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Basics of a Transfer
NAIA Bylaw Definition Transfer: A student who becomes identified with an NAIA institution after having previously been identified with a two- or four-year institution of higher learning. Transfer students must complete the official NAIA Transfer Player Eligibility Statement prior to their first participation at the NAIA institution no matter how long ago the transfer occurred.
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Basics of Prospective Student-Athlete
What is a Potential Student-Athlete? NAIA Bylaws – DefinitionA prospective student is any individual who has never been identified with a collegiate institution, or whose most recent identification was with another institution. Under NAIA rules (Article V, Section B, Item 8), an individual remains a prospective student until they are officially identified with an NAIA
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Basics of Financial Aid, Assistance & Benefits
Article II, Section B Financial Assistance Link to NAIA Bylaws Assignment of scholarships, grants in aid, or student loans shall be controlled by the faculty through the regularly constituted committee on student loans and scholarships. Financial Aid and Benefits Item 1. Institutionally Provided Financial Aid and Benefits Item 2. Athletically Related Expenses Item 3. Financial
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Basics of DOI
Declaration of Intent to Participate in NAIA Postseason Competition Link to NAIA Bylaws Annual Declaration of Intent (DOI) What is it? Bylaws Amendment 25-B-05 | Effective April 7, 2025To undeclare a team without penalty, institutions must now act at least four weeks before the sport’s conference qualification deadline — not the postseason start date. What is the
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Basics of Practice
Definition of Practice Link to NAIA bylaw Practice is defined as an activity organized and/or directed by a member of the coaching staff in which appropriate equipment is used, or instruction and/or evaluation of the athlete takes place. This includes activities where coaches are present, organizing, or evaluating athletes. Conditioning Approved Ruling: Conditioning and weight-training
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Basics of Frequency of Play & Scheduling
Link to NAIA Bylaws Game and Contest Limits The maximum number of varsity games, contests or playing dates an institution may schedule is listed in the NAIA handbook. Game & Contest Limits Countable Competition: Holds a specific definition under NAC policy (see back of handbook). Countable competitions count towards the FOP limits and will count towards statistics,
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Basics of NAIA Scrimmage Rules and Guidelines
Definition of a Scrimmage Link to NAIA Bylaws definition A scrimmage is defined as competition against competitors not identified with the institution when: Scrimmages shall not be allowed in the following intercollegiate sports: competitive cheer, competitive dance, cross country, golf, swimming and diving, indoor and outdoor track and field, and wrestling. Scrimmage Limits Link to
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Understanding the Outside Competitive Experience (OCE) Rule: What Counts as a Season of Competition?
Effective May 1, 2022, the NAIA adopted an important change to how student-athletes are charged seasons of competition for participation outside of intercollegiate athletics. The change—part of the work of the Competitive Experience Committee—raises the standard from “elite-level” competition to “professional-level” participation. This shift is designed to improve fairness, clarity, and transparency for students and
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Does the 20% Rule Apply at Non-NAIA Schools? What You Need to Know About Season of Competition and Medical Hardships
A frequent question we receive in NAIA Legislative Services is whether a student-athlete’s limited participation at a previous non-NAIA institution—such as a junior college or NCAA school—qualifies under the NAIA’s 20% rule or if a medical hardship can be granted. The 20% Rule Only Applies to NAIA Participation Beginning August 1, 2021, the NAIA adopted
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From Emerging to Invitational: What Happens Next in a Sport’s Growth Path?
When a new sport begins to take hold across NAIA campuses, it may progress through three formal stages: Emerging, Invitational, and finally, Championship status. As more institutions sponsor the sport and seek postseason opportunities, the sport becomes eligible for elevation, first to Invitational and eventually to Championship status. Recent NAC-approved policy changes have streamlined the