-
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,
-
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.
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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,
-
Acts That Result in Loss of Amateur Standing & Reinstatement
Link to NAIA Bylaws When an NAIA institution receives a notice that a student-athlete might have violated their amateur status, it can raise important questions about next steps. Understanding the roles of the institution, the NAIA Eligibility Center, and the bylaws governing amateurism is key to resolving the matter efficiently and accurately. The Role of