The National Coordinating Committee (NCC) reviews all amateur reinstatement requests for student-athletes seeking to regain eligibility to compete in NAIA athletics. This guide outlines the rules, procedures, and case studies to help understand the reinstatement process.
Reasons for Loss of Amateur Status
Student-athletes may lose amateur status for reasons including:
- Signing an agreement with a professional organization.
- Signing a contract with a professional team.
- Receiving reimbursement beyond travel, meals, and lodging.
Even if amateur status is lost, reinstatement is possible under specific conditions.
Reinstatement Conditions
To regain amateur status, a student-athlete must:
- Cease participation in violations of NAIA amateur-standing regulations.
- Accept a season-of-competition charge for each season competed professionally or in violation of NAIA amateur rules.
- Fulfill residency requirements: Complete two consecutive semesters or three consecutive quarters at the NAIA institution where they intend to compete.
- Submit proper documentation through the NAIA institution to the NCC for review and final dispensation.
Required Documentation
- Contract Proof: If a professional or semi-professional contract was signed, provide a copy of the contract.
- Academic Records: Submit transcripts as proof of meeting the residency requirement.
- Amateurism Reinstatement Form: Complete the form available online.
Key Notes
- A season of competition is charged based on the duration of professional engagement, regardless of the number of games played.
- The post-secondary amateur year (PSAY) does not apply in cases of amateurism violations.
- Reinstatement policies apply to all sports, although most cases arise in baseball, golf, and tennis.
Bylaw Reference: Article VII, Section E
Residency Requirements
A student-athlete must serve residency at the NAIA institution where they wish to compete before being reinstated. Residency is defined as being identified (enrolled in 12 or more institutional credits) for two consecutive semesters or three consecutive quarters at the institution.
Key FAQ:
- Does the student need to serve residency at any higher education institution?
No. Residency must be served at the NAIA institution where the student intends to compete.
Case Studies
*Assume all schools are NAIA institutions unless otherwise noted. Also, assume that the facts provided are all the facts you need to make a decision.
Scenario 1:
Sal was drafted by the Royals after his high school graduation in 2017 and signed his rookie deal with the Royals on July 1, 2017. Sal did not play for the Royals due to an injury and was released by the Royals on July 15, 2018. If Sal wants to pursue amateur reinstatement, how many seasons would he be charged for violating the NAIA amateur rules? He violated his amateurism by signing a professional contract.
Answer 1:
Sal would be charged two seasons of competition. He would be charged two seasons because he was under contract for more than 12 months. Remember that it doesn’t matter how many seasons he played, but it matters how long he violated the NAIA amateur rules. Here he was under contract for over 12 months thus triggering two seasons of competition. Remember that the PSAY does not cover violations of our amateurism rules.
Scenario 2:
Whit played his freshman baseball season at a junior college in Kansas. Whit was drafted by the Royals following his freshman season but did not sign a professional contract with the Royals. Whit is now transferring to Omaha College and wants to compete in baseball. Would Whit have to have his amateurism reinstated?
Answer 2:
NO! The mere act of being drafted does not, in and of itself, mean that Whit violated our amateurism rules. In this scenario, Whit did not sign a contract and thus did not play for the Royals and would not have violated his amateurism requiring reinstatement.
Scenario 3:
Taryn competed for two seasons in tennis at a junior college in Arizona. Following her second season, she decided to pursue a professional career in her native Sweden. Taryn played in a professional event on August 1-3, 2017, and another event on September 13-15, 2018. These were the only professional events she competed in and she won a small purse in both tournaments. If Taryn identified at an NAIA institution and wanted to pursue reinstatement, could she?
Answer 3:
No. Taryn would be charged for her two seasons in junior college and two seasons for the two professional tournaments she competed in. The professional events were in two separate 12 month windows and thus she would be charged two seasons for violating the NAIA amateur rules. This means that Taryn would not have any seasons of competition left to compete and a reinstatement proceedings would be fruitless.
Scenario 4:
Marc was drafted by the Yankees right out of high school and competed for three seasons. Marc now wants to go to Valley University and compete on the football team. Would Marc have to be reinstated before playing football?
Answer 4:
NO! Amateurism is sport specific so Marc would not have to be reinstated in baseball prior to competing in football. Marc could even continue to play professional baseball while being an NAIA football athlete.
Conclusion
The NAIA reinstatement process allows student-athletes to regain amateur status under defined criteria. Institutions must ensure proper documentation and compliance with bylaws to facilitate reinstatement. This process underscores the NAIA’s commitment to maintaining fair competition while offering pathways for students to continue their athletic pursuits.
