Approved Interpretation by the NAIA National Eligibility Committee (NEC)
In response to a growing number of inquiries regarding student-athletes who publicly declare their intent to transfer—often via social media or recruiting platforms—the NAIA Conduct and Ethics Committee (CEC) and the National Eligibility Committee (NEC) have finalized a formal interpretation to provide clarity for NAIA institutions navigating these scenarios.
Background
A key question was raised:
If an NAIA student-athlete publicly posts on social media or other public-facing services (e.g., a recruiting site or “transfer portal”) that they intend to transfer, can this be considered the student’s “first contact” under NAIA bylaws?
This matters because NAIA rules restrict contact between institutions and enrolled student-athletes at other NAIA schools unless specific notification steps are followed.
Approved Interpretation
Yes—when an NAIA student-athlete publicly announces their intent to transfer via social media or other public postings, this may be considered the student’s “first contact” as outlined in Article II, Section D, Item 1 of the NAIA Bylaws.
Important: Before responding to this public “contact” and engaging in any transfer discussions, the NAIA institution must first notify the student-athlete’s current NAIA institution—typically through the athletics director or faculty athletics representative—as required by NAIA rules.
This interpretation aligns with past guidance:
- If a student leaves a voicemail or message indicating interest in transferring, but the NAIA coach does not engage or follow up, there is no requirement to provide notification.
- However, if the institution does intend to act on the contact, they must first complete the notification step.
Bylaw Reference
Article II, Section D, Item 1:
“A coach or another representative of a member institution may respond to a contact by a student-athlete only after the enrolled student-athlete’s institution (athletics director or faculty athletics representative) has been notified as prescribed above.”
Institutional Responsibility: Due Diligence Is Still Required
While this interpretation allows a public post to serve as the athlete’s first contact, NAIA institutions are still required to exercise due diligence before responding.
This includes:
- Verifying the student-athlete’s NAIA affiliation
Public posts often do not clarify whether a student is transferring from an NAIA, NCAA, or other institution. Before any action is taken, the coach or compliance staff must confirm that the student-athlete is enrolled at another NAIA institution, triggering the notification requirement. - Documenting the public post
Schools are encouraged to screenshot or save the social media post, recruiting service listing, or other public declaration. This creates a record of when and how the student initiated contact. - Promptly notifying the current institution
Even if the contact was public, institutions must notify the current NAIA institution before engaging in any transfer discussions. This requirement exists to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the transfer process.
Reminder: The 10-day notification referenced in the bylaws is designed to prevent further transfer conversations until the proper notification is complete.
Final Thoughts
This interpretation helps modernize NAIA transfer rules in light of student-athletes’ evolving use of social media and public recruiting tools. However, NAIA institutions remain responsible for ensuring their contact with prospective transfers is fully compliant.
As always, when in doubt, reach out to NAIA Legislative Services for further guidance.
