Exhibitions in the NAIA
Definition of an Exhibition – link to NAIA bylaws
An exhibition is defined as competition against competitors not identified with the institution, provided all of the following apply:
- The competition does not meet the definition of a scrimmage.
- The competition is noted as an Exhibition on the institutional schedule.
- The competition is against a non-NAIA opponent.
- Exhibition contests count toward a team’s frequency of play (FOP) limits.
- They do not count for team statistics, win/loss records, or coaching records.
- They will count toward a student’s 20% participation threshold (Season of Competition rule).
- Each NAIA institution is generally limited to one exhibition per season, with the exception of basketball (see below).
Difference Between an Exhibition and a Scrimmage
| Exhibition | Scrimmage |
|---|---|
| Competition against non-NAIA opponents. | Competition against competitors not identified with the institution. NAIA teams are permissible. |
| Must be listed on the institutional schedule as an Exhibition. | Excluded from online schedule, or, if listed, must be noted as a Scrimmage on the institutional schedule. |
| Scores/stats may exist, but they do not count toward NAIA stats or records. | No scores or statistics can be reported (not even on websites or social media). |
| Counts toward a team’s FOP limit and a student’s 20% rule. | Counts toward FOP limit but does not charge a season of competition by itself. |
| Generally, one per season (sport-specific exceptions apply). | Sports have defined limits (e.g., two additional scrimmages beyond varsity limits; some sports prohibit scrimmages entirely). |
Exhibitions and Scrimmages in Basketball
Basketball has a special application of the exhibition/scrimmage rules:
- Multiple exhibitions are permitted in basketball.
- However, the combined total of games, exhibitions, and scrimmages cannot exceed 30 contests.
- Exhibitions in basketball do not count as varsity games, which makes them distinct from other sports.
- Importantly, while exhibitions do not count toward the 28-contest team limit, they do count toward an individual student’s 20% participation limit for season-of-competition purposes.
Key Contrast with Scrimmages in Basketball:
- Scrimmages (with no stats reported) are permitted within standard limits.
- Like exhibitions, scrimmages also do not count as varsity games.
- Both exhibitions and scrimmages reduce pressure on frequency of play counts, but only exhibitions allow for stat-tracked play against outside opponents, whereas scrimmages must remain stat-free.
