how old?

[laxnsubmariner]

how old is the oldest the ncaa will allow to play college lax? i went for a year and now im in the navy but am planning on playin again in college when i get out. im 20 and will be 24.

[shiftylax]

Since you went into the Navy, the NCAA has a provision for you to play no matter what age you may be when you get out. You of course have to file about 2 tons of paperwork, but there is an allowance for military service. In the late 90's a 36 year old man played with UNC Charlotte and was an all american. Eligibility is a pain to maintain, but you can do it. Just make sure to talk to the NCAA rep in the athletic department.

[RYU]

NCAA general rule is 5 yrs to play 4 seasons (sometimes 6 yrs for hardship cases). Once you enroll into an accredited school (JuCo included) your eligibility clock begins. laxnsubmariner, if I understand you correctly, you went to college for one yr before enlisting in the Navy? I've never heard of the military service allowance shiftlax mentions, but it's certainly worth looking into. Even w/ an extension for military service, I doubt you'd be eligible for more than one, maybe two seasons of college ball when you complete your enlistment.

There was a 38 y/o freshman walk-on who played for U of South Carolina's football team last year. He was retired Army who enlisted straight out of HS and served 20 yrs. At 38, he had his full four seasons of eligibility, b/c he never enrolled in any college.

[westcoastlaxr4]

I'm pretty sure that shiftylax is right, and years served in the Armed Forces do not count against your eligibility.

[roycegracie47]

Here are two links that should help answer questions:

http://www1.ncaa.org/membership/membership_svcs/eligibility-recruiting/index.html

http://www1.ncaa.org/membership/membership_svcs/eligibility-recruiting/faqs/eligibility_seasons.html#twentyone_year_rule