NAIA “Season of Competition” Rule Is Used to Approve Medical Hardship Waivers
While the NCAA uses medical hardship waivers, the NAIA has a different approach for their student-athletes who have a season-ending injury, physical illness or mental health condition.
In those situations, the NAIA uses a “season of competition” rule for student–athletes who compete in no more than the permissible number of games in their sport.
Under this 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 baseball or softball athlete competes in no more than 10 games during this season AND doesn’t compete in any post-season games (even if they are still under 10 games total) that athlete will not be charged with the use of a “season of competition” under the NAIA rules.
Do you Have Questions?
If you have questions about this 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 a junior college program – schedule a confidential Eligibility Consult online. You can also call us at 913-766-1235 or send an email to rick@informedathlete.com for more information.
