What if there was an academic criteria to meet in order to compete in youth football leagues?

Would you have applied yourself more in school, or would you still do the bare minimum?

In high school, would you still do the minimum knowing that staying eligible at that level does not mean you will be academically qualified to play in college?

Athletes who have aspirations to play any college sport on the Division I level must adhere to new initial eligibility standards. The NCAA is changing the academic standards for all incoming freshmen starting Aug. 1, 2016.

And it’s not just at the biggest schools and programs. Players looking at Division II and Division III schools must be up to date on the rules – including classes athletes should start taking as freshmen.

Essentially if an athlete who does not have a 2.3 GPA in core courses will be required to serve academic redshirt year, allowing student-athletes the opportunity to practice but not compete.

Here are the core courses all incoming NCAA freshmen athletes will be assessed on:

• Four years of English.
• Four years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher).
• Two years of natural/physical science, including year of lab if offered by the high school.
• One year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science.
• Two years of social science.
• Four years of additional courses – can come from foreign language or comparative religion/philosophy.

SEE ALSO: A full breakdown of NCAA core course requirements

Here is another caveat to think about: It is required that 10 out of 16 courses be taken prior to the start of senior year. This means athletes can’t retake these courses to enhance a GPA over time or put off the courses until the end of a high school career.

The result? It’s simple. If you take care of business academically, you will not have to stress yourself about meeting this new criteria

Here are five transitional tips to help master the new initial eligibility standards:

• Utilize the academic prowess of your high school guidance counselor
• Familiarize yourself with the NCAA Clearing House
• Take pride in your education
• Relinquish poor study habits
• Continue to visit http://blog.ncaa.org/GetTheGrades/ to educate yourself with the new initial eligibility standards

In short, take care of academics and make sure to maximize every opportunity to get better, and you will be fine. The choice is yours as to whether you would like an opportunity to compete your freshman year or ride the bench due to your poor academic performance.

Work hard. Be great.

Ashton Henderson was a four year letterman at defensive back for Michigan State University as well as a honor student and co-author with former teammate Travis Key of “Beyond The Gridiron: How to successfully transition into collegiate football,” a detailed account of what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit: www.beyondthegridironllc.com.