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Concurrent Term vs. Full Withdraw with Second Identification
NEC Interpretation – Concurrent Term vs. Full Withdraw with Second Identification Link to NAIA Bylaws Concurrent Terms – Continuous Enrollment Definition: A concurrent term is a single academic term where a student simultaneously and continuously identifies at two institution by either (A) enrolling in 9 or more credits at an NAIA member institution and at…
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Basics of the 24/36-Hour Rule
A coach-friendly guide to help you confirm academic progress fast, avoid common traps, and know when exceptions apply. Link to NAIA Bylaws Bylaw Intent & Application Common FAQs 24/36-Hour Rule — Identified Student A freshman at an NAIA institution is registered in 10 credits at their institution and two institutional credits at an ouside institution…
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Basics of Freshman Eligibility
Link to NAIA Bylaws An entering freshman is defined as a student who, upon becoming identified with an NAIA institution, has not been previously identified with any institution(s) of higher learning for any two semesters or three quarters (or the equivalent). Entering Freshman Requirements An entering freshman student must be a graduate of an accredited…
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Coach Resource Hub: Understanding Seasons of Competition
Link to NAIA Bylaws Knowing when a student is charged a season of competition (SOC) is critical for roster management, eligibility tracking, and avoiding costly errors. This overview highlights what counts as participation, when the 20% rule applies, and how outside competition factors in. The 20% Rule: When Participation Becomes a Season Under Article V,…
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Coach Resource Hub: Understanding Recruiting, Tryouts, and Prospective Student-Athletes
Navigating recruiting and tryouts can be tricky—especially when it comes to understanding when a student officially becomes identified and how to manage contact across institutions. The following overview outlines the core principles every NAIA coach should know, with links to full Interpretations Library articles for deeper guidance. Link to NAIA Bylaws: Prospective Student-Athlete Definition &…
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Basics of NAIA Seasons of Competition
Article V, Section B, Item 20: Seasons of Competition – Definitions Link to NAIA Bylaws Intercollegiate Contests & 20% Rule Season of Competition defined as: Participation in more than 20% of the maximum allowable number of intercollegiate contests or dates (excluding scrimmages) at an NAIA institution, whether in a varsity, junior varsity or freshman program, during the…
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OCE vs. Violating Amateurism: Knowing the Difference
Link to NAIA Bylaws – Season of Competition Link to NAIA Bylaws Loss of Amateurism When evaluating a student’s competition history, it’s important to understand whether their participation falls under the Outside Competitive Experience (OCE) rule or if it involves a violation of amateur status. While both can result in seasons of competition being charged,…
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Eligibility Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Students
Link to NAIA Bylaws Who is a Post-Baccalaureate Student? A post-baccalaureate student is someone who has already earned a bachelor’s degree and is now: Key Rule Changes from the Bylaw Change ✅ General Eligibility Requirements for ALL Post-Baccalaureate Students To be eligible, the student must: If Pursuing a Second Bachelor’s Degree or Major To compete, the…
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Self-Report Violations
Processing of Eligibility Cases Link to NAIA Bylaws What an Eligibility Case Is Philosophy of Self-Reporting: An Institutional Responsibility How Cases Get Started Who Gets Informed & Information Collected The eligibility chair gathers and shares with the NEC, institution, and NAIA staff: Handling Ineligible Participation Types of Penalties Issued Level of penalties may depend…
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Coach Resource Hub – All Things Amateurism
Link to NAIA Bylaws The NAIA’s amateurism rules protect the integrity of collegiate athletics by ensuring competition remains based on skill and education, not professional status or financial gain. This hub provides coaches and administrators with a quick guide to how amateur standing is defined, what activities are permissible, and what happens when concerns arise.…