Q: How are potential student-athletes selected during the recruiting process?
A:  Potential student-athletes are recruited based on position – top, base, and/or tumbler – and a variety of skill and strength based assessments.
 
Q: Where do coaches recruit Acrobatics & Tumbling student-athletes? 
A:  Student-athletes typically have competitive experience in various disciplines of gymnastics – primarily artistic, acrobatic, trampoline, or power tumbling – or are experienced participants in competitive cheerleading.  However, student-athletes who have previously competed in Acrobatics & Tumbling have also come from other traditional sport backgrounds like track & field, and swimming & diving, or have performance backgrounds in dance.  Potential student-athletes are identified through participation on their high school, junior college, or club teams.

Q: At what age does the recruiting process begin for potential student-athletes in Acrobatics & Tumbling?
A: The official recruitment of a potential student-athlete may begin at various points during high school, dependent on the division of the institution.  Coaches will focus recruitment on juniors and seniors in high school.  Generally, communication may not begin until after the sophomore year.  Please visit the NCAA Recruiting page for more detailed information. 
 
Q:  If I am not of permissible recruiting age, can I still submit a recruiting questionnaire to an Acrobatics & Tumbling program?
A:  Yes!  Although there will be limits on a coaches reply, you may submit your interest via a recruiting questionnaire at any time.  You may also provide updates to skill information, academic information, or clearinghouse registration. Links to recruiting questionnaires may be found on NCATA member pages, or on the home page of the Acrobatics & Tumbling program on an institutions athletics department website.
 
Q: Are there scholarship opportunities?
A:  Yes!  NCATA members at the NCAA DI, NCAA DII, and NAIA levels may award athletic financial aid, or a scholarship as they do in all other varsity intercollegiate athletics sports. NCAA DIII institutions do not offer athletic financial aid, they may offer other finaicial aid which can include adacemic, need based, or other merit based financial aid (also available at the other levels).
 
Q:  How do I find the information for coaches of Acrobatics & Tumbling teams?
A:  All NCATA Head Coaches are listed in the NCATA Staff Directory, or may be located by clicking the Members menu to visit each schools page.  Coaches are also listed on their athletic department websites, on the Acrobatics & Tumbling homepage or in the staff directory.
 
Q:  Should I create a video of my skills?
A:  Video clips, YouTube or Instagram accounts can be helpful to showcase your accomplishments in practice or competition.  Always prioritize safety in creating a video by selecting skills you are currently training or by demonstrating skill progression on the surface on which you typically train. For example, tumbling may be shown on spring floor, trampoline, air floor, or a non-spring surface.
 
Q:  What type of skills should I include?
A:  Any skills or abilities you would like to highlight from practice, competition, or workouts. Some examples are provided below:

• Running tumbling passes – ex. back and/or front tumbling
• Standing tumbling – ex. back handspring, standing back tuck
• Balance skills – ex. handstand hold, press handstand, pike hold, straddle hold (may be completed on ground, mats, or blocks)
• Other skills requested following conversation with a coach

Q: Do I have to wear are particular type of uniform or shoe in my recruiting videos?
A: No. You are encouraged to film skills in the setting in which you are used to training, including apparel and footwear (or barefoot).

Q:  How do I know if I’m eligible to compete in Acrobatics & Tumbling?
A:  All NCATA members follow NCAA and NAIA rules for initial eligibility.  This includes academic and amateurism.  Visit the NCAA and NAIA websites for detailed information.

Q: If there isn’t a collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling program in my home state, will I be the only out of state athlete on a team? 
A: No! Acrobatics & Tumbling student-athletes compete at schools r  egionally and nationally, as well as in their home state if applicable. In 2020, over 60% of collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling student-athletes traveled out of state to compete on Acrobatics & Tumbling teams. Acrobatics & Tumbling student-athletes represented 43 states.
 
Q:  Are there opportunities for international student-athletes to compete in Acrobatics & Tumbling?
A:  Yes, international student-athletes are encouraged to share their interest in competing with NCATA member schools.  In 2020, student-athletes from four foreign countries competed on an Acrobatics & Tumbling program.