A common misconception is that the NAIA National Office creates the organization’s rules and bylaws. In reality, the NAIA’s bylaws are created by its membership, with the National Office acting only as a facilitator of the process. The NAIA’s structure includes various levels of rules and regulations, each with unique processes for proposing modifications. By understanding the distinctions between sport rules, policies, and bylaws, members can better navigate the processes for requesting changes.
Types of NAIA Rules and Regulations
Sport Rules
Sport rules govern competition rules specific to each sport. Most NAIA championship sports adhere to the NCAA rule book, with the National Administrative Council (NAC) approving any NAIA-specific modifications. Exceptions include tennis, golf, and competitive cheer and dance, which follow other governing bodies’ rulebooks. The NAIA may also apply general policies to situations not clearly addressed in the sport’s rulebook (e.g., suspensions after ejections).
Examples of Sport Rules:
- In football, eye shields must be clear and not tinted. No medical exceptions allowed. (NCAA Football Rule 1.4.6.c)
- In back-to-back dual matches, tennis lineups may change as long as the order of ability is preserved. (Intercollegiate Tennis Association Rule 1.F.4)
- In baseball, a starter (except the pitcher and designated hitter) may leave and re-enter once, as long as they return in the same batting spot. (NCAA Rule 5.5, with NAIA modification)
How to Make a Sport Rule Change:
- Proposal introduced by a coaches association
- Approved by the National Administrative Council (NAC)
- Becomes an official NAIA sport rule modification
Council Policies
Policies are regulations adopted by the NAIA’s governing councils, such as NAC (National Administrative Council), COP (Council of Presidents), CFAR (Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives), or CSA (Council for Student-Athletes). These address operational areas such as postseason qualification, financial aid limits, and academic policy. Policies are flexible and can be updated by the relevant council with final review by the National Coordinating Committee (NCC).
Examples of Policies:
- A soccer team must play a minimum of 10 countable games to be eligible for postseason selection. (NAC Policy Article V, Section D)
- A football team must be ranked in the top 20 in the final ratings to receive a postseason bid. (NAC Policy Article VII)
- A softball team may award up to 10 full grant-in-aid equivalencies to varsity athletes. (COP Policy Article XII, Section G)
How to Make a Policy Change:
- NAC Policy: Must be approved by the full NAC (quarterly meetings), then finalized by the NCC.
- COP, CFAR, CSA Policies: Coaches associations must route proposals through a National Office liaison, who may elevate it to the appropriate council. Councils decide whether to take action.
Legislation (Bylaws and Constitution)
Legislation refers to any rule found in the NAIA Constitution or Bylaws. These rules primarily address eligibility, academic standing, definitions, and timeframes across all sports. Bylaw changes require a vote by the full NAIA membership during the annual business meeting at the National Convention.
Examples of Legislation:
- Each sport has a 24-week period for all practices and competitions. (Bylaws Article I, Section H, Item 5)
- Football practice may start 24 days before the first allowable game, not earlier than August 1. (Bylaws Article I, Section H)
- Scrimmage scores and statistics may not be officially reported. (Bylaws Article V, Section B, Item 19)
- Student eligibility ends after 10 semesters or 15 quarters of attendance. (Bylaws Article V, Section F, Item 1)
How to Make a Bylaw Change:
- Any council, association, standing committee, or conference can sponsor a proposal.
- Coaches associations must receive co-sponsorship (not from another coaches association).
- Proposals are due to the National Office in January (e.g., January 7, 2025).
- The Constitution and Bylaws Committee reviews all proposals for clarity, accuracy, and conflicts.
- Proposals are published 30 days before Convention for membership review and discussion.
Voting Process:
- Each member institution has one voting delegate at the annual business meeting.
- Bylaw amendments require a simple majority.
- Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds vote.
Recent Legislative Note:
In April 2024, the Council of Presidents passed a resolution endorsing a three-year moratorium on legislation seeking exceptions to “schedule creep” parameters. While the resolution isn’t binding, it strongly discourages further proposals that would expand the defined sport season limits.
Understanding the Legislative and Policy Process
The NAIA’s multi-layered system of sport rules, policies, and legislation empowers member institutions to shape the direction of the association. The process is:
- Initiated by a sponsoring group (e.g., council, conference, standing committee)
- Reviewed by the appropriate council or committee
- Published and distributed for review (30 days prior to Convention)
- Debated and discussed at Convention
- Voted on by institutional delegates
Throughout this process, Legislative Services supports the membership by providing resources, FAQs, and clarification on each proposal’s impact. Members are encouraged to participate in the discussion stages through caucus sessions, straw polls, and constituency feedback.
Conclusion
The NAIA’s democratic governance structure allows members to actively shape the future of college athletics through sport rule modifications, policy development, and legislative amendments. Whether proposing a change to practice start dates, postseason qualification criteria, or eligibility thresholds, the power ultimately rests with the membership.
By understanding how each layer functions—and following the proper channels—members can help ensure that NAIA regulations evolve in step with the needs of student-athletes, coaches, and institutions.
