Effective as of April 2025, the NAIA has clarified and updated key recruiting policies that impact how and when institutions may engage with prospective student-athletes. These changes enhance transparency in the transfer process and increase flexibility for institutions recruiting from junior colleges.
🔁 Transfer Intentions via Public Posts Now Considered First Contact
The NAIA National Eligibility Committee (NEC), in coordination with the Conduct and Ethics Committee (CEC), has approved an interpretation confirming that a public statement by a student-athlete expressing their intent to transfer—such as through social media or a recruiting platform—may be considered the athlete’s “first contact” under NAIA Bylaws Article II, Section D, Item 1.
“When an NAIA student-athlete publicly announces their intent to transfer by way of social media or other public postings, that may be considered the student’s first contact. In this instance, the NAIA institution must first provide notification to the student’s current NAIA institution before responding to the ‘contact’ or engaging in any further transfer discussions.”
⚠️ Coaches Still Required to Exercise Due Diligence:
- Confirm the athlete is enrolled at another NAIA institution. (Different rules apply to NCAA or two-year institutions.)
- Document the post (e.g., via screenshot) as evidence of the public declaration.
- Notify the student’s current NAIA institution before any recruiting interaction occurs.
If an institution does not act on a transfer inquiry (e.g., ignores a voicemail or DM), notification is not required. However, once the institution intends to engage, proper notification must be completed.
📣 Bylaw Amendment 25-B-06: Early Contact with Junior College Athletes Now Allowed
Another significant change to NAIA recruiting bylaws removes previous restrictions on contacting student-athletes from junior colleges (two-year institutions).
✅ What Changed?
Effective April 7, 2025, NAIA coaches and institutional representatives may initiate contact with a junior college student-athlete at any time, including during their first season of competition.
Previously, NAIA members had to wait until the athlete completed their first academic year of competition before reaching out. That restriction has now been eliminated.
🧭 Quick Reference Q&A:
- Q1: Who does this amendment apply to?
Only to students currently enrolled at junior colleges (two-year institutions). Rules for NAIA and four-year institutions remain unchanged. - Q2: Can NAIA schools contact junior college athletes mid-season?
Yes. Coaches may now initiate contact at any point, including during the athlete’s first season of competition. - Q3: Does this allow contact with NAIA athletes?
No. The prohibition on contacting athletes currently identified with an NAIA institution—unless 12 months have passed since their last participation—remains in effect. - Q4: Why was this change made?
The amendment brings consistency to NAIA recruitment rules, removing the only remaining restriction on contacting non-NAIA student-athletes. It aligns treatment of junior college students with students from other four-year non-NAIA institutions. - Q5: What’s the benefit for NAIA institutions?
Earlier engagement allows NAIA coaches to begin recruiting conversations and relationship-building sooner—enhancing long-term recruitment strategy and planning.
📌 Final Notes for Compliance Officers and Coaches
These updates reflect the NAIA’s ongoing commitment to modernizing recruitment practices while ensuring fair and ethical conduct. Institutions should update internal procedures to reflect these changes and ensure proper documentation and notification in all recruitment scenarios.
For questions or additional clarification, contact NAIA Legislative Services or visit interpretations.naia.org.
