The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) began as a men's collegiate hockey league in 1991, and quickly grew to a league of over 150 teams in three men's divisions. A Women's Division was added in 2000, and currently boasts five divisions (two women's now) with over 300 teams from across the United States. ACHA teams are non-varsity club teams without NCAA sanction; they offer no scholarships and typically receive far less university funding than is sufficient to cover expenses.
The Georgia National Letter of Intent (CLI) is a binding agreement between a student-athlete and a member institution of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACH). This letter signifies the commitment of the athlete to attend and participate in the hockey program at the chosen institution for a specific period of time, typically one academic year. The CLI is a crucial document for both the student-athlete and the institution, as it ensures that the athlete's intentions are genuine and that they will be joining the team as promised. By signing this letter, the student-athlete agrees to be recruited and to comply with the rules and regulations set by the ACH and the institution. There are different types of Georgia National Letter of Intent within the American Collegiate Hockey Association: 1. Early Signing Period CLI: This type of CLI allows student-athletes to sign with their chosen institution prior to the regular signing period, typically during their senior year of high school. It provides an advantage to the athletes by securing their spot on the team early, eliminating the worry of competing for limited spots with other recruits. 2. Regular Signing Period CLI: This is the more common type of CLI. It takes place during a specific signing period designated by the ACH. Student-athletes usually sign their NLS during the spring of their senior year. This period allows additional time for athletes to make decisions and receive offers from multiple institutions, considering factors such as academics, athletics, and scholarships. 3. Post-signing Period CLI: Occasionally, players who did not sign an CLI during the early or regular signing period may still have the opportunity to commit to an institution and sign an CLI. This can happen due to various reasons, such as the departure of a player, a coaching change, or an unexpected scholarship becoming available. The Georgia National Letter of Intent exemplifies a significant step in the recruitment process for student-athletes in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. It guarantees the commitment of the athlete to the chosen institution and allows both parties to plan for a successful hockey career and academic experience. The CLI serves as a binding agreement that underlines the importance of commitment and integrity in college athletics.
