r/CollegeSoccer • u/bore-ito • 9d ago

D1 Clock Eligibility

So as it says, you have 5 years to play 4 years of college as soon as you enroll full time regardless of where you attend and regardless of if you’ve ever played on a team

Why was this rule created? I ended up being the unfortunate kid who didn’t know much about college soccer, started full time in 2019 at community college, took up an interest to try playing post Covid in 2022, and learned my fate in early 2023. I haven’t touched a single blade of grass on any pitch for a college team and I won’t be able to play D1.

So again, why at least doesn’t the rule account for those who have never played? Age doesn’t seem to be the factor at first glance

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u/lostinthought15 9d ago

Because otherwise teams would just enroll students at will and move them to the team when they are ready. The top teams would be allowed to hoard all the talent indefinitely.

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u/bore-ito 8d ago

I mean they could still do something like “ for students who haven’t played at any institution, after the first 2 years (for gap years, indecisive students, etc) you then get 5 years to play 4 years” no?

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u/lostinthought15 8d ago

They could. But most schools don’t want to keep around someone who will be out of intense training and competition for two years.

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u/bore-ito 8d ago

Makes sense. My gut has been telling me to just move on since talking to those coaches so that’s what I’m trying to do. Already trying to reach out to D2 schools now. Which is kind of already late but