1. Brenda Blackburn & Krishna Lee NAIA Legislative Services
Eligibility 2.0:
Advanced Applications
Brenda Blackburn & Krishna Lee
NAIA Legislative Services

2. Today’s Focus: Applications and Intricacies
Academic Eligibility
Athletic Experience
Transfer Situations
Campus Responsibilities
Eligibility Forms & Documents

3. From our Eligibility Basics Presentation we learned:
Who needs to register with the Eligibility Center
What the EC reviews
What the EC does not review

4. Eligibility Center: Reactivation
Reactivation: The process by which the NAIA Eligibility Center provides an updated eligibility determination.
Reactivation is determined based on the NAIA Eligibility Center Situation Analysis. Reactivation is required:
“Not eligible” determination
“Eligible”, no competition, break in enrollment
“Eligible”, no competition, transfer
Registration, no NAIA enrollment
“Eligible” in sport A, subject to Competitive Experience Rule, competition in sport B before competition in sport A.

5. Term of Attendance, Identification, and everything in between…

6. Academic Eligibility: Terms of Attendance vs. Inter-Term
Article V, Section B, Item 19
Article I, Section M
Academic Eligibility:
Terms of Attendance vs. Inter-Term
TOA is any term (excluding summer sessions, inter-terms) in which the student becomes identified with an institution.
Inter-term
Not a term of attendance
Student can identify by enrolling in 3/4 of normal academic load
Note: use 2/3 if inter-term courseload is divisible by 3
Participation
Establishing residency
Things to think about when choosing Inter-term certification
The time in which you certify is important to consider!

7. Default = Option a: Stand Alone
Article I, Section M
Academic Eligibility:
Inter-term & Recertification
Option a. Stand Alone
Inter-term is not attached to a term of attendance.
Recertify at end of Fall term and inter-term
Option b. Attach to First Term
Recertify at end of inter-term
Ineligible Fall students cannot gain eligibility until end of inter-term
Option c. Attach to Spring Term
Recertify at end of Fall term
Students who become ineligible at end of Fall terms cannot gain eligibility until end of Spring term
Default = Option a: Stand Alone

8. Academic Eligibility: Identification
Article V, Section B, Item 8
Academic Eligibility:
Identification
Identification: The association between the student-athlete and institution as recognized by the NAIA.
Two ways to identify with an institution:
Participation in an intercollegiate contest
Enrollment in 12 institutional credit hours as noted on the student’s official transcript
There is a Freshman Exception for courses that do not meet institutional credit hour definition.

9. Academic Eligibility: Institutional Credit Hours
Article V, Section B, Item 9
Academic Eligibility:
Institutional Credit Hours
Definition: Any credit hour attributed to a course that is recorded on the transcript with a grade and credit hours earned.
Note new proposed legislation (16-B-06) which will not allow for earned credit hours with a grade of an F or equivalent to be applied to 24/36 Hour Rule or Progress Rule.

10. Identification: Freshman Exception Article V, Section B, Item 8
An entering freshman will identify with an institution during the student’s first two semesters/ three quarter terms:
Participation in an intercollegiate contest
Enrollment in 12 credit hours as noted on the student’s official transcript.
Exception allows for remedial/ developmental courses

11. Academic Eligibility: Identification & Prospective Students
Article V, Section B, Item 8
Academic Eligibility:
Identification & Prospective Students
Prospective Student: A student-athlete remains a prospective student until they meet the definition of Identification.
A Prospective Student-Athlete must identify first with an institution to allow for:
Practice and compete with an institution’s team during the summer (May 16th- July 31st).
Practice and compete prior to the start of the institution’s academic term or between regular academic terms (inter-term).

12. Identification: 21 Day Withdraw
Article V, Section F, Item 3
Identification:
21 Day Withdraw
If a student identified with an institution officially withdraws from that institution within 21 calendar days and returns at a later date- student will not be charged a term of attendance for the term in which the student originally withdrew.
21 calendar days as defined by the official opening date of classes as stated in the institutional catalog
Student cannot become identified with another institution during this time period
21 Day withdraw period can apply to any institution of higher education (not just NAIA institutions)

13. 21 Day Withdraw & Academic Eligibility
Article V, Section F, Item 4
Identification:
21 Day Withdraw & Academic Eligibility
Student identifies with institution and totally withdraws within 21 calendar days and subsequently becomes identified at an NAIA institution after remaining out of school for two full consecutive semesters (or equivalent)
The term will not count in application of Nine-Hour Rule or 24/36-Hour Rule
But if student participates during the 21 days before withdrawing- the transfer rule will apply and the term will be counted in application of the Nine-Hour Rule or 24/36-Hour Rule
Student will be charged a TOA regardless

14. Academic Eligibility Benchmarks

15. Academic Eligibility: 12-Hour Enrollment
Article V, Section C, Item 3
Academic Eligibility:
12-Hour Enrollment
To compete in any term, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 institutional credit hours.

16. Academic Eligibility: Entering Freshman Requirements
Article V, Section C, Item 2
Academic Eligibility:
Entering Freshman Requirements
A student is considered an entering freshman until he/she has identified with a post-secondary institution of higher education for at least 2 semesters/3 quarters (or equivalent).
Freshman must meet 2 out of 3 requirements:
2.0 Cumulative GPA
Finish in top half of the student’s graduating class
Minimum standardized test scores of:
18 on the ACT; or
860 on the SAT (Math & Reading only)
Early determination are available after a student’s 6th and/or 7th semesters of high school.

17. Academic Eligibility: Entering Freshman Requirements
Article V, Section C, Item 2
Academic Eligibility:
Entering Freshman Requirements
2.0 Cumulative GPA Requirement
Multiple GPAs:
If multiple GPAs exist on the transcript, the Eligibility Center will use the GPA used to determine class rank
If multiple ranks exist, the EC will use the rank for determining the valedictorian
If the selection for a valedictorian does not exist, the EC will use weighted over unweighted rank
If the school does not rank their students but offer Academic GPA vs. Overall GPA:
Use Overall GPA
(Academic GPA: typically does not include activity or elective classes)

18. Academic Eligibility: Entering Freshman Requirements
Article V, Section C, Item 2
Academic Eligibility:
Entering Freshman Requirements
Class Rank Requirement
Only accept class rank calculated after 8th semester of high school
Multiple Class Ranks:
If there are multiple variations of class rank:
Use rank used to determine valedictorian
If no class rank appears on the transcript:
Can accept a letter from the principal/headmaster certifying student graduated in top 50%
Attention! Important legislation up for voting!
16-B-07: expanded definition of who can sign/provide class rank letters
16-B-08: expanded definition of a high school’s final class rank

19. Academic Eligibility: Entering Freshman Requirements
Article V, Section C, Item 2
Academic Eligibility:
Entering Freshman Requirements
Standardized Test Scores
“Super Scores” not accepted
SAT: Critical Reading and Math section only; Writing section not applicable
Must be earned prior to start of semester to be used for eligibility
Vacated Scores:
No longer count toward eligibility requirement
If student has already participated, does not constitute ineligible participation

20. Academic Eligibility: 2nd Term Freshman
Article V, Section C, Item 5
Academic Eligibility:
2nd Term Freshman
To participate in the student’s second TOA, the student must:
Have met entering freshman requirements (2 of 3); and
Have earned at least 9 credits prior to the second term

21. Academic Eligibility: Continuing Eligibility
Article V, Section C, Item 6
Article V, Section C, Item 7
Article V, Section C, Item 9
Academic Eligibility:
Continuing Eligibility
24|36-Hour Rule:
Intention of bylaw- passing coursework and earning credits in a manner consistent with the expectations for a full time student.
Bylaw focuses on terms of attendance and earning required credits over previous 2 semester/3 quarter TOA.
Progress Rule:
Intention of bylaw- earning credits so that one’s academic achievement aligns with one’s athletic experience.
Bylaw focuses on seasons of competition and earning expected credits prior to the start of the next SOC.

22. Academic Eligibility: 24|36-Hour Rule Exceptions
Article V, Section C, Item 6
Exceptions on page 53
Academic Eligibility:
24|36-Hour Rule Exceptions
Exception 1. Student participation and withdrawal
Student identifies with institution by participating before school begins.
TOA will not apply to 24/36 hour rule if enrollment does not show on transcript after leaving institution.
Exception 2. AA Degree from a Junior College
No more than 5 semester/7 quarter TOAs used at Junior College
Passed all hours required for graduation in term of graduation
Less than 24 hours needed in last 2 semesters/3 quarters

23. Attention! Important legislation up for voting!
Article V, Section C, Item 6
Exceptions on page 53
Academic Eligibility:
24|36-Hour Rule Exceptions
Exception 3. First term student initially competes in any intercollegiate sport
Provided the student has not previously participated in any intercollegiate sport at any institution.
If student is within first 4 semester/ 6 quarter TOAs: freshman eligibility requirements may be used instead (new legislation).
If student completes 4 semesters/ 6 quarter TOAs: cumulative 2.0 GPA on 4.0 scale may be used instead.
Attention! Important legislation up for voting!
16-B-09: removes restriction that students must have satisfied freshman eligibility requirements at the initial point of collegiate identification

24. Academic Eligibility: 24|36-Hour Rule
Article V, Section C, Item 6
Academic Eligibility:
24|36-Hour Rule
Transfers/Mixed-Terms:
If a student has mixed terms (quarter and semester):
Credits always taken at face value
Never convert
Always based on original transcript
Unless student has three consecutive quarter TOAs, always use the two most recent TOAs
For previous two terms, students needs 24 hours
Example: Semester / Quarter / Quarter

25. Academic Eligibility: Progress Rule
Article V, Section C, Item 9
Academic Eligibility:
Progress Rule
To compete in a student’s 2nd SOC:
24 semester / 36 quarter institutional credits accumulated
To compete in a student’s 3rd SOC:
48 semester / 72 quarter institutional credits accumulated
To compete in a student’s 4th SOC:
72 semester / 108 quarter institutional credits accumulated.
Of the total credits: 48 semester / 72 quarter credits must be general education and/or major institutional credits accumulated

26. Academic Eligibility: Progress Rule
Article V, Section C, Item 9
Academic Eligibility:
Progress Rule
Incoming Transfers
First term of identification
Take all past transcripts at face value
Check for institutional credit hours, not just cumulative total
Second term of identification
Hours will be determined based on institution’s transcript
Credits will depend on what the institution allowed to transfer
Tip: Think ahead to prevent problems from loss of hours

27. Academic Eligibility: 24/36 Hour & Progress Rule: FAQ’s
Article V, Section C, Item 6
Article V, Section C, Item 9
Academic Eligibility:
24/36 Hour & Progress Rule: FAQ’s
Timing of Credits
Credits must be earned prior to the term in which the student wishes to compete
Cannot use mini-course within a TOA to earn eligibility
(For 24/36 hour rule) Cannot use summer credits if credits earned are prior to the first of the two terms of attendance.
Summer Credits
Student who transfers to NAIA institution has 3 credits of D work taken over the summer from JC- can these be used to satisfy requirement? YES- even if school will not accept them as transfer credit
Student who attended NAIA institution, took 3 credits at JC over the summer and received a D, can he use these to satisfy requirement? ONLY if the institution accepts D work as transfer credit

28. Academic Eligibility: Repeat Course Rule
Article V, Section C, Item 12
Academic Eligibility:
Repeat Course Rule
A repeat course is defined as a course previously passed with a grade of “D” or better in any term, summer or non-term, and subsequently retaken.
Repeat courses previously passed with a grade of “D” in the initial attempt and retaken, earning a grade of “C” or better, shall be considered toward satisfying the 24/36-Hour Rule.
Repeat courses previously passed with a grade of “D” in the initial attempt and retaken, earning a grade of “D”, cannot count towards 24/36-Hour Rule. Only the initial attempt shall be considered.
Excludes:
Failed classes
Classes for which student did not receive any credit
One repeat course earned with a “D” may be counted towards 12-Hour Enrollment Rule.

29. Academic Eligibility: 2.0 GPA Requirement
Article V, Section C, Items 8 & 9
Academic Eligibility:
2.0 GPA Requirement
Junior academically and/or 3rd Season of Competition, or
Senior Academically and/or 4th Season of Competition
Calculating GPA
First TOA at your institution: cumulative GPA from all transcripts
Total Quality Points achieved
Total GPA Hrs. attempted
After initial TOA at your institution: use institution's cumulative GPA policy for all students
Retention/Graduation GPA is only used if it is the only GPA
If multiple “cumulative GPAs” appear, use whichever GPA institution uses to determine honors, graduation, etc.

30. Academic Eligibility: Military Service Exception
Article V, Section C, Items 8 & 9
Academic Eligibility:
Military Service Exception
When released from military service, immediately eligible if enroll in 12 institutional credit hours
Minimum 1+ year of continuous active duty
Applies first 2 semester/3 quarters terms following release from active duty
To retain eligibility in 2nd term:
24/36 hours in last 2 semester/3 quarter TOAs, OR
For 2nd term students, earn 9 hours in immediately previous TOA
SOC Exception: No SOC charged if representing military (base or intra-military team) in non-intercollegiate competition
Can apply to students still serving actively.

31. Academic Eligibility: Suspensions
Article V, Sections D, Item 5
Academic Eligibility:
Suspensions
Student dismissed/expelled or suspended for any reason, including athletic dept. policy:
Student must sit 2 semesters/3 quarters of residency at a four-year institution
Or at a two-year institution if dismissal/expulsion or suspension occurred in the students first two semester/three quarter terms of attendance at a two-year institution
Fulfill terms/period of original suspension
Exception: Not required if:
Suspension was academic but student-athlete meets NAIA rules, AND
not played college sports for 1 calendar year from suspension
Note:
Violation of team rules ≠ institutional athletic dept policy
Misconduct in competition suspension must be served at NAIA school before competing

32. Athletic Eligibility: Seasons of Competition
Article V, Section B, Item 18
Athletic Eligibility:
Seasons of Competition

33. Athletic Eligibility: Seasons of Competition
Article V, Section B, Item 18
Athletic Eligibility:
Seasons of Competition
A student may compete in 4 SOC that include a combination of:
Intercollegiate competition
Varsity and subvarsity (JV and/or freshman)
Transfer students’ SOC are determined by previous association
Non-collegiate competition (elite-level)
Participation in leagues or experiences that meet the evaluative criteria for determining a chargeable league.
PSAY – 12 month “grace period” after high school.

34. Athletic Eligibility: Seasons of Competition
Article V, Section B, Item 18
Athletic Eligibility:
Seasons of Competition
A student may compete in 4 SOC that include a combination of:
Intercollegiate competition
Varsity and subvarsity (JV and/or freshman)
Transfer students’ SOC are determined by previous association
Non-collegiate competition (elite-level)
Participation in leagues or experiences that meet the evaluative criteria for determining a chargeable league.
PSAY – 12 month “grace period” after high school.

35. Athletic Eligibility: Non-Collegiate Competition
Article V, Section B, Item 18(b)
Athletic Eligibility:
Non-Collegiate Competition
12-Month Window
In general, a student cannot be charged two seasons of competition in a single 12-month period
Exception: Mid-year transfer
In-progress Season: participation after May 15th
Non-collegiate participation after May 15th (summer or fall) will be charged with participation occurring in the subsequent academic year.
Exception: If a student is identified with an NAIA institution in the Spring and following Fall terms without a break in enrollment will not be subject to competitive experience review for competition occurring over the summer

36. Identified Both Semesters
NAIA Rules Education
Article V, Section B, Item 18
Seasons of Competition:
12-Month Window
Identified Both Semesters
Academic
1st SOC
1st SOC
Athletic
1st
season
HS Grad.
Fall 2015
Sp. 2016
Sm. 2016
Rules Education • National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics •

37. Identified Fall Semester Identified Both Semesters
NAIA Rules Education
Article V, Section B, Item 18
Seasons of Competition:
12-Month Window
Identified Fall Semester
Break in Enrollment
Identified Both Semesters
Academic
1st SOC
2nd SOC
2nd SOC
Non-Collegiate
Athletic
1st
season
HS Grad.
Fall 2014
Sm. 2015
Fall 2015
Sm. 2016
Sp. 2015
Sp. 2016
Rules Education • National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics •

38. Identified Fall Semester
NAIA Rules Education
Article V, Section B, Item 18
Seasons of Competition:
Participation after May 15th
Identified Fall Semester
Academic
Break in Enrollment
1st SOC
1st SOC
Athletic ?
1st
season
HS Grad.
Fall 2014
Sp. 2015
Sm. 2015
Fall 2015
Sp. 2016
Rules Education • National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics •

39. Article V, Sections F-H
Transfer Rules

40. Transfer Rules Definition of a Transfer
Article V, Sections F
Transfer Rules
Definition of a Transfer
A student who becomes identified with an NAIA school after having been previously identified with another institution.
General Transfer Residency Rule
A student with prior participation at a 4-year institution must sit a 16-week residency period prior to NAIA participation.
Residency Rule Exceptions:
The student’s most recent intercollegiate participation was at 2-year institution
The student did not participate at the most recent 4-year institution
The student has a 2.0 GPA and written release from AD

41. Release vs. Permission to Contact
Article V, Sections F
Transfer Rules:
Release vs. Permission to Contact
Permission to Contact
This concept is particular to NCAA- not recognized in the NAIA
Per NAIA Bylaws, contact refers to the requirement when a student makes contact with institution- institution must notify home institution within 10 days of first contact
Release
This concept per NAIA bylaws refers to the exception to Transfer Residency requirement
Release must be signed by Athletic Director of students former institution

42. Additional Eligibility Rules:
Emerging & Invitational Sports

43. Eligibility Certification: Emerging and Year 1 Invitational Sports
Emerging Sports and Year 1 Invitational Sports:
Not governed by NAIA rules
The sport’s national governing body determines eligibility rules
Certification is required
Contact eligibility chair on specifics of to certify
Year 2 Invitational Sports:
All NAIA eligibility rules apply, including the requirement of an Eligibility Center determination

44. Eligibility Center Determinations
Invitational Sports
Eligibility Center Determinations
First-time NAIA participants require a determination before they will be eligible to play beginning in the 2nd year of invitational status
Students who participated in NAIA competition and were properly certified for such the previous year do not need to have EC determinations
Students may be charged SOC’s for past club and/ or intercollegiate experience.

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