Link to NAIA Bylaws
Introduction
The NAIA establishes clear limits on the number and types of contests student-athletes and teams may participate in each season. These limits ensure fairness, protect student well-being, and maintain consistency across institutions. Every sport has a defined maximum number of varsity games or playing dates listed in the NAIA Handbook, and junior varsity or freshman contests cannot exceed those varsity limits. Competitions are categorized as countable or non-countable, each carrying implications for statistics, records, and postseason eligibility. Once a contest begins, its designation—whether a game, scrimmage, or exhibition—is final and cannot be changed retroactively. The sections below explain how these designations work, sport-specific exceptions, and how to interpret frequency of play rules across different types of competition.
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Basics of Frequency of Play & Scheduling
Contest limits, countable vs. non-countable opponents, and student/varsity limits.
Contest Limits Countable Opponents Read article →Browse the tag →
Definitions
Frequency of Play: Types of Competitions
How “games / contests / playing dates” + additional scrimmage allowances are defined.
Types Scrimmage Dates Read article →
Scrimmages
Contest Limits: Scheduling More Scrimmages
If you’re under the max contests, when/how you can add scrimmages.
Article I, Section H Read article →
Update (Fall 2024)
Additional Scrimmage Dates & New Bylaw Amendment
Added flexibility on when additional scrimmages/dates may be played.
Bylaw Update Read article →
Basics of NAIA Scrimmage Rules & Guidelines
Common Q&A (multiple scrimmages in one day, exceeding limits, etc.).
Quick Answers Read article → Browse the tag →
Exhibitions in the NAIA
Non-NAIA Opponents & Exhibitions
When exhibitions count toward FOP, and how stats/records are handled. One exhibition per season.
Article I, Section H Read article →Browse the tag →
Basketball Scheduling Limits (Exhibitions & FOP)
How exhibitions interplay with the 28-game basketball limit and scrimmage allowances.
Basketball Case Example Read article →
