What Does Redshirt Mean in College Soccer?

In college soccer, redshirting is when a player sits out for a full season but still maintains their four-year eligibility. Athletes can do this once in a five-year window.

Redshirting, especially as a Freshman, is pretty common in college soccer and is used to give players an extra year of development and preparation.

For example, if a player Freshman is recruited to be on a team full of seniors, graduates, and international players, they may opt to sit out a year knowing they might get little to no playing time.

Physically, it can work to their advantage. Mentally, it can be taxing.

“Mentally, it’s very tough. You do go from being ‘the guy’ to, frankly, riding the bench every single game.”

Ross Cockrell, Duke

What Are the Redshirt Rules in College?

DI & DII Rules

According to the NCAA rules, a player who enters an official game is required to use a year of eligibility.

In other words, if a player goes into a game for 4 minutes, they lose their eligibility to redshirt the rest of the season.

However, if they suffer a season-ending injury, serious illness, or death in the family before the middle of the season and have played less than 30% of the games, they may qualify for a hardship exception. In this case, they could redshirt for the year.

DIII Rules

The DIII rules apply a “season of participation” if an athlete is practicing with their team once the season begins.

So, if the student-athlete starts practicing with the team and doesn’t play a game, they will lose their eligibility to redshirt in that year.

Why Should I Redshirt My Freshman Season?

Instead of giving it your all as a Freshman, the wisest thing to do may be to redshirt. Here are some common reasons you may want to consider it:

• Improving and developing your game
• Recovering from a serious injury
• Predicting that you’ll make a bigger impact in years two through five

Is it Fair?

In my opinion, losing the ability to redshirt if you play for one minute is kind of ludicrous to me.

In American football, I believe they get to play four games and still redshirt. But, they also bring in many more millions for the universities. Money talks.

College soccer coaches should work with the player to figure out expectations and what the right path is for the student-athlete.

If the coach thinks they will make an impact during the season, throw that redshirt out the window.

If they are using the Freshman as an insurance policy just in case other players get hurt, they might be wasting a year of eligibility.

It’s a tough decision but one that ultimately comes down to reality, expectations, and promise.