A frequent question we receive in NAIA Legislative Services is whether a student-athlete’s limited participation at a previous non-NAIA institution—such as a junior college or NCAA school—qualifies under the NAIA’s 20% rule or if a medical hardship can be granted.
The 20% Rule Only Applies to NAIA Participation
Beginning August 1, 2021, the NAIA adopted a new Season of Competition (SOC) bylaw under Article V, Section B, Item 20, which states that:
A student-athlete is not charged a season of competition if they participated in 20% or fewer of the maximum allowable contests in a sport during the academic year.
This rule significantly simplified eligibility determinations and eliminated the need for medical hardship waivers for NAIA student-athletes moving forward. Under this new rule:
- Participation limits are based on the sport’s frequency of play.
- No medical documentation is required to receive an SOC exception under the 20% threshold.
- The rule only applies to students while competing for an NAIA institution.
🛑 Key clarification: If a student-athlete competed at a non-NAIA institution (such as an NCAA school or JUCO), the 20% rule does not apply to that season of participation. Instead, that institution’s policies govern whether the student was charged with a season.
Medical Hardship Requests for Non-NAIA Seasons
While the 20% SOC rule has phased out medical hardship requests for NAIA student-athletes, there is one exception that applies to students transferring into the NAIA:
Exception 4 under Article V, Section B, Item 20 allows a student who suffered a season-ending injury while enrolled at a non-NAIA institution to request a medical hardship through the NAIA.
To be eligible, all the following must be met:
- Medical Incapacity: The student must have been examined by a physician (M.D. or D.O.) during the sport season who confirmed the student was incapacitated and could not continue competition.
- Early Season Injury: The injury must have occurred before the last regular-season contest or postseason competition.
- No Post-Injury Participation: The student must not have competed again after the physician’s evaluation and before receiving written clearance to return.
- Participation Limit: The student must have participated in 20% or fewer of the maximum allowable contests (same numbers as the NAIA’s SOC table).
If the above criteria are met, the institution may submit a medical hardship request to Legislative Services for review.
Bottom Line
- If a student competed at a non-NAIA school, the NAIA does not apply the 20% rule to that participation.
- The student may be eligible to request a medical hardship through the NAIA if the injury occurred at the non-NAIA school and meets Exception 4 standards.
- For seasons beginning August 1, 2021, NAIA student-athletes are no longer eligible to apply for medical hardships due to the more lenient and automatic nature of the 20% rule.
Still Have Questions?
Contact NAIA Legislative Services:
- Email: legislative@naia.org
- Phone: 816.595.8180
- Website: NAIA Legislative Resources
