NAIA member schools are set to vote November 4 on a major shift in the Association’s eligibility requirements.
The proposals, introduced in April by the Path Forward Task Force at the annual NAIA convention, would eliminate the current four-year eligibility rule in favor of one of two new competition models.
The first proposal would allow for five seasons of eligibility in 10 academic terms. The change would extend progress to degree requirements to a fifth season and would remove medical redshirts from the eligibility model. The decision to move forward with this proposal was made September 28.
The second proposal included a five-year clock which would begin either at the time of a student-athlete’s full-time academic enrollment or following a student-athlete’s 19th birthday. This have replaced NAIA season and term limits. The second model would have done away with seasons of competition requirements and significantly limited cases to extend athletic eligibility.
The model under consideration would require 96 credits to be completed to be eligible for a fifth season of athletic eligibility.
Internal surveys indicate strong support for a five-year eligibility model with 56% of those surveyed preferring the five-in-10 model and 26% expressing support for a one that begins from institutional enrollment. There is also overwhelming member support for this rule to be effective during the 2027-2028 academic year.
The proposed change for NAIA institutions follows updated NCAA Division I and Division II eligibility requirements that allow for a fifth year of eligibility for student-athletes beginning in the academic year following their 19th birthday or their college enrollment, whichever comes first. This came into effect in the 2026-27 academic year.
If adopted by NAIA members, the new eligibility model would be effective May 1, 2027 and would be applicable beginning in the 2027-28 academic year.
