Free guides

Track & field recruiting guides for families

Short summaries of the rules and decisions that come up along the way. Every page lists its official sources.

Rules checked Oct 27, 2026. For men's and women's track and field and cross country, any graduating class and any state.

Events, Marks & Timing

Event groups, recording a mark (FAT, hand timing, wind) and high school vs. college implements.

How high school meets, club and summer track, invitationals and college camps fit into recruiting.

What track coaches want: verified marks with official result links, plus race and event film.

Athletic aid limits by level, written offers, signing dates and comparing net cost.

D1 roster limits (45 indoor, 45 outdoor, 17 cross country) and the new age-based eligibility model.

Who pays, what you need first, and when D1 track and field visits can happen.

How NJCAA track and field works, redshirts and prep years, and the rules for moving on to a four-year school.

What high school athletes headed to D1 must report, and what is not allowed.

Registering with the NCAA and NAIA eligibility centers, and why prize money at open road races or meets can affect your status.

The D1 cross country and track transfer windows, D2, D3 and NAIA transfer rules, and what transfers mean for high school recruits.

What paid recruiting services, showcases and "exposure" events can and can't do, and the warning signs.

Core GPA, eligibility by level and the 10/7 rule.

When track and field coaches can contact you, 9th through 12th grade.