Got a call from a friend. His son (travel ball teammate of our son)is in college far away. Was recruited locally but opted for higher scholarship offer out of state.

Now, instead of no returning guys for his position as he was promised, there are 4 guys, 2 Sr , 1 Jr and 1 soph. It has been hinted he might redshirt, and he wants no part of it. Really feels there is just not the right "fit" with the school or the baseball program.

So his dad asks me what are the rules and etiquette for transferring (he knows I surf here and other baseball sites). I said I would check it out. Here's a recap of what I learned after a search, and then a question or two for the Board:

He can transfer from his D-1 to any non-Ncaa school (Juco, NAIA) without restriction; he can even transfer now and still play this year;

To go to an NCAA school, he must first get "permission to contact" from his current AD before talking to anyone, and then when he finds a school, he needs a release from the AD allowing him to use the one-time transfer provision, in order to play next year. If he doesn't get the release, he can transfer, but cannot play till the following year. He also must finish the academic year at his current school for any of the above to apply.

Now, if I am right about all that, to the questions.

Does the "permission to contact" go to the player (applicable to all schools) or to each school who wants to talk?

How do you go about bringing it up with your coach (hoping to avoid his getting angry and bad-mouthing you to potential transfer schools)?

When should he bring this up ? (he says his son might start
the season as a red shirt, but be activated later due to other players injuries or poor performance, and doesn't want to be in the dog house and not get playing time if that happens later in the season).

Should he go straight to the AD's office and bypass the coach?

What happens if they deny the release?

Your advice will be passed on and appreciated.

the coach has nothing to do with the process...the AD is the way to proceed. He should let his coach know and use good ettiquete, but the coach has no say in the final decision.

Good Luck!

Starrzz

I respectfully disagree

The coach is in the process in that he can ok or not ok the situation--the AD signs the papers but it is imperative the coach is in on the deal--he can have a lot to say regarding what the AD does

I would agree with TRHit, I have never heard of any situation with a baseball team where the coach/manager was bi-passed. I think the young man should talk to the head coach, explain his situation and maybe the coach has some clear insight as to where he sees the player will help his ballclub. If he wants him to redshirt or is the third guy off the bench etc. I just don't think that the coach should be kept out of the loop and even though the AD is the one who signs the paperwork, i am sure the head coach must have some input. Jeez, go in and talk to the head coach, maybe things will work out. Don't let him get blindsided and told by the AD one of "his" players wants to transfer.

Agree with TR and Dad- follow the chain of command. The coach should be your first stop.

The AD signs off but with input from the coach

I also have to ask this question: Has the young man given te school a true chance? Freshman don't always play right away until they get used to the coaches system.

I'm not sure I'd ask for the release until after the season for several reasons.

1 - Your sons outlook can change
2 - Why get the coach angry now when you can ask for the release at the end of the season. He might end up playing this year and truly want to stay at the school.
3 - I believe transferring in high school and college is done way too much. If things don't go a player's way he leaves. Is there any loyalty out there. I cannot see making a decision after one semester. Give it a chance (after all he chose the money over the local scholarship. The grass isn't always greener on the other side).