NCAA Guidance Handbook for Canadian Guidance Counsellors

The NCAA Guidance Handbook for Canadian Guidance Counsellors is a step-by-step resource designed to help counsellors give student-athletes accurate and clear answers about NCAA eligibility. It was created after calls with Canadian athletes who shared that their counsellors wanted to help but lacked Canada-specific information. This guide closes that gap and makes it simple to support athletes from Grade 9 through graduation.

Why Canadian Guidance Counsellors Need NCAA Support

The NCAA eligibility process is complex enough for American students, but it is even harder for Canadians. Provincial courses do not always match NCAA categories, GPA scales are different, and recruiting timelines do not line up with Canadian school calendars. Without a clear guide, counsellors risk giving athletes incomplete or outdated advice.

That is where the NCAA Guidance Handbook comes in. It translates NCAA rules into Canadian context, with clear explanations, tools, and timelines that let you support athletes confidently.

What the NCAA Guidance Handbook Includes

The handbook provides everything a Canadian counsellor needs in one place, including:

• Easy-to-read explanations of NCAA eligibility rules

• A Core Course Planner to confirm if classes count for NCAA purposes

• Recruiting timelines that start in Grade 9 and continue to graduation

• Planning tools that balance academics, athletics, and recruiting preparation

• Annual updates to reflect NCAA rule changes

It is written for counsellors, not coaches or families, which makes it the most direct and practical tool available for Canadian schools.

Why We Created the NCAA Guidance Handbook

This handbook came directly from Canadian athletes and counsellors. Athletes told us they often left their guidance office with more questions than answers. Counsellors told us they wanted resources tailored to Canadian systems. After hearing this repeatedly, we built a resource that solves the problem.

As parents who experienced the NCAA process ourselves, we know how stressful it can be. The handbook ensures no Canadian student misses out simply because the rules were unclear.

How the Handbook Helps Counsellors Day to Day

When a student-athlete asks about eligibility, recruiting, or required courses, you will have the answers ready. The handbook saves time, reduces confusion, and allows you to focus on guiding students instead of piecing together information.

It also connects to tools like the NCAA Core Courses page and our other resources that make long-term planning easier. Whether you support one athlete or an entire graduating class, this guide is built to fit into your daily work.

The Next Step NCAA Guidance Handbook for Canadian Guidance Counsellors

The NCAA Guidance Handbook for Counsellors is available as a digital PDF, a spiral-bound copy for everyday use, or as part of school and district packages that include additional tools like our School Finder and Tuition Calculator.

Explore the options and get your copy today: NCAA Guidance Handbook.

FAQ

Is this handbook only for large schools?

No. It is designed for any counsellor who supports athletes, no matter the school size.

Can I share it with multiple students?

Yes. It is meant to guide conversations with athletes across grades and years.

Does it cover every province?

Yes. Provincial variations are included so eligibility can be checked nationwide.

Does it replace coach or parent conversations?

No. It gives counsellors the right foundation so conversations with families and coaches are accurate and productive.

How often is it updated?

The handbook is updated each year to reflect NCAA changes and Canadian course lists.