We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Team

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Redshirt?

Michael Pollick
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 11,907
Share

Nearly all sports-related college scholarships limit a student to four complete years of playing eligibility. However, there is an exception to this rule called redshirting. An injured or academically struggling player can elect to sit out of competitive play for a year, which still allows him to participate for the entire four years of eligibility. This player is called a redshirt, although he or she may wear the standard uniform and sit with the team during games or matches.

The origin of the term redshirt appears to be a missing piece of college sports lore, but the concept has been around for decades. In a real world scenario, a promising high school recruit may become injured before enrolling in college or disabled during early practices. If this player spent even one minute on the field during a sanctioned competition, he would lose an entire year of eligibility. The coach may ask this player to become a redshirt for the first academic year. This would allow the player to return as a sophomore, although in scholarship terms, he would be considered a redshirt freshman.

Another reason a player on scholarship might choose to become a redshirt is academic progress. Adjusting to a full college curriculum on top of responsibilities as an athlete can be difficult for some players. One way to relieve the stress is to become a redshirt for one academic year. Once the student has had sufficient time to shore up his or her classroom performance, returning to the team the next year may not be nearly as stressful.

A redshirt athlete is not restricted from the peripheral activities of the team. He can still attend practice sessions, team meetings and workouts, but he cannot participate competitively. In the case of a serious injury, a redshirt player would most likely spend much of her downtime in a supervised rehabilitation center. A medical professional may have to clear her for the next playing season before she is allowed to suit up again. Instructors can also place a redshirt player on academic probation if his grades fall below an established minimum.

The redshirt exception to scholarship eligibility can only be used for one academic year under most circumstances.

Share
Sports n' Hobbies is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to Sports n' Hobbies, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
Discussion Comments
By anon11430 — On Apr 16, 2008

In the Late 1940's and 1950's, the old practice uniforms were a dull white and the defense were given red vests to show the difference.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to Sports n' Hobbies, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a...
Learn more
Share
https://www.sportsnhobbies.org/what-is-a-redshirt.htm
Copy this link
Sports n' Hobbies, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Sports n' Hobbies, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.