-
Do You Convert Credits for the 24/36-Hour Rule or the Progress Rule?
When a student transfers from an institution with a different academic calendar (semester, quarter, or trimester), it’s important to know which eligibility rules allow for credit conversion and which do not. The 24/36-Hour Rule Credits are never converted.For purposes of the 24/36-Hour Rule, all credits are taken at face value exactly as they appear on
-
Certification Resource Hub
Your “start here” page for NAIA eligibility certification articles: ECP basics, mid-year timing, FAR roles, and high-risk pitfalls. Bylaws Pertaining to Eligibility Certification (ECP) Core requirements of the Official Eligibility Certificate & required records (ECP fundamentals). What’s in the ECP packet (Official Eligibility Certificate, Certificate of Clearance, Transfer Player Eligibility Statement, OCE form) and who
-
30-Day Recertification Window
Link to NAIA Bylaws Article V, Section C, Item 14 A student who is eligible the last day of a term (as reported on the institution’s official academic calendar) may retain eligibility until midnight of the 30th calendar day following the close of a term to allow an institution time to recertify eligibility through the
-
Coach Resource Hub – Frequency of Play, Scrimmages & Exhibitions
Link to NAIA Bylaws Introduction The NAIA establishes clear limits on the number and types of contests student-athletes and teams may participate in each season. These limits ensure fairness, protect student well-being, and maintain consistency across institutions. Every sport has a defined maximum number of varsity games or playing dates listed in the NAIA Handbook,
-
Exhibition vs. Scrimmage: What’s the Difference?
Exhibitions in the NAIA Definition of an Exhibition – link to NAIA bylaws An exhibition is defined as competition against competitors not identified with the institution, provided all of the following apply: Difference Between an Exhibition and a Scrimmage Exhibition Scrimmage Competition against non-NAIA opponents. Competition against competitors not identified with the institution. NAIA teams are
-
Coach Resource Hub – 24-Week Season, Practice & Scheduling
24-Week Season Guidelines Link to NAIA Bylaws Each sport is allowed 24 weeks between August 1st and May 15th of each academic year for practice and competition. Each team is permitted three break periods within this 24-week season, which include scheduled institutional breaks if no practice or competition is conducted. Key Points: Start Here Basics
-
Eligibility Certification for Spring Postseason
When certifying for the second semester or the second or third quarter of the academic year, each institution has until the 30th day following the close of the preceding term to certify students. Following the 30-day window, all students must be certified as eligible before participation may occur. Please refer to this article on mid-year certification for more
-
Understanding Certification – Bylaw Application
Submission of NAIA Official Eligibility Certificates Link to NAIA Handbook Bylaw Application: Submission of ECP Certificate It shall be the responsibility of the faculty athletics representative of each member institution to check the eligibility of each student prior to allowing the student to represent the institution in any manner (i.e. scrimmages, intercollegiate contests) against competitors
-
Basics of Recruiting
Recruitment Policies in the NAIA Link to NAIA Bylaws 1. Recruitment of an Enrolled Student-Athlete Casebook Example: Closed Institutions and Discontinued Sports: Coach-to-Coach Contact Is Not Sufficient Notification Requirements – Who Needs It Understanding Releases Only ADs Can Issue Releases Releases Are Optional Initiating Contact with Non-NAIA or Former NAIA Athletes Transfer Portal Status Is
-
Basics of Campus Visits & Tryouts
Campus Visits and Tryouts for Prospective Students Link to NAIA Bylaws The NAIA has specific guidelines to ensure a fair and balanced approach towards campus visits and tryouts for prospective student-athletes. Here’s a simplified breakdown: Key Principles for Campus Visits Guidelines for Tryouts Casebook Examples Tryouts with Prospective Students: See this article for further information! Tryouts