Ball State University Athletics
GAME DAY COMPLIANCE TIP
Ball State vs. Miami
November 29, 2019
Redshirt, Medical Hardship and Medical Disqualification
As the 2019 season wraps up, we wanted to explain a few terms that are often used interchangeably, but have different meanings.
Redshirt
In the sport of football, a redshirt occurs when a student-athlete has played in no more than four games. If the student-athlete is a freshman, the student will have four seasons of eligibility remaining. If a student-athlete is injured prior to the season and the injury prevents the student-athlete from competing, this is still considered a redshirt year. The season is a missed opportunity that may be considered for a clock extension (6th year) if the student experiences a second missed opportunity (e.g., subsequent injury or other personal hardship).
Medical Hardship
A medical hardship occurs when a student-athlete experiences an incapacitating injury in the first half of a season when the student-athlete has competed in not more than 30% of the games (e.g., 4 games in football). Medical documentation and a physician signature are required for the waiver which is submitted to the Mid-American Conference. When approved, the student will regain the season of eligibility which was lost due to the injury.
Medical Disqualification/Permanent Medical
When a student-athlete experiences multiple injuries or an injury that is so severe it is in the student-athlete’s best interest to “retire,” it is considered a medical disqualification or permanent medical. If the student-athlete is on athletic financial aid, the student may retain the athletic aid and the aid no longer counts against the team limits of 85 scholarships. The student is only a permanent medical at the institution which placed him or her in that status. If a student-athlete transfers, the next institution might deem the student-athlete medically able to perform. If a student-athlete returns to participation at the original institution, any athletic aid that was not countable at one time, becomes for the seasons it was exempt.
Hopefully this helps clear up any confusion. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions about these or any other topic.
Ryne Hillenberg
Director of Compliance
Ball State Athletics
O: 765-285-8581
C: 765-427-3987
rmhillenberg@bsu.edu
Michelle Bowman
Associate Director of Compliance
Ball State Athletics
O: 765-285-1196
C: 806-790-0063
mbowman@bsu.edu