I want to start a thread where we can place OFFICIAL NCAA materials (e.g., websites) so that we don't speculate, confuse, etc. etc.

At times it can be hard to fully understand (the basics aren't hard though).

http://www.nationalletter.org/aboutTheNli/index.html

Couple of key points:

1). The agreement is for ONE academic year. That implies it is renewal but neither the student nor the school are committed beyond one year. It isn't like enlisting in the military or signing a NFL contract.

2). The purpose of NLI is like when someone marries. Both parties are legally committed to each others. Others stay away!! Once an athlete signs those papers ALL other schools must cease to recruit the athlete. Tampering is the word which comes to mind.

3). There are provisions if the recruit signs but does not attend his or her chosen college the next academic year.

I'll look for more OFFICIAL material and post, especially signing AFTER May 18.

This website addresses other issues:

https://www.ncsasports.org/recruiting/ma...igibility.

The bottom section address releases and also when a NLI may become null and void.

E.g., A recruit signs but there are academic issues. Recruit fails to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. The NLI is null and void. Like someone buying a house contingent on obtaining a mortgage. If they are denied a mortgage, the pending house sale is now null and void.

Good example, a recruit signs but does not qualify. He is automatically released from his NLI and may be re-recruited say by a JUCO.

James Head signed with Iowa and was released because he 'supposedly' didn't qualify for admittance to Iowa. Sometimes that can be used as a 'loophole'. I believe the word was James didn't have a great senior year and Iowa had 2nd thoughts.