Updated Amateurism Bylaw Aligns with National Governing Body Standards
Effective August 1, 2025, the NAIA has adopted an amendment to Article VII, Section C of its bylaws, removing restrictions on the type and monetary value of awards student-athletes may receive based on place of finish.
This bylaw change reflects the NAIA’s ongoing efforts to modernize its amateurism rules while preserving the core principle of collegiate competition: eligibility based on fair play, not professional affiliation.
🔍 Summary of the Adopted Change
Previous Rule:
NAIA athletes could only receive “awards of a personal nature” valued at no more than $1,000 individually (or $1,500 combined for multiple awards).
Current Rule (Effective August 1, 2025):
The NAIA no longer limits the type or value of performance-based awards. Instead, it defers to the regulations set by each sport’s national governing body (NGB). This change eliminates the “personal nature” requirement and removes NAIA-imposed financial limits.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was this change made?
A: The NAIA recognized growing inconsistencies between its award restrictions and broader opportunities available to student-athletes through NIL policies and NGB regulations. This amendment brings NAIA policy into better alignment with sport-specific standards and reflects the organization’s evolution since 2019 toward more flexible financial benefits for student-athletes.
Q: Does this mean NAIA athletes can now receive cash prizes?
A: Yes, if allowed by their sport’s national governing body. Student-athletes may now receive cash or other forms of awards for athletic performance—even while identified with an NAIA institution—so long as they remain in compliance with their sport’s amateurism standards.
Q: How does this affect prospective student-athletes?
A: This update simplifies eligibility determinations for athletes who competed under their NGB’s amateurism rules before enrolling in the NAIA. If their conduct aligns with NGB policy—even if cash prizes were involved—they may remain eligible to compete in the NAIA.
Q: Does this mean athletes can join professional organizations?
A: No. This change applies specifically to awards related to competition (Bylaw VII, Section C). Athletes must still comply with Section D, which governs professional affiliations such as signing contracts or joining a pro league.
Q: What is the institution’s responsibility under the new bylaw?
A: NAIA institutions retain oversight and must determine if an athlete has violated amateurism rules under Section D. Even with the removal of dollar limits under Section C, institutions should ensure that no compensation is tied to professional status or violations of other NAIA policies.
Q: Are all sports affected equally?
A: While the rule applies to all NAIA sports, its impact varies. Sports with NGBs that already allow substantial awards (e.g., bowling) will see the most direct effect. Others with stricter NGB regulations may not change significantly in practice.
Q: How can I find my sport’s NGB regulations?
A: NAIA provides a chart of national governing bodies for all NAIA championship sports through PlayNAIA. These links offer up-to-date information on each sport’s amateurism rules and award policies. Member schools and athletes are encouraged to consult these resources regularly.
| Sport | USOC | US-IUSF |
| Baseball | USA Baseball | WBSC (World Baseball Softball Confederation) |
| Softball | USA Softball | WBSC (World Baseball Softball Confederation) |
| Basketball | USA Basketball | FIBA (International Basketball Federation) |
| Bowling | USBC (United States Bowling Congress) | IBF (International Bowling Federation) |
| Competitive Cheer | USA Cheer | ICU (International Cheer Union) |
| Competitive Dance | NDCA (National Dance Council of America) | WDC (World Dance Council) |
| Cross Country | USATF (USA Track & Field) | World Athletics |
| Indoor Track & Field | USATF (USA Track & Field) | World Athletics |
| Outdoor Track & Field | USATF (USA Track & Field) | World Athletics |
| Football | USA Football | IFAF (International Federation of American Football) |
| Flag Football | USA Football | IFAF (International Federation of American Football) |
| Golf | USA Golf | IGF (International Golf Federation) |
| Soccer | U.S. Soccer | FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) |
| Lacrosse | USA Lacrosse | World Lacrosse |
| Swimming & Diving | USA Swimming & USA Diving | World Aquatics (formerly FINA) |
| Tennis | USTA (United States Tennis Association) | ITF (International Tennis Federation) |
| Volleyball | USA Volleyball | FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) |
| Beach Volleyball | USA Volleyball | FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) |
| Wrestling | USA Wrestling | UWW (United World Wrestling) |
✅ Key Takeaway
This bylaw amendment supports the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics by removing outdated limits on performance-based awards and allowing sport-specific governing bodies to set appropriate standards. It enhances consistency, reduces confusion for prospective athletes, and maintains the NAIA’s commitment to ethical, student-centered competition.
