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Recruiting Updates 2023
The new recruitment bylaw amendments of Summer 2023 limit when notification is required following contact by an enrolled student to only those students who are enrolled at another NAIA institution and only if the student does not have a written release of some kind from their current institution, and to expand the list of athletic…
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Financial Assistance to Students
The National Office has seen a number of cases recently that have to do with financial assistance violations. In light of this, we want to offer some best practices for coaches and administrators dealing with financial aid topics. Below are a few scenarios we have seen recently that have caused some confusion and resulted in…
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Implications of Letters of Intent
Letters of intents and financial aid statements are becoming more of a hot topic with each passing year. Legislative Services receives several calls a week related to “contracts” or similar documents signed by students with their schools. What is a letter of intent or a financial aid statement? A letter of intent is used by…
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Football Practice Guidelines: Acclimatization, Activity Limits, and FAQs
FB Acclimatization Period (Article I, Section H, Item 6 – Practice) This simplified guide aims to ensure that both coaches and athletes understand the regulations, ensuring safe and compliant football practice sessions. All student-athletes in football must undergo a five-day acclimatization period at the start of practice: Daily Activity Limits Before First Competition Before the…
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NAIA Day-Off Policy for Student-Athletes
Article I, Section H, Item 7 Each institution must establish a written policy providing every student-athlete with one day off per week from athletic participation. Institutions have the autonomy to determine how such policies are defined, implemented and enforced. Each institution’s policy must be published in its student-athlete handbook and on its athletics webpage, and…
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24-Week Season Exception
24-Week Rule and Postseason Participation Overview: The 24-week rule allows each sport 24 weeks between August 1st and May 15th for practice and competition. Each team can have up to three break periods within this 24-week season. Postseason participation, under certain conditions, does not count against these 24 weeks. Key Definitions: 24-Week Rule Exception: Practices…
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24-Week Season: Basics for Coaches
24-Week Season Guidelines A 24-week season during which the institution’s teams (varsity, junior varsity, or freshman) may conduct practices and competitions. Here are a few key points for coaches when establishing the 24-week season: Summer vs. Academic Year Any practices or competitions during the academic year (August 1st through May 15th) must count toward a…
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International Travel and Mission Trips – FAQs
International competition and mission trips offer valuable experiences for institutions and student-athletes, expanding exposure and providing new perspectives. Here are answers to common questions about international travel and mission trips. Team Travel: Q: Does the NAIA restrict when a team can travel and compete internationally?A: No. Teams can compete internationally anytime during the calendar year.…
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Countable Opponents and Scheduling
Countable Opponents and Scheduling Scheduling games can be challenging for coaches and athletic directors. To help, here is a summary of countable opponents, scheduling, and scrimmage rules. Countable Opponent Criteria: Non-Countable Opponents: Scrimmages: Countable Opponent Requirements: By adhering to these guidelines, NAIA institutions can ensure proper competition, accurate records, and compliance with NAIA policies. For…
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Basketball Scheduling Limits
CASEBOOK EXAMPLE – Basketball, Exhibitions, & Frequency of Play In the sport of basketball, an exhibition game will not count towards the total frequency of play limits. Basketball is allowed 28 games with an additional two games that can be filled with scrimmages or exhibitions. However, an exhibition will count towards the calculation of the…