NAIA Bylaw Definition
Transfer: A student who becomes identified with an NAIA institution after having previously been identified with a two- or four-year institution of higher learning. Transfer students must complete the official NAIA Transfer Player Eligibility Statement prior to their first participation at the NAIA institution no matter how long ago the transfer occurred.
Once the student has completed the transfer form and has been in attendance for one term, the student is no longer considered a transfer student at the institution.
CASEBOOK EXAMPLE
Transfer from Institution Offering 2-Year & 4-Year Degrees
Case: A student attends a two-year institution in which the athletic programs compete under the NJCAA. This institution has begun to offer numerous four-year degree programs. Is the student classified as a two-year or four-year transfer?
Approved Ruling: The student would be considered a two-year college transfer. The athletic association of the particular institution must be taken into account to consider whether a student is considered a two-year or four-year transfer. Similarly, if the student participated when the two-year institution competes under a four-year athletic association, the student would be considered a four-year transfer.
Determining 2-Year vs. 4-Year Institution Status
Why this matters:
Whether a student is transferring from a two-year or four-year school affects NAIA transfer rules, like residency and transfer exception eligibility.
1. The Athletics Division Matters
- If the school competes in a sports association that separates 2-year and 4-year schools,
→ The division they choose (2-year or 4-year) is what the NAIA will use.
Example:
If a college offers both associate and bachelor’s degrees but plays in the 4-year division of the NJCAA, the NAIA treats it as a 4-year school.
2. The Degree & Transcript Matter (When There’s No Division)
- If the school does not sponsor athletics or competes in an association that doesn’t separate 2-year vs. 4-year,
→ The NAIA looks at what degree the student was pursuing:- If the student was pursuing a bachelor’s, it’s treated as a 4-year school
- If pursuing an associate’s, it’s treated as a 2-year school
Example:
If the transcript shows a student was working toward a bachelor’s degree at a small college in the USCAA (which doesn’t separate divisions), NAIA will treat it as a 4-year transfer.
Common FAQs: Mid-Year Transfer Scenarios
Transfer – No Season Charged in Previous Term
Scenario: A student-athlete who played 4 women’s basketball games in the fall term plans to transfer to a new NAIA institution for the spring term.
- Bylaw Amendment (Spring 2023): NAIA transfer students can compete immediately without a residency period unless required by a conference rule.
- Eligibility Center: If the student has already received an eligible decision, a new review isn’t needed. See Situational Analysis (opens in a new tab)!
- Conditions for Immediate Competition:
- The student must be listed on the eligibility certificate for the new term.
- She must be certified as eligible for the spring term.
- Competition can begin immediately following the fall term’s “end of term” date at the new institution, even if she’s the first listed on the spring certificate.
- Seasons of Competition: Under Article V, Section B, Item 20, playing fewer than 20% of games (less than 7 in basketball) means the student is not charged a season of competition for the fall term.
Transfer – One Season of Competition Charged in the Previous Term
- Scenario: If a student-athlete plays 7 or more games in the fall and then transfers to a new NAIA school in the spring, they will be charged with two seasons of competition for the academic year.
- Article V, Section G, Item 8: Competing at two institutions within the same academic year results in two seasons of competition.
- Example: A fall soccer player charged a season of competition must be recertified for the spring, but may not meet the Progress Rule if they haven’t accumulated enough credits.
See also:
Mid-Year Transfer Student Eligibility and Key Scenarios: A Comprehensive Guide
