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Bylaws Pertaining to Eligibility Certification (ECP)
Bylaw Application: Submission of ECP Certificate It is the responsibility of the faculty athletics representative (FAR) at each NAIA member institution to verify the eligibility of every student-athlete before they participate in scrimmages or contests against outside competition. This applies to all NAIA-recognized sports. What Is Included in the ECP Certificate? ✅ NAIA Official Eligibility…
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Due Diligence in Eligibility Certification: What Every Athletic Department Needs to Know
Why It Matters: Eligibility certification isn’t just a box to check — it’s a critical process that protects your institution, your student-athletes, and the integrity of competition. When mistakes happen in this area, the consequences can be significant: lost games, postseason disqualification, and reputational damage. That’s why understanding and practicing due diligence is essential. What…
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2025 Updated NAIA Recruiting Rules: Transfer Declarations and Junior College Contact Expanded
Effective as of April 2025, the NAIA has clarified and updated key recruiting policies that impact how and when institutions may engage with prospective student-athletes. These changes enhance transparency in the transfer process and increase flexibility for institutions recruiting from junior colleges. 🔁 Transfer Intentions via Public Posts Now Considered First Contact The NAIA National…
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Clarifying Transfer Contact Rules: Public Declarations by NAIA Student-Athletes
Approved Interpretation by the NAIA National Eligibility Committee (NEC) In response to a growing number of inquiries regarding student-athletes who publicly declare their intent to transfer—often via social media or recruiting platforms—the NAIA Conduct and Ethics Committee (CEC) and the National Eligibility Committee (NEC) have finalized a formal interpretation to provide clarity for NAIA institutions…
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NAIA Removes Dollar Limits on Non-Intercollegiate Athletic Performance Awards
Updated Amateurism Bylaw Aligns with National Governing Body Standards Link to NAIA Bylaws Effective August 1, 2025, the NAIA has adopted an amendment to Article VII, Section C of its bylaws, removing restrictions on the type and monetary value of awards student-athletes may receive based on place of finish. This bylaw change reflects the NAIA’s…
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NAIA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Policy Overview
Empowering Student-Athletes to Benefit from Their Personal Brand The NAIA has been a leader in supporting student-athlete rights related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). In October 2020, the NAIA became the first collegiate athletics association to permit student-athletes to receive compensation for the use of their NIL. This includes promoting commercial products or enterprises and…
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NAIA 2025-2026 Season Start Dates Practices, Scrimmages, Exhibitions, and Competitions by Sport
Below is a full breakdown by sport, including when teams may begin practices and when official competitions may be held. These dates help ensure fair preparation time and align with academic calendars across member institutions. Sport Practice, Scrimmage & Exhibition Start Date Competition Start Date Baseball Monday, September 1, 2025 or the start of the…
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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
Link to NAIA Bylaws 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. Competition Against Professional TeamsA student-athlete may compete against professional teams…
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Amateurism Reinstatement in the NAIA
Reinstatement Application Procedures Link to NAIA Bylaws 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 Reinstatement Conditions To regain amateur status,…