IT seems there are more D1 college players represented here than D3, but I wonder if anyone can answer this hypothetical question.

Say a D3 player puts in a few innings his first two years of college, improves gradually, but doesn't make an impact. After two years he realizes he will need 5 years to graduate from college. He also is told that he has potentiol to become an impact player at his college but needs to get stronger. And he sees that he might have a better chance to be a starter his 4th and 5th years of college (instead of 3rd and 4th), because of his own strength development, plus some key players who are 1 year ahead of him.

Do you follow this so far?

If the D3 player decides he wants to play his 4th and 5th years of college and use the 3rd year for strength development (and playing more innings in the summer), can he do that? Would he have to stay completely away from his college team practices the whole year (very tough because of friendships). Or could he practice in the fall with the team, but practice on his own in the spring. Or could he be a student/assistant coach in the spring to work out with the team but not suit up. (But still play against good competition the next summer.)

Does anyone know of a player who has done this, or do you know the rules about it?

You can practice with the team, as a red-shirt. You just can't play in a spring game.

Be good,
David

I don't think that D3's can redshirt anymore. So, if a player sits out a year, they cannot practice.

there are no D-3 redshirts as far as I know--with an injury they may apply for a "hardship"

The only way you might be able to stop the clock, and I'm not sure this even does it, is rather counterproductive -- become a less-than full-time student. This, though, might have a very negative impact on some financial aid you might get/be eligible for, so I wouldn't recommend it.

You might want to PM (private message) VJC Baseball as he is a DIII coach in Maryland. He has been very helpful in the past. He may have some of the information you are seeking.

Thanks everyone. I knew there weren't any official non-injury redshirts in D3, this would be kind of unofficial, the player participating as much as he could with the team without playing in spring games. But it sounds like he s leaning toward just staying the course, trying his best to earn playing time in the next 2 years. Thanks.

montanadad,
Thanks for the vote of confidence...I've been absent as the season has progressed as you can imagine 44 games(29-15) has been alot of hard work...but to answer the question for you PitchDad...there are no longer Red shirts in DIII except for injuries...if you practice with the team after the teams first game, fall included then that wastes a year of eligibility. There is not clock that ticking, only semesters. In DIII you have 10 full time semesters to compete in 8 of them. If a player wants to take an "unofficial" season off then he cannot practice with the team anytime after the teams first contest...the rules changed 2 years ago, and will come back up for vote this January. I would also say, I have never seen a person take a season off and return to play in the future (except for injury) so be carefull with taking the time away! Good Luck!

VJC,

Thank you very much. I appreciate getting the details direct from a D3 coach.

Not being able to practice with the team after the first game makes that whole plan impractical. Better to just work hard and make the best of the 2 years he has left.

VJC...with a documented injury and no innings played.....can a player still practice with the team.....and obtain a medical hardship for a 5th year?

Son has absolutely no intention of spending more than 4 years at his school.....but, never say never....so, we called the NCAA, and I'm pretty sure they said he could practice, but not play.....and to maintain the medical info....in the event we wanted to apply for a hardship at a latter date.......

Is this correct? And....congratulations on your great season.....

LadyNMom,
That is correct...medical redshirts work differently: must have played in less than 25% of games...for us usually 10, injury must occur before 50% of the season is complete 20, and injury must be season ending! I have a player that has a season ending injury but was still able to throw...(ss broken thumb on fielding hand) and still practiced in terms that he threw to keep arm in shape for when he able to play!

VJC....thank you......appreciate the information....as I said....we don't see a fifth year....but you never know......

We've got a couple guys in the same situation...5th year?? Look at Grad Programs...and remember, you only have to go full time in the fall if applying for Graduation in the spring...which means as long as you take 3 credits in the spring of your senior year and you will be graduating...you can still play!