NCAA DI Proposed “5 for 5” Eligibility Model – What You Should Know!

The recent NCAA Compliance Seminar marked my 30th year attending this annual event. Over those three decades, I’ve had a front-row seat to the dramatic changes that have reshaped college athletics and NCAA compliance.

NCAA legislation used to change once each year, with legislation being voted on at the NCAA Convention each January, and then usually taking effect the following August 1.

With the new and evolving governance structure, legislation can be changing up to four times a year, depending upon votes at Cabinet meetings in January, April, June and October.  If action is taken by various NCAA committees, the actions don’t become “Final” until the conclusion of each Cabinet meeting.

Obviously, NCAA rules have been changing frequently over the past few years, and will continue to do so.  Rule changes adopted by Division I can filter down to Divisions II and III, and impact those athletes as well.

By far, the most discussed topic this year at this year’s Compliance Seminar was the NCAA’s proposed new Eligibility Model.  

While many sportswriters and bloggers are referring to the NCAA’s proposed new eligibility concept as a “5 for 5” eligibility rule,” NCAA staff made it clear during a recent seminar that they do not want it described that way. Instead, they emphasized that it should be referred to as an “age-based eligibility model.”

NCAA staff explained that they believe calling it a “5-for-5” model could incorrectly lead athletes to assume they are guaranteed the opportunity to compete in all five years of their college career. They stressed that coaches will still control playing time, and many athletes may not have the opportunity to compete during some seasons of the entire five-year eligibility window.

Staff also noted that the proposal is driven heavily by data.

Research compiled from NCAA Eligibility Center records and Division I roster and academic progress reporting requirements showed that 98% of Division I student-athletes earn their bachelor’s degree within five years or less, with 62% graduating within four years.

In addition, NCAA staff indicated that a final vote by the Division I Cabinet should not be expected on May 22. They said they would be very surprised if a vote occurs before the Cabinet’s June 23-24 meeting.

How This Could Affect Waivers If Passed

Another important point emphasized was the future of waiver opportunities if the proposal is adopted, which many expect will happen. NCAA staff suggested that waivers for additional seasons of eligibility would become extremely limited. Potential waiver opportunities could largely be restricted to situations involving pregnancy, military service, or official religious missions.

Waiver Deadline

While it is a foregone conclusion that there will be lawsuits filed regardless of the final decision as to when this new rule will take effect and which class of athletes it will impact most significantly, NCAA Division I staff reminded about the deadline of July 31 for submission of waivers seeking an extra year of eligibility.

If you have questions about this proposed rule or about the waiver deadline, schedule a confidential Eligibility Consultation online, contact Rick Allen at rick@informedathlete.com or call our office at 913-766-1235.