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 institutions alike.
What Changed?
The revised bylaw (Article V, Section B, Item 20b) states that a student will be charged a season of competition for participating in any professional-level event on or after the 13th month following high school graduation. “Professional-level” is defined by specific criteria tied to how a team, league, or event identifies itself and whether participants receive payment or reimbursement beyond actual expenses.
What Is Considered Professional-Level Competition?
A student will be charged if their non-collegiate competition meets any of the following:
- Team or League (All Sports): The team or league declares itself as professional.
- Semi-Professional Designation + Payment: The team/league declares itself as semi-professional and one or more teams in the league pay or reimburse athletes beyond actual expenses (travel, meals, lodging).
- Individual Sports: If a student competes in a division, series, or heat that is declared as professional or semi-professional, they will be charged.
The new rule eliminates the former “elite-level” criteria used prior to May 1, 2022.
Key Considerations
- No Retroactive Application: Seasons previously charged under the old elite-level criteria will not be reversed.
- Directory of Competition Update: The number of chargeable entries has been significantly reduced under the new criteria.
- Outside Competitive Experience Review: Review this article for guidance on filling out the OCE form through certification and ECP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this mean students can no longer participate in competitive summer leagues?
A: Not necessarily. Most summer or club leagues will not meet the professional-level threshold. Students should avoid leagues that declare themselves as professional or semi-pro and involve payment beyond basic expenses.
Q: How do we know if an athlete’s prior league paid participants?
A: Ask the student and request documentation. If a lump sum payment was received, compare it to typical expenses (meals, lodging, travel). Anything above that may trigger a charge.
Q: My student ran in a community marathon with pro runners. Will that be charged?
A: Only if the student competed in a professional or semi-professional heat/division. General public or amateur divisions are not chargeable.
Q: Can a student be charged under this rule but still maintain amateurism?
A: Yes. Being charged a season under OCE does not automatically violate amateur status under NAIA bylaws.
Q: Who makes the determination?
A: The Eligibility Center makes the decision for students going through eligibility review. For students certified on campus, it is the responsibility of the AD, FAR, coach, and registrar.
Where to Learn More
- PlayNAIA > Resources > Eligibility Rules > Competitive Experience
- Review the updated Directory of Competition
- Outside Competitive Experience Review Form
- Contact Legislative Services or the Eligibility Center with specific cases
