An individual becomes a prospective student-athlete once he or she ____________.

A prospective student-athlete status is established to ensure compliance with NCAA recruiting regulations. An individual becomes a prospective student-athlete once they start classes for the ninth grade, which is the point at which they are officially considered for collegiate athletic participation. Additionally, for individuals younger than ninth grade, the status is defined by the receipt of a benefit from a college or university that is not available to the general population of prospective students. This is significant because the NCAA aims to regulate recruiting efforts and maintain fairness in the recruiting process from a young age.

In this case, when the answer encompasses both the starting of ninth-grade classes and eligibility criteria for those younger than ninth grade, it accurately reflects the NCAA's rules on prospect status. This broadening of the criteria ensures that all potential student-athletes are recognized in the recruiting framework regardless of their academic level.