Understanding NAIA’s Legislative and Policy Process: Proposals, Reviews, and Voting
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. If a change is requested within a sport, coaches can bring forward the proposal at the sport’s annual coaches meeting. After approval by the coaches association, the request proceeds to the NAC for final review, where a decision is made regarding implementation in the next season. Example: If men’s basketball coaches wish to change the timing system from two 20-minute halves to four 10-minute quarters, the coaches association would need to approve the proposal, which would then be reviewed by the NAC at their next meeting for final approval.
- Policy: Each NAIA council oversees its own policy area, which can impact a wide range of aspects, from postseason guidelines (NAC) and financial aid limits (Council of Presidents) to academic eligibility (Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives). Councils may receive policy modification requests from their respective groups, with voting conducted internally. The National Coordinating Committee (NCC) ultimately votes on proposed policy changes at the annual convention to decide if they will be adopted. Example: If men’s wrestling wishes to adjust the financial aid limits for their sport, this proposal would be submitted to the Council of Presidents, as financial aid limits fall under their policy jurisdiction.
- Bylaws and Constitution: Published annually in the NAIA Handbook, the bylaws primarily address eligibility requirements, continuing eligibility, and definitions that affect all NAIA sports. Proposals for bylaw amendments or constitutional changes must be submitted to the National Office well in advance of the annual business meeting at the National Convention. A council or standing committee can submit a bylaw amendment without a co-sponsor, but other groups, such as coaches associations, require a co-sponsor.The Constitution and Bylaws Committee reviews each proposal for clarity, consistency, and alignment with current regulations. They ensure proposals do not conflict with existing language and assess implementation timelines, which generally default to the following academic year but may be extended if significant adjustments, such as freshmen eligibility requirements, are involved. Bylaw amendments require a membership vote at the annual meeting, with each institution allowed one voting delegate. Example: A proposal to extend the 24-week competitive season to 26 weeks to accommodate early fall competitions (e.g., soccer, volleyball, football) would be processed as a bylaw amendment.
Proposing and Sponsoring Legislation
To initiate a bylaw amendment, a proposal must be sponsored by an authorized group, such as an NAIA council, standing committee, association, or affiliated conference. While councils and standing committees can submit proposals independently, conferences and associations require co-sponsorship from another eligible body. Notably, a proposal sponsored by a coaches association cannot receive co-sponsorship from another coaches association. Proposals must be submitted to the National Office a set number of days before the annual business meeting.
After submission, the Constitution and Bylaws Committee reviews each proposal to ensure clarity and alignment with NAIA regulations. If additional clarification is needed, the committee consults with the original sponsor to adjust the proposal before it is published for membership review. Thirty days before the annual meeting, all proposed amendments are made available online, allowing members time to review and consider each proposal’s potential impact.
Legislative Services and Voting at Convention
Legislative Services supports members by providing FAQs and other resources that clarify each proposal’s implications. At the convention, proposals are formally presented, accompanied by insights from the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. This stage allows members to discuss and evaluate the proposals, both within specific constituency groups and as a larger body, ensuring a comprehensive examination from multiple perspectives.
During the convention, groups often conduct straw polls or caucuses to gauge opinions on each proposal, which are shared with the broader membership. At the annual business meeting, official voting occurs, with each member institution represented by a single voting delegate. Proposed amendments to the NAIA Constitution require a two-thirds majority vote, while bylaw amendments require a simple majority to pass. Once voted on, any approved legislation is published on the NAIA Legislative Services webpage and incorporated into the NAIA Handbook.
Conclusion
The NAIA’s multi-level legislative process exemplifies a member-driven approach to governance. By working collaboratively through proposals, reviews, discussions, and votes, the NAIA membership ensures that sport rules, policies, and bylaws reflect the collective needs and goals of the organization. This democratic process, supported by the National Office, provides a structured and comprehensive framework for implementing change across NAIA institutions.
