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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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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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20% Season of Competition Rule
Effective: August 1, 2021 a. 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 24-week season. Any participation in NAIA-approved postseason shall result in a season of competition. The NAIA shall count