsible for filing it?
• You should sign your NLI in duplicate. Once you have signed it twice, retain one copy of the signed NLI for your records. You should send the other copy back to the institution. When the institution receives it, they are responsible for forwarding a copy to their conference office. The institution must file your NLI with its conference within 14 days after the date of final signature. If this filing deadline is not met, the letter will be declared invalid.
• Binding Agreement
• The NLI Siging Document requires an NCAA ID. How can I get this?
• Once you register with the NCAA Eligibility Center you will be assigned an NCAA ID. The institution recruiting you will add you to their Institutional Request List (IRL). Your NLI will be declared invalid by the institution's conference office without an NCAA ID. This is a requirement for all NLI signees, incluiding junior college signees.
• When I sign an NLI what do I agree to do?
• When you sign an NLI, you agree to attend the institution listed on the NLI for one academic year in exchange for that institution awarding athletics financial aid for one academic year.
• How do I fulfill the NLI?
• You fulfill the NLI in one of two ways:
• By attending the institution with which you signed for at least one academic year as a full-time student; or,
• By graduating from a two-year college if you signed a NLI while in high school and later attended a two-year college.
• If I complete the playing season, have I fulfilled the NLI?
• No. Completing the playing season alone does not fulfill the NLI obligation. You must complete the entire academic year at the school with which you signed.
• By signing an NLI, am I guranteed that I will play on a team?
• No. Signing an NLI does not guarantee you playing time or a spot on the team. Rather, by signing an NLI, the institution with which you signed agrees to provide you athletics financial aid for the academic year..
• If I sign an NLI with a Division I institution may I still sign with a Division II institution?
• The true issue is not whether a school is a Division I or Division II institution but whether an institution is a member of the NLI program. With more than 600 participating institutions, the NLI program is truly national in scope. All Division I institutions, with the exception of the Service Academies and schools in the Ivy League, are members of the program, and most fully-active Division II institutions participate in the program. No Division III institutions, NAIA schools, preparatory school or two year colleges participate in the NLI program.
• Is an NLI binding if the coach of my sport leaves the institution?
• Yes. The NLI you signed with an institution remains binding if the coach who recruited you leaves the institution with which you signed. When you sign an NLI, you sign with an institution and not with a coach or a specific team.
• If I quit the team after enrolling. Is the NLI binding?
• Yes. The NLI would remain binding if you quit the team. You have to remain at the institution for one academic year to fulfill the NLI agreement.
• Is an NLI binding if I don't show up for preseason practice or fall enrollment?
• Yes. If you do not show up for preseason practice or fall enrollment, the NLI remains binding.
• Is an NLI binding if I don't complete the admission or initial eligibility process?
• Yes. If you do not complete the admission or initial eligibility process through the NCAA Eligibility Center, the NLI remains binding. The NLI will be declared null and void if you have a written denial of admission or are declared a nonqualifier by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
• Is an NLI binding if a waiver for my eligibility is being filed by an institution?
• Yes. Your NLI remains binding while a waiver is pending. The NLI should be declared null and void if the waiver is denied. The NLI will remain valid if the waiver is partially approved (permitting athletics aid) unless otherwise stated on the institution's athletics aid agreement that you must be eligible for competition to receive athletics aid.
• Recruiting
• Once I sign an NLI. May I be recruited by other institutions?
• No. Once you sign an NLI, all other institutions are obligated to cease contacting you and your family members. Accordingly, you have an obligation to notify any coach from an NLI institution that you have signed an NLI. Any contact in excess of an exchange of a greeting is not permitted regardless of the conversation. The conversation does not have to result in recruiting discussion for a recruiting ban violation to occur.
• Can I make a verbal commitment to a school and sign an NLI with a different school? 
• Yes. A verbal commitment, stating publicly one's intentions to attend a certain institution, is a non-binding, oral agreement between you and the institution. The only binding nature of the commitment is your word and the institution's promise. The NLI program does not recognize verbal commitments. It is not uncommon for a student to verbally commit to one institution and subsequently sign an NLI with another institution. And, on some occasions, a school may accept your verbal commitment and later offer the NLI to another prospective student-athlete.
• What is "Grayshirting?" 
• "Grayshirting" is a term used in the recruiting process to describe situations in which a student-athlete delays initial enrollment in a collegiate institution to the winter or spring term after the traditional academic year begins. Student-athletes who "grayshirt" often use the fall term to take part-time classes or choose to not enroll in college at all. "Grayshirting" is not a formal designation by the NCAA or the NLI program. If you decide to delay your initial enrollment provided you were eligible to enroll, your NLI remains binding. If a coach or the institution's admission office asks you to delay your enrollment and you were eligible to enroll, the institution is obligated to honor your athletics aid if you wish to attend the institution. Should you want to attend another NLI member institution due to the coach or institution delaying your enrollment, your NLI will be declared null and void.
• How do I get an NLI to sign?
• The institution recruiting you will send you the NLI. It can be sent to you by express mail, courier service, regular mail, email or fax. The materials you receive must include an offer of athletics financial aid for the entire academic year (two semesters or three quarters).
• Can a coach be present when I sign the NLI off campus?
• No. A coach cannot be present when you sign an NLI off-campus. Pursuant to NCAA rules, any in-person, off-campus contact made with a prospect for the purpose of signing an NLI or attendance at activities related to the signing of the NLI is prohibited. A coach is also prohibited from in-person delivery of the NLI to you off-campus.
• Is it permissible to receive an NLI while on campus for an official or unoffical visit?
• Yes. While under the terms of the NCAA and NLI program a coach or institutional representative may not hand-deliver an NLI off campus. There is nothing that precludes you from receiving an NLI while on campus for an official or unofficial visit. Please remember that you may only sign an NLI during a permissible signing period. Furthermore, signing an NLI is a big commitment. Accordingly, it is strongly suggested that you consult your parent or legal guardian in this decision-making process.
• If I fail to honor my NLI commitment, is it possible for another NLI institution to recruit me?
• Yes, but only if you have received a complete release or the NLI recruiting ban is lifted if you submit an NLI release request. The NLI recruiting ban is lifted while your NLI release request is pending the signing institution’s decision. The NLI recruiting ban is not limited to certain institutions but to all NLI member institutions seeking to recruit you. Note this NLI recruiting ban policy is different from the NCAA Division I notification of transfer or the Division II permission to contact requirements.
• Do I NLI if I transfer to another four-year institution?
• No. NLI policy prohibits student-athletes transferring from one four-year institution to another four-year institution (4-4 transfer) from signing an NLI inasmuch as they are no longer prospective student-athletes.
• Asking for the NLI Release
• What happens if I change my mind about attending the institution with which I signed and I want to attend another NLI institution instead?
• The NLI basic penalty is that you lose one year of competition in all sports and must serve one year in residence at your next NLI institution.
• What happnens if I change my mind about attending the institution with which I signed but I do not want to attend another NLI institution?
• The penalty does not have to be served unless you attend an NLI institution.
• What are extenuating circumstances?
• Extenuating circumstances must be presented in any appeal to the NLI Appeals Committees as grounds for a complete release. The merits of each case are different which is why the committee determines what constitutes extenuating on a case-by-case basis and what life event changed after signing the NLI.
• Is an institution required to grant a complete release if I ask for it?
• No. Just as the NLI is a voluntary agreement, granting a complete release is voluntary. If an institution denies your request for a complete release, you may petition the NLI Policy and Review Committee for Division I or the NLI Review Committee for Division II. Once proper documentation has been submitted online, the Committee will review your request. The NLI Release Request must be submitted online. The NLI Appeals form is also located on the same page.
• If my complete release iss denied, is the institution obligated to provide a hearing?\
• No. You are not entitled to a hearing under NLI policy inasmuch as you are permitted to file an appeal when denied a complete release by the signing institution..
• If I sign an NLI and get a complete release, can I sign another NLI in the same signing year?
• No. NLI policy states a prospective student-athlete is only permitted to sign one valid NLI in an academic year. Therefore, if you sign an NLI during the early period and get a complete release by the institution or one of the NLI committees before the spring signing period ends, you are not permitted to sign a second NLI in the spring. You must wait until the next academic year to sign another NLI if you have not enrolled already at a four-year institution..
• Is a complete release from the NLI basic penalty the same as the NCAA One-Time Transfer Exception?
• No. The NLI complete release and the NCAA One-Time Transfer Exception are two different policies. The fact that a student is eligible for the NCAA One-Time Transfer Exception does not mean a student-athlete has received a complete release pursuant to the NLI program, nor does being granted the NCAA One-Time Transfer Exception eliminate the penalty provisions of the NLI.  If you have any questions about NCAA transfer and eligibility rules, please contact the NCAA at (317) 917-6008.
• Junior College Enrollees
• May a midyear enrollee sign a NLI?
• Yes. If a prospective student-athlete signs an NLI before midyear enrollment, he or she may enroll at the signing institution midyear. In Division I, athletics aid is permitted for the spring term and the following academic year matching the NLI enrollment year. In Division II, multiyear athletics aid is not permissible; therefore, a midyear enrollee could either receive only athletics aid for the spring term and not sign an NLI or sign an NLI with athletics aid matching the NLI enrollment year.
• If I sign a letter with a junior college or an NAIA school, may I sign an NLI?
• Yes. You may sign an NLI if you have already signed a letter with a junior college or an NAIA school. The NLI is a voluntary program with more than 600 participating institutions, all of which are members of either NCAA Division I or II. By entering the NLI program, participating institutions agree to abide by the NLI rules.
• If I sign an NLI with an NLI institution but attend a junior college, is my NLI still binding?
• Yes. Your NLI remains binding if you do not fulfill the NLI agreement to attend the signing institution. If you sign an NLI then later attend a junior college and graduate from that junior college, the NLI you signed before enrolling in the junior college is no longer binding. This would permit you to sign another NLI to attend an NLI member institution.
• NLI Penalty
• Can the NLI basic penalty be eliminated?
• Yes. The basic penalty may be eliminated by asking for and receiving an NLI complete release. If the institution does not grant a complete release from the NLI, you may appeal for a release to the NLI Committee, which may grant a level of relief if extenuating circumstances warrant.
• What is an academic year in residence?
• An academic year in residence is the two semesters or three quarters while enrolled full time that a student-athlete is required to sit out from competition. The NLI program requires student-athletes who do not attend the institution with which they signed, or who attend that school for less than one academic year, to serve one year in residence at the next NLI member institution before being able to represent the second school in intercollegiate athletics competition.
• If I do not satisfy my NLI, may I practice or receive athletics aid at another NLI institution?
• Yes. The NLI basic penalty is the loss of one season of competition in all sports and a required one year in residence at the next NLI institution. During your academic year in residence, you are permitted to receive athletics financial aid and practice with a team if the institution allows you to.
• Am I subject to the NLI penalty if I attend a school that does not participate in the NLI program?
• No. If you sign an NLI you may attend any institution that does not subscribe to the NLI program without incurring any NLI penalties while at the non-participating school. Please note, though, if you would later transfer to an institution participating in the NLI program, the NLI penalties would be applied at your next NLI institution.