National Early Signing Day

A young student in a graduation gown, holding a pen and paper, surrounded by college campus scenery.. — National early signing day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we uncover the fascinating history behind all those weird and wonderful national days! Today, we're diving into the world of National Early Signing Day. Get ready to sign on the dotted line and learn about this exciting day!

When is Early Signing Day?

It's national early signing day on the 20th December.

The Origins of National Early Signing Day

Every year on December 20, aspiring athletes across the nation participate in the frenzy of National Early Signing Day. This special day is all about high school seniors committing to their chosen colleges or universities for sports scholarships. It's a milestone moment for these young athletes and an opportunity to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and dreams.

Rumors say that National Early Signing Day was inspired by Santa's elves, who wanted to secure their spots on the North Pole's reindeer team. While we can't confirm this festive connection, we can definitely agree that the early signing process adds a touch of anticipation to the holiday season.

The Excitement of Commitment

For those athletes lucky enough to receive scholarship offers, National Early Signing Day is a chance to make their commitment official. Picture the scene: pens poised, contracts signed, and the feeling of pure elation. It's like finding out you're Santa's favorite kid and getting all the presents in one swoop.

While most of us never experienced this level of athleticism ourselves, we can still appreciate the dedication and passion that goes into securing those coveted scholarships. So let's raise a glass (of protein shake) to these talented individuals and the bright futures that lie ahead for them.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the most signed scholarships on National Early Signing Day are for sports like football, basketball, and soccer? But remember, it's not just about the ballers and goal scorers. Athletes in lesser-known sports like rowing, fencing, and curling also make waves on this exciting day. So, whether you're dribbling a basketball or swinging an oar, National Early Signing Day is a day for athletes of all disciplines!

History behind the term 'Early Signing'

1973

The birth of the National Letter of Intent

In 1973, the National Letter of Intent (NLI) was introduced as a binding agreement between prospective student-athletes and colleges or universities in the United States. This agreement enabled student-athletes to commit to a particular school and program early in the recruiting process. The NLI allowed schools to secure commitments from talented athletes, ensuring they would attend and compete for their institution.

1984

The Birth of Early Signing

The term 'early signing' was coined in the year 1984. It refers to the practice of signing a contract, agreement, or letter of intent with an individual or organization before the established deadline or official signing day. This term gained popularity within the sports industry, specifically in college athletics, where athletes commit to play for a particular college or university.

1988

The Birth of Early Signing

In 1988, the term 'early signing' emerged in the realm of college athletics. It refers to a specific period during which high school athletes can sign a binding contract with a college or university, committing to play a sport for the institution. Early signing allows student-athletes to secure their spot on the team before the regular signing period begins.

1998

The Rise of National Signing Day

In 1998, the concept of 'National Signing Day' was established in the United States. This designated day, usually in early February, marked the culmination of the recruiting process in college football. It became a highly anticipated event as top high school football players made their final decisions and announced their commitment to the college of their choice. Early signing then became associated with this significant day in the sports calendar.

Early 1980s

Increasing demand for early commitments

During the early 1980s, there was a growing demand among college coaches to secure commitments from top prospects as early as possible. This was driven by the highly competitive nature of college athletics recruiting, where schools competed for the best talents to strengthen their programs. Coaches wanted to lock in talented recruits before other schools had a chance to pursue them, giving rise to the concept of 'early signing.'

2003

NCAA Implements an Early Signing Period

In 2003, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) implemented an early signing period for several sports, including basketball and football. This marked a significant development in the use and popularity of the term 'early signing.' The NCAA recognized the importance of allowing athletes to make a firm commitment to a college or university before the regular signing period, giving both the athlete and the institution the benefit of planning ahead.

2004

Expansion to Other Sports

The trend of early signing expanded beyond college football and became prevalent in other sports. Athletes in sports like basketball, soccer, and baseball started to commit to colleges through early signing periods, allowing universities to secure talented players well in advance. This practice benefited both athletes and colleges, providing stability and allowing players to focus on their future endeavors without distraction.

2012

Expansion of Early Signing Periods

The year 2012 witnessed the expansion of early signing periods beyond just basketball and football. The NCAA extended the concept to various other sports, such as soccer, lacrosse, and baseball. This expansion broadened the scope of the term 'early signing' and impacted a wider range of student-athletes, providing them with the opportunity to solidify their college decisions early on.

2008

The creation of the early signing period

In 2008, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) established the early signing period for Division I and Division II sports. This signing period allowed student-athletes to sign a binding letter of intent to play for a particular school several months before the traditional signing period. The introduction of the early signing period gave athletes the option to finalize their commitments early, reducing the stress and uncertainty associated with the recruiting process.

2017

Implementation of NCAA Early Signing Periods

To address the growing demand for early signings, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) introduced official early signing periods. In 2017, new rules were established in college football, allowing high school seniors to sign their national letters of intent in December, in addition to the traditional signing day in February. This change provided more flexibility for athletes and accelerated the recruiting process for colleges.

2017

Expansion of the early signing period

In 2017, the NCAA expanded the early signing period by adding an early signing window for football recruits. This window, which takes place in late December, allows high school football players to sign their letters of intent before the traditional February signing period. The expansion aimed to provide football recruits with a more flexible and earlier opportunity to commit to their chosen programs.

2020

Intensifying Recruiting Competition

In recent years, the term 'early signing' has gained even more significance due to the heightened competition in college recruiting. Student-athletes are constantly pursued by multiple colleges and universities, all vying for their commitment. Early signing offers a way for athletes to make a clear decision and avoid the intense pressure associated with the regular signing period. It has become a crucial tool for both athletes and institutions in securing top talent.

Present

Early signing as a prominent feature of college recruiting

Today, early signing has become a prominent feature of the college recruiting process. Many student-athletes take advantage of the early signing period to secure their spots at their preferred schools and relieve the pressure of making a decision during the regular signing period. Early signing benefits both the athletes and the schools, allowing them to plan their rosters in advance and focus on developing successful athletic programs.