NAIA “Season of Competition” Rule Eliminates Need for Medical Hardship Waivers

When it comes to medical hardship waivers, the NAIA has recently taken a different approach.

The NAIA implemented a new “season of competition” rule last year that largely eliminates the need for a Medical Hardship Waiver for an athlete competing for an NAIA sports team.

Under this new rule, the NAIA will only charge a student-athlete with the use of a season of competition if the student-athlete participates in more than 20% of the maximum number of games or dates of competition in their sport.

As an example:

If an NAIA basketball athlete competes in no more than 7 games during a season (regardless of whether the games are at the varsity, junior varsity or freshman squad level), that athlete will not be charged with the use of a “season of competition” during that academic year under the NAIA rules.

If you have questions about this new rule and how it may impact your athlete – or a question about a hardship waiver for an athlete who has transferred to an NAIA program from an NCAA or junior college program – schedule an Eligibility Consult online. You can also call us at 913-766-1235 or send an email to rick@informedathlete.com for more information.