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Effective May 1, 2026 | Removal of Repeat Courses for Fall 2026 and Beyond
At the 2025 NAIA National Convention, the membership approved Bylaw Amendment 25-B-08, which removes the NAIA’s definition of repeat coursework and eliminates corresponding restrictions on eligibility. This shift will change how repeat courses are treated when determining a student-athlete’s academic eligibility. 🚨 What’s Changing? Previously, the NAIA defined what qualified as a “repeat course” and…
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Acts Permitted by NAIA Amateur Code
Knowing what an athlete is allowed to do and still be considered an amateur athlete will help protect the student’s eligibility status within the NAIA. For information on how athletes who have lost their amateurism status, click here for the amateurism reinstatement process. Professional Teams A student may tryout during a professional camp, as long as the…
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Amateurism Reinstatement
The National Coordinating Committee (NCC) reviews all amateur reinstatement requests for student-athletes seeking to regain eligibility to compete in NAIA athletics. This guide outlines the rules, procedures, and case studies to help understand the reinstatement process. Reasons for Loss of Amateur Status Student-athletes may lose amateur status for reasons including: Even if amateur status is…
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Notice of Possible Amateurism Issues
When an NAIA institution receives a notice that a student-athlete might have violated their amateur status, it can raise important questions about next steps. Understanding the roles of the institution, the NAIA Eligibility Center, and the bylaws governing amateurism is key to resolving the matter efficiently and accurately. The Role of the NAIA Eligibility Center…
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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…