National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

Approved Ruling: After the end of a term, an institution has 30 calendar days or until the first contest after the end of the term (whichever is later) to re - check the eligibility of all students who were certified as eligible for the term just ending. Thi s applies only to students being re - certified between the terms during the academic year. Students establishing eligibility for the second term must be certified prior to participation. During this 30 - day period, all students who were eligible during the term just ending may continue to represent their institution in intercollegiate athletics. Should a student continue to represent an institution after this 30 - day period and not be re - cer tified, it shall be considered a violation of Article V, Sec tion J, Item 1. Further, students declared ineligible by the institution or conference shall lose eligibility immediately upon such declaration. NOTE: The Certificate of Clearance is required for completion of eligibility certification, but it is not required to be submitted to the eligibility chair. The faculty athletics representative must retain a signed copy of the Certificate of Clearance, and produ ce the certification upon request . 2. Institutions which sponsor sports that carry over from one term to another (basketball, swimming and diving, wrestling, etc.) must certify that students participating in these sports are eligible for all terms in which the competition takes place. CASEBOOK EXAMPLE Submitting Eligibility Certificates Approved Ruling: The NAIA Official Eligibility Certificate, the Certificate of Clearance, and if applicable, the Transfer Player Eligibility Statement, and Competitive Experience Outside Intercollegiate Athletics Form must be sent to the eligibility chair before competition is allowed. Students competing prior to submitting the proper forms are participating ineligibly. Penalties for delinquent filing can be severe. Certification of Student - Athletes Approved Ruling: Eligibility certification is required for all students before representing their institution in any manner (scrimmage, exhibition, freshmen, junior varsity or varsity) against competitors not directly identified with the institution in any sport recognized by the NAIA. The institution must submit eligibility certification to the eligibility chair prior to participation. V SECTION J PROCESSING OF ELIGIBILITY CASES 1. Eligibility cases are defined as cases where an actual or possible violation of an NAIA rule or regulation has taken place. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 88 A R T I C L E V – S E C T I O N J 2. Should the eligibility chair after reviewing all information determine that a violation has not occurred, the case will be closed at that time. 3. Eligibility cases which are initiated by an institution must be submitted by the faculty athletics representative and the athletics director at that institution to the eligibility chair. When apparent violations come to the attention of the eligibility chair, the eligibility chair shall notify in writing the faculty athletics representative, the athletics director and the chief executive officer of the institution before processing the cas e. 4. The eligibility ch air shall inform the conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) commissioner (when appropriate) and the national eligibility staff liaison of each new eligibility case being investigated upon receipt of the case. 5. Upon receipt of an actual or apparent violation, the eligibility chair shall obtain the following information and send it to the eligibility committee members, the national eligibility staff liaison, and the chief executive officer of the institution being investigated: a. All pertinent data on the case (e.g. type of violation, date, place, etc.); b. An up to date transcript of the student(s) involved; c. A written statement signed by the institution’s athletics director and faculty athletics representative concerning the case and corrective steps to be taken by the institution; and d. Statement from the student(s) involved, if possible. 6. A statement from the eligibility committee including the conference’s opinion, a show of concern or support, impact on the conference, or any additional pertinent information shall be submitted by the eligibility chair on behalf of the conference/Continent al Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) to the chief executive officer of the institution being investigated and the national eligibility staff liaison for dispersal to the NAIA National Eligibility Committee. 7. The chief executive officer, after reviewing the case and the eligibility committee recommendation or conference action, may within seven days of receipt send a response to the national eligibility staff liaison which will be included in the material sent to the NAIA National Eligibility Committee (NEC) . 8. When probation is being considered as a potential penalty , the institution must be offered an opportunity for a hearing with the NEC before such penalty may be applied. Careful consideration will be given in determining the appropriate person or entity as a recipient of probation . 9. In eligibility cases involving the participation of an ineligible student, Article VI, Section B, Item 2 in the NAIA Bylaws is to be applied by the institution. 10 . Institutions are encouraged to contact their eligibility chair for clarification of an existing regulation. The eligibility chair may give interpretations of existing regulations but may not give a ruling on a specific individual. When the eligibility chair deems it desirable, the request may be forwarded to the National Office for clarification by the NAIA National Eligibility Committee. 11. The conference/ CAC commissioner shall inform in writing the institution’s athletics director and chief executive officer when an institution receives a warning, reprimand or suspension related to misconduct in competition. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 89 A R T I C L E V – S E C T I O N S J - K 12. Conferences may not make final determinations relative to cases where a violation has occurred. All eligibility cases must be processed through the NAIA National Eligibility Committee or the NAIA National Conduct and Ethics Committee for appropriate action . 13. Conference action taken by an affiliated conference whose requirements a re more stringent than those of the NAIA will be supported by the NAIA. Should a conference member be found to be in violation of an Association rule, the case will be processed to include a recommendation from the conference. In cases where NAIA members belong to a non - affiliated conference, the NAIA National Eligibility Committee shall rule whether such conference action against a member institution shall be respected and supported. CASEBOOK EXAMPLE Request for an Eligibility Ruling Case: A student wants to participate this weekend, but the faculty athletics representative has concerns about the student’s eligibility status. Due to the lack of time, can the eligibility chair, a member of the National Eligibility Committee, or the Nati onal Office be called for a telephone ruling? Approved Ruling: No. Neither the eligibility chair nor the National Office can rule on an eligibility case. The National Eligibility Committee is the only body designated within the Association that may rule on eligibility cases. Such rulings will be made only after receipt and review of all information pertaining to the case. The faculty athletics representative of each member institution is charged with certifying that a student has complied with all regulations. The faculty athletics representative relies heavily upon the information from the registrar and, to some extent, the at hletics director and coach, but the final decision rests with the faculty athletics representative. The request for clarification of a specific rule may be requested by phone from the eligibility chair, but the clarification shall apply only to the specific rule. The final determination with regard to the eligibility status of an individual again rests with the institutional fa culty athletics representative. V SECTION K PROCESSING REQUESTS FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL RULING TO A STANDARD RULE In exceptional cases, where extenuating circumstances exist, an institution may request an exceptional ruling to a standard rule. Such a request may be made before or after the participation of the student(s) involved. If applicable, such student(s) shall be withheld from further competition until the case is closed. Exceptional cases are to be processed as follows: 1. The request for an exceptional ruling must be submitted to the eligibility chair by the faculty athletics representative and the athletics director of the institution requesting the ruling. The request must include all pertinent information concerning the request. Transcripts, the standard rule in question, and the reasons why an exceptional ruling should be granted must be included. 2. The eligibility chair shall see that the request for an exceptional ruling is forwarded to the National Office along with the eligibility committee’s recommendation. The conference/ Continental Athletic Conference ( CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions ) commissioner shall also receive a copy of the request and the eligibility committee’s recommendation. 3. The institution requesting the exceptional ruling shall secure a recommendation from the conference/ CAC (when applicable). The conference/ CAC recommendation shall be sent to the National Office. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 90 A R T I C L E V – S E C T I O N K ● ARTICLE VI – S E C T I O N S A - B 4. The institutional request and all documentation shall be sent to the National Eligibility Committee, through the national eligibility staff liaison, for a ruling. The ruling shall apply only to the specific case and will not establish a precedent. ARTICLE VI INFRACTIONS AND PENALTIES VI SECTION A ENFORCEMENT The Council of Presidents has the power to enforce provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws and all other policies. The Council of Presidents has authorized the National Eligibility Committee to act on behalf of the Association in processing all eligibility cases and, when appropriate, to apply appropriate penalties of Article VI, Section C of the NAIA Bylaws which are not reserved exclusively to the Council of Presidents. The National Conduct and Ethics Committee shall also be empowered to process all conduct and/or ethics cases and apply appropriate penalties of Article VI, Section C of the NAIA Bylaws which are not re served exclusivel y to the Council of Presidents. The Council of Presidents is empowered by the membership as the only body which may expel member institutions or deny specific sports sponsorship for member institutions. Such action shall not be taken lightly and will be considered only after a full revie w by an appropriate committee has been conducted and a recommendation for such action has been submitted to the Council for action. CASEBOOK EXAMPLE Withholding an Athlete from Participation Approved Ruling: If there is reasonable doubt as to a student’s eligibility, the National Eligibility Committee may direct an institution to withhold a student from comp etition pending a final ruling. VI SECTION B INFRACTIONS 1. Institutional Violation(s): An Administrative Error Not Requiring Forfeits An administrative error is defined as an eligibility case wher e one or more students who met all NAIA eligibility requirements were left off the official eligibility certificate, or where the filing of the official eligibility certificate was completed correctly but was filed after the date of first competition and within five days of the first contest. In such cases the following shall apply: a. Forfeitures shall not be required for contests in which improperly certified students who met all NAIA eligibility requirements competed; b. Withhold the head coach one contest for each incident in which a student - athlete(s) participated who met all NAIA eligibility requirements but did not appear on an Official Eligibility Certificate prior to competition . Once the institution receives an official closing letter from the NAIA national office, the coach will be withheld from the next scheduled contest(s) unless the suspension has already been satisfied. The institution’s published schedule at the time of the infraction will be used to identify the next scheduled conte st(s). For each additional administrative error that occurs within the same academic year, an additional contest suspension will apply; c. Such institutions also shall receive an official warning for the first offense; and d . Repeated violations of certification procedures shall lead to an official reprimand and/or probation and/or suspension of the sport or of all sports sponsored in the affected program (men’s and/or women’s). NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 91 A R T I C L E V I – S E C T I O N B See casebook example GAME SUSPENSION FOR COACHES after Article VI, Section B, Item 9 for guidance on withholding a coach. 2. Institutional Violation(s) : Use of Ineligible Athletes or Other Violations of NAIA Bylaws Regulations Which Require Institutional Forfeits Forfeits are required in cases where the National Eligibility Committee or the affected institution has determined that a competing student was academically ineligible, an eligibility certificate was submitted over 5 days late, or other NAIA Bylaws regulat ions have been violated, other than administrative error(s) defined above. 3. Reporting Violations: An Institutional Responsibility Should any chief executive officer, faculty athletics representative, athletics director and/or coach become aware of an apparent institutional violation involving an athlete or institutional representative of any member institution, it shall be the respon sibility of the individual to notify their athletics director and faculty athletics representative of that violation immediately. The athletics director or faculty athletics representative, upon being notified, shall contact in writing the athletics direct or and faculty athletics representative at the institution in question and send copies of the notification to the National Office and the eligibility chair. This notification shall take place within five days of receiving the information. Failure to abide by any part of this regulation shall be viewed as unethical conduct and shall cause an investigation by the National Conduct and Ethics Committee for appropriate action against the institution for withholding information. CASEBOOK EXAMPLE Protest Stipulation Approved Ruling: An NAIA institution may lodge a protest questioning the eligibility of a specific student. Such protest must be documented and must be submitted in accordance with the NAIA Bylaws. However, if the protest is submitted fewer than 15 days prior to the beginning date of an NAIA event or championship, and if the student in question has been duly certified by the institution as eligible for competition in that event or championships, it s hall not receive consideration until after the NAIA national event is completed. Should the protest be upheld, penalties shall include forfeiture of any individual or team honors won. Institutions considering the filing of such a protest are cautioned to e nsure that a basis for protest does, indee d, exist and can be documented. 4. Declaration of Intent to Participate in NAIA Postseason Competition Should an institution declare its intent to participate in an NAIA championship or invitational sponsored sport then fail to compete in the minimum number of required contests for postseason eligibility, decline an invitation to participate or change its declaration after the filing deadline, it shall be suspended in the affected sport for the next academic year in which the institution sponsors the sport on an intercollegiate level in the NAIA. Institutio ns suspended due to a failure to meet Declaration of Intent to Participate requirements shall not be permitted to participate in NAIA national championship competit ion. The suspended institution may, at the conference’s discretion, be permitted to participate in conference postseason competition and/or receive conference awards. Upon written request by the affected institution within 30 days of notification of suspen sion, the National Administrative Council may revoke the suspension and apply alternative penalties as deemed appropriate. For more information on the declaration of intent as it pertains to invitational sports, see the National Administrative Council policy article XXVII, section B, item 2c. 5. Delinquent Filing of the Declaration of Intent to Participate Certificate NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 92 A R T I C L E V I – S E C T I O N B Institutions which fail to file the official Declaration of Intent to Participate certificate in baseball, basketball, competitive cheer and dance, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor track and field, outdoo r track and field, volleyball and wrestling with the National Office by June 1 shall: a. Be declared ineligible to participate in NAIA postseason competition in those sports in which they are delinquent; b. Cause statistical service of NAIA to be denied in the sport(s) found delinquent; and c. Cause their students and coaches within the delinquent sport(s) to be ineligible for NAIA awards in the delinquent sport(s) for that season. 6. Violations of Requirements for Affiliated Conferences Should an affiliated conference fail to meet established requirements, the Council of Presidents may apply sanctions including, but not limited to, the following: a. Place the conference on official warning for a specified time. A warning is notification that a violation has occurred and notification that future violations will lead to stronger penalties. b. Place the conference on official reprimand for a specified time. A reprimand is notification that a violation has occurred, which requires a written response of corrective measures to be taken by the institution. c. Place the conference on probation for a specified time. Probation is notification that a serious violation has occurred, which requires a written response of corrective measures to be taken by the conference. Any future violation while on probation may lead to suspension of the conference. Probation shall be listed on the NAIA website. d. Place the conference on suspension for a specified time. Suspension of a conference shall cause the institutions which are members of the conference to forfeit all automatic bids (either conference bids or unaffiliated groupings) to NAIA national champion ships competition. Teams from suspended conferences may be selected for NAIA national championship events through the at - large process. 7. Conduct in Competition It is the responsibility of the offending institution to provide written notification to its commissioner of any incidents of misconduct during a contest, including ejections from a contest, within five days of the incident. Any coach or student - athlete ejected on one or more occasions while representing an NAIA member institution in competition shall be subject automatically to the following penalties: a. The first time a coach or student - athlete is ejected within a sport season, a suspension will be applied for the next contest listed on the schedule at the time of the ejection. A coach or student - athlete ejected for fighting, as reported by the game offic ial, shall be automatically suspended for one additional contest. b. If a coach or student - athlete is ejected twice within a sport season, a suspension will be applied for the next two contests listed on the schedule at the time of the ejection. This includes postseason play and may carry over to the following year depending on when the ejection occurs. A coach or student - athlete ejected for fighting, as reported by the game official, shall be automatically suspended for one additional contest. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 93 A R T I C L E V I – S E C T I O N B c. If a coach or student - athlete is ejected three times within a sport season, the coach or student - athlete will become ineligible for the remainder of all regular season and postseason participation . Should the third ejection occur in either of the last two contests of the year, the coach or returning student - athlete will be suspended for the first two contests of the following year. NOTE 1: Any coach or student - athlete ejected from a junior varsity or varsity contest shall be suspended for the next contest at the same level or higher as the contest from which the student or coach was ejected. Contests that are defined as scrimmages and exhibi tions shall not satisfy the suspension penalty. Any coach who changes employment from one NAIA institution to another NAIA institution while subject to a pending suspension due to misconduct during a contest must serve the term of the suspension at the new institution. A transfer student who was suspended or declared otherwise ineligible due to misconduct while representing an institution in competition must serve the period of suspension at the institution to which the student transfers before intercollegiate participat ion shall be permitted. Ejections are not subject to appeal. Suspensions resulting from this bylaw caused by an ejection which are greater than the sport - specific rule may be appealed to the National Conduct and Ethics Committee with initial notification to, and recommendation from the conference/ Continental Athletic Conference ( CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions ) . The National Conduct and Ethics Committee may uphold, reduce or remove the suspension based on review of game video or other available informati on. Suspensions resulting from the bylaw eq ual to or less than the sport - specific rule may not be appealed. NOTE 2: An institution or affiliated conference shall retain the right to apply more stringent penalties than the NAIA rules and standards. If sport specific rules are more stringent than NAIA rules, the institution must also confo rm to the sport specific rules. 8. Character - Driven Coaching Online Training It is the responsibility of each institution to ensure every coach completes the Character - Driven Coaching online training within the first 60 days from the effective date of employment, in accordance with Bylaws Article I, Section E. An institution has an obligation to self - report the failure of any coach who does not complete the training accordingly. The National Conduct and Ethics Committee shall review any such report, and the institution and coach shall be subject automatically to the following penalt ies: a. The coach is prohibited from participating in any scrimmage, exhibition, or contest until the course has been successfully completed and verification is provided to the National Office. b. Following successful completion of the course and verification provided to the National Office, the institution must withhold the coach from the next regularly scheduled contest. c. The institution must conduct a review of its internal processes for ensuring timely completion of the training for all coaches, and report its findings to the National Office. d. The coach must successfully complete the course within 30 days of the official closing letter from the National Conduct and Ethics Committee. Failure to comply with these requirements or repeated violations shall lead to further sanct ions, which may include but are not limited to an official reprimand, probation and/or suspension of individual coaches and/or the institution’s athletics department. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 94 A R T I C L E V I – S E C T I O N B A R T I C L E V I – S E C T I O N B 9. Use of an Ineligible Student in Intercollegiate Competition Any member institution which permits the use of a student who is ineligible according to NAIA rules and standards in either program in which it holds membership shall thereby automatically: a. Forfeit all contests in which a student participated who did not meet all NAIA eligibility requirements or the institutional violation occurred. Forfeiture of contests won shall be submitted to the National Office and notification will be provided to the a thletics director of the offended institution and the appropriate eligibility chair; b. Withhold the ineligible student - athlete a maximum of one contest for each contest the student participated in while not meeting all NAIA eligibility requirements. The student will not be withheld if the student met all NAIA eligibility requirements other t han certification; c. Charge the ineligible student with a season of competition for participating pursuant t o Article V, Section B, Item 20 ; d . Withhold the head coach one contest for each incident in which a team’s official eligibility certificate was completed correctly but was filed more than five days after the date of first competition ; e . Cause a review of the case by the appropriate committees of this Association. The ineligible student may be assessed additional penalties up to being declared ineligible for further intercollegiate competition for withholding information or supplying false or incomplete information; f . Supply to the eligibility chair and, if applicable, the conference/ CAC commissioner a complete statement concerning the ineligible participation, including a listing of the ineligible student’s college work (transcript preferred), a statement of institutional action to correct the situation which led to the violation, and a statement f rom the student(s) if possible; g . Be suspended from participation in all postseason events sponsored by the NAIA only in the sport in which the ineligible student participated, until all required information is submitted; and NOTE : The sport in which the violation occurred shall remain suspended from participating in NAIA events until the case is finalized by the appropriate committee of the Association, which will notify the institution involved. h . Have the case reviewed by the appropriate committees of this Association. The institution may be subject to additional penalties. NOTE : Forfeits shall not be required nor will an institution be subject to any penalties if a student who has been properly certified as eligible represents an institution in competition but is subsequently determined to have been ineligible due to any of the following: a. A mistake by the NAIA Eligibility Center; b. False information was supplied by the student; or c. False information was supplied on the student’s behalf. Forfeits shall be required and the institution may be subject to additional penalties if the institution knew of the eligibility center’s mistake or the dissemination of false information, or if the institution failed to perform due diligence on the studen t’s eligibility certification. CASEBOOK EXAMPLE – GAME SUSPENSION FOR COACHES Both Article VI, Section B, Item 1 and Item 9 mention withholding a coach for one contest for each incident the certificate was submitted after the first contest. If the certificate that was submitted late was a junior varsity eligibility certificate, does that mean the junior varsity coach must be withheld from the next regularly scheduled junior varsity game? NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 95 A R T I C L E V I – S E C T I O N B Approved Ruling: No. T he varsity head coach is the head administrator over the entire sport (including varsity and junior varsity teams) . Therefore, it is the responsibility of the head coach to ensure all certificates ar e submitted in a timely fashion for their sport. A late certificate will result in the varsity head coach sitting out the next regularly scheduled varsity contest. CASEBOOK EXAMPLE S – INELIGIBLE PARTICIPATION Ineligible Participation – Institution Approved Ruling: The institution shall automatically be suspended from competing in all NAIA postseason competition in the program affected until clearance is given by the National Eligibility Committee and shall forfeit all contests in which the ineligibl e student was used. Ineligible Participation – Student Approved Ruling: The ineligible student shall be charged with a term of attendance and a season of competition in that sport by the institution as standard procedure. In addition, the National Eligibility Committee may require the institution to charge the student with additional seasons of participation as a penalty. Ineligible Participation – Student Reestablishes Eligibility Approved Ruling: If a student participates, is subsequently ruled ineligible in a given sport, and then reestablishes eligibility during the same season, the student may be charged with a second season of competition in that sport if the student again comp etes during the same season in which the student initially was ruled ineligible. 10. Violations Reviewed by the National Conduct and Ethics Committee The chief executive officer of an institution reported to be in violation shall be notified of the allegation prior to a formal investigation. The National Conduct and Ethics Committee (CEC) shall collect and consider all information regarding the issue, and, in cases where violations are found to have occurred, take action as authorized in Article VI, Section C of the NAIA Bylaws. When probation is being considered as a potential penalty , the institution must be offered an opportunity for a hearing with the CEC before such penalty may be applied. Careful consideration will be given in determining the appropriate person or entity as a recipient of probation . The Council of Presidents is empowered by the membership to suspend or expel member institutions whose athletics conduct or behavior has clearly violated the Code of Ethics or recruitment policy. Should a possible violation of the NAIA Coaches Code and/or Code of Ethics occur involving one or more institutions participating in a national championship during the course of competition at the site of the national championship, the national championshi p Tournament Committee shall be authorized to review the case and, if a violation is found to have occurred, may place an institutional team, participant(s), and/or staff members on suspension for one or more contests. Such sanctions shall be limited to th e duration of the applicable national championship. All pertinent information and decisions by the tournament committee shall be forwarded to the Conduct and Ethics Committee for further review. 11. Student - Athlete’s Failure to Report Name, Image, Likeness Compensation A student - athlete receiving compensation for the use of his or her name, image or likeness to promote a commercial product or enterprise, or public or media appearance must report it in writing to his or her athletics director when such promotion inc l udes reference to his or her status as a student - athlete or institution. Failure to do so shall result in an institutional self - report, to be reviewed by the National Coordinating Committee. The committee is empowered to review such violations and apply pe nalti es NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 96 A R T I C L E V I – S E C T I O N S C as necessary, including but not limited to a warning or reprimand to the student - athlete, withholding the student from future competitions, and/or determining the student has lost his or her amateur status. VI SECTION C PENALTIES The NAIA National Eligibility Committee , and/or National Conduct and Ethics Committee, and/or National Drug Testing and Education Committee, after reviewing the violation(s), shall apply one or more of the following courses of action. 1. Place any or all of the institution’s athletics program on official warning for a specified time. A warning is an institutional notification that a violation has occurred and notification that future violations will lead to stronger penalties. 2. Place any or all of the institution’s athletics program on official reprimand for a specified time. A reprimand is an institutional notification that a violation has occurred which requires a written response of corrective measures to be taken by the institution. After ten days has expired without a proper written response, a reminder shall be sent from the national office. This reminder shall constitute notice to the institution that if a second 10 - day period expires without a response, the school shall be suspend ed from postseason until it is filed. Continued failure to file or repeated failure to respond on time may result in additional penalties. 3. Place any or all of the institution’s athletics program or staff on probation for a specified time. Probation is an institutional notification that a violation has occurred which requires a written response of corrective measures to be taken by the institution. Any future violation while on probation may lead to suspension of any or all athletics programs. Probation shall be listed on the NAIA website. After ten days has expired without a proper written response, a reminder shall be sent from the national office. This reminder shall constitute notice to the institution that if a second 10 - day period expires without a response, the school shall be suspend ed from postseason until it is filed. Continued failure to file or repeated failure to respond on time may result in additional penalties. 4. Require the institution to withhold th e student in question from competing in one or more contests during the current or next sport season and/or charge the student with one or more additional seasons of competition and/or ban the student from further intercollegiate competition. Banning of a student m ay result from improper conduct, withholding information or supplying false information about previous seasons of competition or attendance at institutions of higher learning. 5. Require the institution to relieve athletic staff of NAIA - designated responsibilities for a set period of time and/or ban the staff member(s) from further involvement in the institution’s NAIA - sponsored athletic programs. During this time the staff member (s) is prohibited from engaging in all NAIA - sponsored activities involved with any NAIA member’s athletics program. Banning of athletic staff may result from improper conduct, violating the NAIA Coaches Code or supplying false information regarding eligi bility or financial aid. All decisions in which an NAIA member institution’s athletic staff representative is banned will be reviewed by the NAIA Council of Presidents prior to notification of the staff member and the NAIA member institution and is subject to review and modification at the discretion of the Council of Presidents at any time. 6. Place any or all of the institution’s athletics program or staff on suspension for a specified time. Suspension shall deny the institution’s participants and/or staff member(s) in the affected sport(s) the opportunity to participate in any postseason competition. The specific sport(s) and their NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 97 A R T I C L E V I – S E C T I O N S C - E participants shall also be excluded from the national awards program, and all statistical services during the period of suspension. Institutional suspensions shall be listed on the NAIA website during the suspension period. An institution that properly declares its intent to participate in postseason play, and is later suspended under the provisions of this regulation, shall count toward an approved qualifying group’s membership total for determining whether the qualifying gr oup earns a single automatic qualification to the NAIA national competition. The institution shall also count toward any sport - specific minimum participant requirements for the applicable NAIA qualifying tournament. The suspended institution shall not coun t toward the approved qualifying group’s membership total that enables the qualifying group to earn multiple automatic qualifications to NAIA national competition. 7. Deny voting privileges during the suspension to institutions which have their total athletics program on suspension. Such institutions are no longer considered to be in good standing within the Association. 8. Recommend to the NAIA Council of Presidents the denial of specific sports sponsorship for a member institution for a specified time. 9. Recommend to the NAIA Council of Presidents the withdrawal of institutional membership. VI SECTION D NOTIFICATION OF PENALTIES The chief executive officer of the institution involved shall be notified of action taken by the appropriate council or its duly appointed committee. The National Office shall also inform the eligibility chair and the conference/ Continental Athletic Conference ( CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions ) (when applicable) of the action taken. VI SECTION E APPEALS An institution (chief executive officer, athletics director or faculty athletics representative) shall have the right to request an appeal of a ruling by the National Eligibility Committee, the National Conduct and Ethics Committee, the National Administra tive Council, the Competitive Experience Committee, the Home School Committee, the NAIA Membership Committee , the National Drug Testing and Education Committee and/or the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives on behalf of the instit ution and/or student to the National Coordinating Committee, within 30 days of notification, provided: 1. There is new or additional evidence pertinent to the case that was not considered in reaching the initial decision; 2. The decision reached was demonstrably capricious or arbitrary; and/or 3. There was demonstrable bias or discrimination which influenced the decision. The chief executive officer, the faculty athletics representative or the director of athletics may request an appeal of the findings to the National Coordinating Committee on one or more of the listed grounds. An individual may appeal on his or her own beh alf a ruling that includes the penalties listed in Article VI, Section C, Item 5. Requests for an appeal must be made in writing to the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer within 30 days of the notification to the school and/or individual of the origina l decision. The letter should clearly state the reasons for the requested appeal and include documentation and information to support that request. An affiliated conference commissioner may, on behalf of an institution, appeal a decision regarding championship alignment. The process for requesting such an appeal shall be followed as outlined above. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 98 A R T I C L E V I – S E C T I O N E ● ARTICLE VII – S E C T I O N S A - B The National Coordinating Committee will review the written request for appeal and reach one of the following decisions: 1. No sufficient grounds exist for allowing the appeal; 2. The appeal is justified and the case is returned to the appropriate national committee for reconsideration; or 3. The appeal is justified and the case will be decided by the National Coordinating Committee. All current rights to provide testimony/evidence remain for the appealing institution or individual under investigation in both the original and appeal process. The National Coordinating Committee shall be informed of all committee findings as part of its responsibility for reviewing appeals of the National Eligibility Committee and the National Conduct and Ethics Committee. ARTICLE VII AMATEUR RULES AND REINSTATEMENT PROCEDURES VII SECTION A DEFINITION OF AN AMATEUR 1. To properly control competition in the NAIA program, only amateur students shall be eligible to participate in a given sport. An amateur is a student who engages in athletics contests for educational values, personal pleasure, satisfaction, and for the lo ve of the sport, not for monetary or material gain. 2. A student who becomes a professional in a particular sport recognized by the NAIA is considered a professional in that sport only (except for the sport - specific exception listed below) and therefore is ineligible for intercollegiate competition in that sp ort, except as permitted by the governing legislation of the NAIA. EXCEPTION 1: A student who becomes a professional in cross country, indoor track and field or outdoor track and field is considered a professional in all three sports. EXCEPTION 2: A student who becomes a professional in indoor or arena football is considered a professional in the sport of football. EXCEPTION 3: A student who becomes a professional in indoor soccer is considered a professional in the sport of soccer. EXCEPTION 4: A student who becomes a professional in beach volleyball is considered a professional in the sport of volleyball. VII SECTION B ACTS PERMITTED BY NAIA AMATEUR CODE The following acts will NOT cause an athlete to lose amateur standing. 1. Playing with an amateur team against a professional team or player if competing under the sponsorship or approval of NAIA or the governing body of the sport concerned. 2. Participating as a member of a team while not receiving remuneration (expense reimbursement) beyond actual expenses of travel, meals and lodging only from the immediately previous city to the event, even though other members of the team may receive remune ration in excess of NAIA amateur limits. Expenses must be itemized and properly documented. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 99 A R T I C L E V I I – S E C T I O N B 3. Receiving reasonable compensation for officiating or coaching in amateur, recreational or interscholastic programs. A student may solicit and be paid reasonable compensation on a lesson basis. 4. Coaching at the intercollegiate level when compensation (if any) meets the criteria set forth in Article II, Section B of the NAIA Bylaws. Such compensation shall be considered athletic aid, as defined by official NAIA policy, and shall be reported as suc h. 5. Competing in a non - team athletics contest, certified as amateur by that sport’s national governing body, and receiving financial reimbursement (expense reimbursement) for such participation when such remuneration does not exceed the actual expenses for tr avel, meals and lodging only from the immediately previous city to the event. Expenses must be itemized and properly documented. 6. Participating in radio or television programs for the purpose of promoting an amateur athletic event . 7. Receiving reasonable compensation for supervision of physical education, playground or recreational activities. 8. Receiving compensation for use of name , image or likeness to promote any commercial product or enterprise, or public or media appearance. It is the responsibility of the student - athlete to notify their institution’ s athletics director in writing of any compensation the student receives from the use of their name, image or likeness in relation to their school or status as a student - athlete. CASEBOOK EXAMPLE S – PERMISSIBLE AMATEUR ACTIONS Tryouts at Professional Camps Approved Ruling: Attendance at a professional camp to participate in a tryout is not a violation of amateur standing in the NAIA if there is no contract (player or agent), no financial payment (though student may be housed and fed), and no participation ag ainst other teams. Competition Against Professional Team Case: Is it permissible within NAIA eligibility rules for a student to compete on a collegiate team against a professional team? Approved Ruling: Yes, if the game is under the sponsorship or has written approval of the NAIA or o f the sport’s governing body. Playing with Players Having Lost Amateur Standing Case: May a student compete on a non - professional team where some players are receiving compensation in excess of travel, meals and lodging? Approved Ruling: Yes, provided the team is not considered professional in any manner and the student in question receives no more than actual expenses for travel, meals and lodging. Such expenses m ust be documented and itemized. Officiating/Coaching Approved Ruling: A student may coach or officiate at the amateur, recreational or interscholastic level for reasonable compensation. A student may coach at the intercollegiate level as long as compensation (if any) meets the criteria set forth in Article I I, Section B of the NAIA Bylaws and, as compensation is institutionally controlled, must be included in the Year - End Report as institutionally related financial aid. The student may belong to an official’s association without prejudice to amateur standing. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 100 A R T I C L E V I I – S E C T I O N S C - D Employment of Students Approved Ruling: With certain restrictions, employment in areas such as summer camps, recreation programs, municipal centers or private clubs will not jeopardize an athlete’s eligibility. Students may solicit and be paid a reasonable amount on a lesson bas is, or wages must be paid on a fixed hourly, weekly, or monthly basis that is commensurate with the going rate for such employment. Students may give instruction when incidental to the overall job requirements. VII SECTION C RECOGNIZED AWARDS RECEIVED BY STUDENTS The NAIA permits prospective and current student - athletes to accept prize money or in - kind awards based on their place of finish in non - intercollegiate competition, in accordance with the regulations set by the sport’s national governing body. An individual participating as a recognized amateur under the rules of a sport’s national governing body is required to adhere to the amateur award regulations of the national governing body of that particular sport. Failure to do so will constitute a violation of NAIA amateur standing. VII SECTION D ACTS THAT RESULT IN LO SS OF AMATEUR STANDING The following acts will cause a student to lose amateur standing for participation in intercollegiate competition recognized by the NAIA in the sport in which any or all such acts occur. 1. Receiving (directly or indirectly) expense reimbursement beyond actual expenses of travel, meals and lodging only. Expenses must be itemized and properly documented. 2. Signing a contract with any professional team. 3. Participating in any athletics contest as a professional or as a member of a team where the student in question receives remuneration exceeding the actual expenses of travel, meals and lodging only. 4. Entering into an agreement of any kind to compete in professional athletics with a professional sports organization . Amendments to this section may be authorized and implemented by the Council of Presidents, in consultation with the National Coordinating Committee, if needed on an emergency basis. Such authority should only be invoked by the Council of Presidents if exte rnal factors – such as changes in state or federal law rendering compliance with NAIA amateurism regulations impossible – create a situation where action outside the normal legislative amendment process as described in Bylaws Article I, Section Z is necess ary. If such emergency action is necessary, a proposal codifying the emergency action should be brought before the NAIA membership for consideration through the standard legislative procedure at the association’s next business meeting. CASEBOOK EXAMPLE Semi - Professional Teams Case: A student has signed an agreement to play for a semi - professional soccer team. Although this team bills itself as “semi - professional,” none of the players receive more than actual expenses of travel, meals and lodging. Has the student lost amateur st anding? Approved Ruling: Yes, because the team includes the word “professional” in its advertising. The student is considered to have signed an agreement with a professional team. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 101 A R T I C L E V I I – S E C T I O N E ● ARTICLE VIII S E C T I O N S A - B VII SECTION E REINSTATEMENT APPLICATION PROCEDURES A student who has lost amateur status in a sport shall have amateur standing reinstated in that sport upon satisfying the following conditions: 1. Ceasing to participate in violation of NAIA amateur - standing regulations; 2. Being charged a season of competition in that sport for every competition season in which the student competed in any manner as a professional or in which the student was in violation of the NAIA amateur code; 3. Fulfilling two consecutive semesters/three consecutive quarters (or the equivalent) of attendance at the NAIA institution at which the student wishes to participate prior to being allowed to represent the institution in that sport in any manner in interco llegiate athletics; and 4. Having appropriate verification regarding satisfaction of these criteria submitted to the NAIA National Coordinating Committee for review and final dispensation. ARTICLE VIII DRUG TESTING AND REINSTATEMENT PROCEDURES The NAIA conducts testing for performance enhancing drugs at NAIA National Championship and NAIA Invitational competitions. The following penalties and processes shall apply for any student(s) who test positive on such a drug test. VIII SECTION A CHALLENGE OF A POSITIVE TEST An institution may challenge the results of a positive test. The National Drug Testing and Education Committee will consider all such challenges, and will consider any applicable medical exemptions. VIII SECTION B PENALTIES A student - athlete who tests positive for use of a banned substance, as defined by the NAIA banned substances list, shall be sanctioned as outlined below. 1. As a first offense, a student - athlete who tests positive for the use of any banned substance: a. Shall be immediately suspended from further competition in all sports; b. Shall be suspended in all sports for a minimum of 365 days from the date of the specimen collection that led to the positive test result; c. Shall be charged one additional season of competition in the applicable sport as a punitive measure (in addition to being charged a season of competition for the student’s actual participation); and d. Shall be charged one punitive season of competition in all additional sports because of the positive test result (in addition to any seasons of competition the student may have been charged for actual participation). 2. As a second offense, a student - athlete who tests positive for the use of any banned substance: a. Shall immediately lose all remaining eligibility within the NAIA in all sports. A positive test on an exit test (see Article VIII, Section E, Item 3) taken during the reinstatement process shall constitute a second offense. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 102 A R T I C L E V I I I S E C T I O N S C - E ● ARTICLE IX S E C T I O N A An institution’s athletics program(s) or staff member(s) may be brought before the National Conduct and Ethics Committee for additional penalties if the institutional staff member(s) provided or required the student’s use of the banned substances that led to a positive test. VIII SECTION C REPORTING OF INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION RESULTS 1. Individual placings and honors earned by a student - athlete who tests positive at the national championship will be vacated, and will remain vacant. Subsequent placings will not be reassigned. 2. In the sports of cross country, golf, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, swimming and diving, tennis, and wrestling, if a student - athlete tests positive and the individual student - athlete’s score/points affects the team score/points: a. The individual’s points will be deducted from the overall team score/points; and b. Team scores will be recalculated accordingly, and all team placings will be reassigned (if applicable). VIII SECTION D REPORTING OF TEAM COMPETITION RESULTS In the sports of baseball, basketball, competitive cheer, competitive dance, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball, if a student - athlete who competed as a member of the team at the national championship tests positive, any determinat ion regarding the team’s placement or honors will be determined by the National Drug Testing and Education Committee. VIII SECTION E STUDENT - ATHLETE REINSTATEMENT A student - athlete who tests positive for the use of any banned substance as a first offense must successfully complete a reinstatement process before the student is eligible to resume competing. The student must successfully satisfy the following condition s: 1. Complete the required suspension and be charged seasons of competition as dictated in Section B, Item 1. 2. Complete an appropriate counseling or treatment program, as determined by the student - athlete’s institution. The institution shall dictate the specific treatment plan, as it deems appropriate, for the specific student - athlete. The institution must provide verification that it approved the treatment plan and that the counseling or treatment program has been completed. 3. Pass an additional drug test (i.e. exit test) administered by the NAIA’s third - party provider during the 11 th month of the suspension. 4. Receive verification from the National Drug Testing and Education Committee that all components of reinstatement have been satisfied. ARTICLE IX STANDING COMMITTEES (This Article is excluded from the NAIA Bylaws Amendment Procedures as per Article I, Section Y of the NAIA Bylaws. Revisions may be made by appropriate governing councils to allow them to exercise their responsibility.) IX SECTION A POLICIES OF SELECTION A great deal of the planning and work on the various projects of the NAIA is accomplished by standing committees. These committees are established by the Council of Presidents at their request or the request NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 103 A R T I C L E I X – S E C T I O N S B - C of one of the governing councils. The Council of Presidents shall strive for equitable and/or proportionate representation, as applicable, from each program on these committees. Each standing committee has a member from one of the councils to serve as a coordinator. A chair, vice - chair and other officers deemed necessary to administer the committee are established and are perpetuated by recommendations from the committee to the af fected council. IX SECTION B COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations from the committee shall be submitted to the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer who shall direct them to the appropriate council(s) for review and action. The NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer shall notify the committee and general membership of action taken. IX SECTION C STANDING COMMITTEES AND DESCRIPTIONS 1. Awards/Hall of Fame Committee This committee annually reviews the Association’s recognition and awards programs and recommends revisions, additions or deletions, where appropriate, to the National Administrative Council. The Hall of Fame Program, recognition programs, special awards, a wards of merit, trophies, bowls, banners and plaques to championship teams and individuals, All America and Scholar - Athlete certificates, all - tournament team awards, and other awards authorized by the Association, are under the review and jurisdiction of t his committee. This committee comprises five members from the NAIA Athletics Directors Association (if nominated and selected by ADA membership, associate/assistant athletic directors may represent the ADA) , two members from the NAIA Faculty Athletics Representatives Association, three members fro m the coaches associations, a member of the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association and two at - large positions will be designated for females and/or minorities . The chair is elected by this group. The National Administrative Council shall make the appointments to this committee. The term of appointment shall not exceed three years and is renewable. 2. National Conduct and Ethics Committee This committee shall be charged with reviewing and acting upon cases: a. Involving inappropriate conduct of a physical or verbal nature by players, coaches or fans; b. Involving violations of the NAIA Code of Ethics; c. Involving violations of the Institutional Financial Aid Policy (See Council of Presidents Policy); d. Involving violations of the annual rules education, campus visitation/tryout, financial assistance, recruitment, scheduling and/or frequency of play regulations; e. In which a student or institutional representative provides false or inaccurate information to the NAIA or to a member institution; f. Involving violations of the Declaration of Intent to Participate in postseason - play regulations ; and/or g. Involving violations of the National Administrative Council Policy. The committee comprises three members from the NAIA Athletics Directors Association, two members from the NAIA Faculty Athletics Representatives Association, one member from the Athletic Compliance Administrators Association and one at - large positions will be designated for females and/or minorities. When a vacancy occurs, the relevant association shall provide a slate of no more than three candidates to the National Administrative Council for election to the committee. Preference shall be given to ensure a minimum of two members of the committee will be females and/or minorities. Individuals considered for selection for service should have previous experience in their role NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 104 A R T I C L E I X – S E C T I O N C at their institution or conference which makes them knowledgeable and skillful in this area. The chair will be elected by the committee members. This committee shall report to the National Administrat ive Council. This committee is authorized to impose penalties on institutions’ athletics programs, coaches and/or students as authoriz ed in Article VI, Section C of the NAIA Bylaws. 3. Constitution and Bylaws Committee The functions of the Constitution and B ylaws Committee are as follows: a. To be responsible for an annual review of the Constitution and Bylaws; b. To work with amendment presenters to assure the intent of the proposal has been met and determine the effect the proposal will have on current regulations not addressed in the proposal; and c. To present an opinion on all NAIA Bylaws amendment proposals to the membership at the annual meeting. This committee shall make recommendations to the Council of Presidents regarding the Constitution and Bylaws. This committee shall be chaired by the chair of the National Eligibility Committee and shall include the parliamentarian for the annual business meeting, a representative from the National Administrative Council, Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives and, if desired, Council of Presidents as well as the entire National Eligibility Committee. 4. Conference Information Directors Committee This committee is charged with promoting and publicizing events, programs and activities within the conference. This committee reviews all phases of conference publicity and information as well as providing guidance on national policy involving statistics and other information related items. All recommendations are submitted to the National Administrative Council, which oversees this committee. This committee includes all conference and information directors and is organized to include a chair, a v ice - c hair and a Secretary. 5. Competitive Experience Committee This committee is appointed by and reports to the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives. A member of the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives shall be appointed by the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives to serve as chair. The commi ttee shall consist of nine members (including the chair), and shall include, at a minimum, two active institutional faculty athletics representatives or conference eligibility chairs, one athletics compliance administrator, three directors of athletics cur rently employed at an NAIA member institution, a conference commissioner currently employed by an affiliated NAIA conference , and two at - large positions will be designated for females and/or minorities . The committee’s duties include: a. Oversight of operations of the NAIA National Eligibility Center. The committee shall prepare reports related to the operation of the Eligibility Center for review periodically by the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives and Council of Presidents; b. Development of policies (for review by the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives) related to administration of the NAIA National Eligibility Center, including definitions and determination of elite - level competition; and NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 105 A R T I C L E I X – S E C T I O N C c. Review of appeals submitted by member institutions related to eligibility determinations for individual student - athletes rendered by the NAIA National Eligibility Center. 6. Divisions of Competition Committee This committee is appointed by and reports to the National Administrative Council. The committee shall consist of five to seven members which shall include a minimum of two active coaches. The committee shall deal with the implementation and administration of divisions of competition in those sports approved for divisional competition. The committee’s duties include: a. Hearing appeals of divisional placement; b. Recommending the reassignment of teams to postseason competitive groupings when competition is not available otherwise; and c. Establishing working policy for the administration of divisions of competition. 7. National Eligibility Committee a. The National Eligibility Committee is appointed by the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives to serve as the official body to administer all eligibility matters. b. An officer of the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives is named each year to serve as coordinator for this committee and to work closely with the committee in the administration of the program. The National Eligibility Committee is composed of five members : four faculty athletics representatives /eligibility chairs and one athletics compliance administrator whose normal function in their institution or conference makes them knowledgeable and skillful in this area. Selection of the committee will take gender and minority representation i nto consideration to maintain a balance on the committee. NOTE: Additional selection criteria should be applied at the next regularly occurring election cycle. c . The National Eligibility Committee’s duties are as follows: 1) Operates under policies developed by the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives and works with the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer in the disposition of all eligibility cases, problems or interpretations; 2) Acts as the interpreting body of the Constitution and Bylaws for the Association; 3) Is authorized to impose penalties on an institution’s athletics program and/or charge an institution with the responsibility of imposing sanctions on students as authorized by Article VI, Section C of the NAIA Bylaws; 4) Initiates such changes in NAIA standards or policies as it feels are in the best interest of the organization and makes recommendations for consideration by the annual meeting body and membership; and 5) Works with the faculty athletics representatives and athletics directors of member institutions in developing a national program of rules and standards. 8. NAIA RISE Committee This committee will consist of up to 16 members: one representative of the Council of Presidents, one representative of the Faculty Athletics Representatives Association, two representatives of the Association of Student - Athletes (one male and one female), four representatives of the Conference NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 106 A R T I C L E I X – S E C T I O N C A R T I C L E I X – S E C T I O N C Commissioners Association, one representative from the Athletics Compliance Administrators Association , one representative from the Senior Woman Leaders Association , up to three at - large members to be appointed by the Council of Presidents, and three at - large positions to be designated for females and/or minorities. N OTE : Additional selection criteria should be applied at the next regularly occurring election cycle. The NAIA RISE Committee reports to the Council of Presidents. The purpose of this committee is to raise the level of commitment and awareness about issues related to leadership, diversity, and inclusion in the governance of all phases of the NAIA. 9. International Relations and Competition This committee is responsible for surveying all areas of international athletics and to make recommendations for a practical program for the organization which will provide opportunities and challenges for individual athletes and teams, and fulfill the NAI A’s responsibility as a national collegiate administrative body with membership in all national governing bodies, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), and the United States - International University Sports Federation (US - IUSF). This committee shall be established by and report to the Council of Presidents. 10. Home School Committee The functions of this committee are as follows: a. Review proposed changes to the NAIA home school waiver policies and make recommendations on such proposals to the CFAR; b. Review and act upon home school waiver requests from schools and/or student - athletes; and c. Review and rese arch applicable state regulations on home school education and make recommendations to the CFAR regarding necessary policy changes. This committee is appointed by and reports to the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives. It consists of five members, a minimum of two from the Faculty Athletics Representatives Association, a minimum of one from the Council of Faculty Athletics Rep resentatives, a minimum of one from the Registrars Association and one at - large member. 11. Champions of Character Advisory Committee The functions of this committee are as follows: a. Use the guiding principles of the NAIA strategic plan in concert with the developed strategies and performance objectives in order to create a course of action and integrate throughout the NAIA membership. b. To be responsible for an annual review of conduct in competition, Scorecard implementation, online education, convention programming, development of resources, character research, and annual award. c. Oversee the Campus Character Liaison responsibilities. d. Specific national Champions of Character awards selection. (i.e. Dr. LeRoy Walker, Coach of Character, All That’s Right in Sports). e. Provide annual review and recommendations of rules an d programming to the Council for Student - Athletes. The committee shall consist of 11 members: one representative from the Council of Presidents, one representative member from the from the Conference Commissioners Association (CCA), one NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 107 A R T I C L E I X – S E C T I O N C ● ARTICLE X SECTIONS A - C representative member from the Athletic Directors Association (ADA) (if nominated and selected by ADA membership, associate/assistant athletic directors may represent the ADA) , two Campus Character Liaisons (CCL), one men’s sport head coach, one women’s sport head coach, two members (one male and one female) from the Association of Student - Athletes (ASA) and two at - large positions to be designated for females and/or minorities . Each body shall select its own members, with the committee chaired by a member o f the NAIA National Administrative Council. Selection of the committee will take geographic location into consideration to maintain a balance on the committee. Additional professionals may be asked to assist the committee and must be qualified by experienc e and or title. This committee shall report to the Council for Student - Athletes and work in consultation with the Council of Preside nts and other key stakeholders. 12. National Drug Testing and Education Committee The functions of this committee are as follows: a. To be responsible for an annual review of the drug testing policy; b. Provide annual recommendations to the Nat ional Administra tive council on championships at whi ch testing will occur and methods for selecting student - athletes to be tested; c. Review and rule upon exception requests and appeals related to positive drug tests; and d. Review NAIA drug education program and provide recommendations to the Council for Student - Athletes. The committee shall consist of 10 members: one member from the Council of Presidents, one member from the Athletics Directors Association (if nominated and selected by ADA membership, associate/assistant athletic directors may represent the ADA) , two members from the Athletic Trainers Association, one member from the Faculty Athletics Representatives Association, one member of the Conference Commissioners Association, and two members from the National Administrative Council , and two at - large positions to be designated for females and/or minorities . Each body shall select its own members with the committee chaired by a member of the NAIA Natio nal Administrative Council. Additional professionals may be asked to assist the committee and must be qualified by experience and or title. This committee shall report to the National Administrative Council and work in consultation with the Council for Stu dent - Athletes and other key stakeholders. ARTICLE X ASSOCIATIONS OF THE NAIA X SECTION A ORGANIZATION OF ASSOCIATIONS WITHIN THE NAIA Each association shall have a member from an appropriate council as its coordinator. Officers necessary to conduct the business of each association shall be elected from among the members of each association . X SECTION B ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDATIONS Each association shall hold an annual meeting at a time established by that association. Recommendations from each association shall be presented to the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer who shall route the recommendation to the appropriate council for action. The NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer shall notify each association and th e general membership of action taken. X SECTION C ASSOCIATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS 1. Athletics Directors Association (NAIA ADA) This association is organized to foster the professional growth and development of all member institution representatives who are engaged in the administration of intercollegiate athletics. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 108 A R T I C L E X – S E C T I O N C Periodic newsletters and NAIA Athletics Directors Workshops are used to effect an exchange of ideas and information to enhance the administration of programs and the NAIA. Additional projects to extend professional services to NAIA athletics directors shall be adopted from time to time. 2. Athletics Trainers Association (NAIA ATA) This association is organized to promote the growth of certified athletics trainers within the NAIA, educate the membership on the importance of injury prevention and rehabilitation, assist the association in staffing national events with certified trainer s, promote in service training and in all ways act to upgrade the athletics training profession. Membership shall be open to all those performing in the capacity of trainers at member institutions. Classification of membership is as follows: a. Certified: NAIA trainers who are certified by the National Athletics Trainers Association (NATA); b. Associate: Full - /part - time students who act as student trainers; and c. Advisory: Team physicians of NAIA institutions 3. Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) This association recommends policies for the continued operation of the national conference affiliation program for men’s and women’s programs. The association works to strengthen interconference and conference - association relationships. It isolates proble ms common to NAIA conferences and organizes to study and achieve solutions to these problems. This association shall meet twice annually, once in conjunction with the NAIA National Convention and one other time each year. Each affiliated conference shall have its commissioner or president eligible to vote on association business. Any commissioner or president of a certified football conference, who is not the commissioner or president of an affiliated conference, shall serv e as a non - voting member of the association. 4. Faculty Athletics Representatives Association (FARA) This association makes recommendations to the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives on all phases of the intercollegiate athletics program, particularly in the areas of academic requirements and policies. This association includes all faculty athlet ics representatives and shall meet annually during the NAIA National Convention. 5. Continental Athletic Conference (CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) NOTE : A s of July 2021, the Association of Independent Institutions changed its name to Continental Athletic Conference (CAC ) . Per NAIA bylaws, the CAC meets the definition of an association and will be treated accordingly for purposes of policy and bylaw application. NAIA members that are in good standing and not members of a conference shall hold membership in the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) . This association makes recommendations to the National Administrative Council regarding policies for operation of the national independent institution program for men’s and women’s programs. It isolates NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 109 A R T I C L E X – S E C T I O N C problems common to all independent institutions and organizes to study and achieve solutions to these problems. This association shall meet once a year in conjunction with the NAIA National Convention. Each independent institution shall be eligible to have one vote on association business. The association shall elect its own President, Vice - President and Secretary. A faculty athletics representative and a registrar from an independent institution also will serve on the CAC’s administrative committee . The Conti nental Athletic Conference (CAC) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) shall: a. Facilitate effective and active participation in the NAIA legislative process and governance structure; b. Work with the appropriate NAIA committees regarding championship opportunities for CAC members; c. Oversee the certification of eligibility for students at independent institutions and provide a mechanism for review of exception requests, violations and appeals; d. Provide weekly statistics services in the sports of baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, softball, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s volleyball; e. Select All - Independent teams in the sports of baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, and men’s and women’s volleyball; f. Provide recognition programs for students from all CAC member institutions; g . Provide timely communication between the National Office and CAC members; and h. Develop budget and financial operations to ensure fiscal accountability and responsibility. 6. National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic Coaches Associations (NAIACA) All active coaches at member institutions shall hold membership in the sport association in which they coach. The NAIA Coaches Associations (NAIACA) are charged with the responsibility for carrying out programs beneficial to the coaches of the organization. Each sport recognized by the NAIA shall establish a coaches association. Officers shall be elected from within the membership of each association with lengths of terms to be either for one or two years, as decided upon by each association. At least one female and/or minority member shall serve as an officer on each NAIACA’s executive committee. NOTE: Additional selection criteria should be applied at the next regularly occurring election cycle. The NAIACA programs are conducted subject to the NAIA Constitution and Bylaws and association policies. The objective of each association shall be: a. To help maintain the highest possible standards in the coaching profession; b. To arrange for and conduct clinics in its sport; c. To arrange for discussions on various phases of athletics problems; d. To promote professional growth within the coaching profession; and e. To take a leading role in the investigation of playing rules deemed desirable by the majority of the membership and to make recommendations for adoption or revision of rules in accordance with the desires of the majority. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 110 A R T I C L E X – S E C T I O N C A R T I C L E X – S E C T I O N C Each NAIACA is charged with the formulation and distribution of a standard of ethics for the member coaches of its association and the establishment of means whereby such rules of conduct may be enforced throughout the membership. All recommendations to achieve these objectives will be reviewed by the National Administrative Council for action. 7. Registrars Association (NAIA RA) This association makes recommendations to the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives regarding the format of the official eligibility certificate, conversion tables/equivalency scores to be used for GED students and international students who will be first - time entering freshman students; interprets applications of unusual institutional calendars; and provides general guidance in its area of expertise. This association includes all registrars at member institutions. The association shall meet annually either in person or virtually. 8. Sports Information Directors Association (NAIA SIDA) This association is responsible for the promotion and publicity of its member institutions. Membership is open to individuals of each member institution who are delegated the duties and responsibilities of handling sports information and promotion. Through its membership, the association recommends poli cies and procedures for statistical services and publication contests. NAIA Sports Information Directors Association works closely with College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) in the promotion of all intercollegiate athletics. 9. Association of Student - Athletes (NAIA ASA) This association is responsible for representing student - athletes within the governance of the NAIA and promoting amongst its membership the growth and development of the Champions of Character ideals. The association will comprise of no fewer than 24 stud ent - athletes representing each affiliated conference and the Continental Athletic Conference ( CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions ) . The CAC will have one representative pe r every 10 member institutions. Four at - large positions will be designated for minority student - athletes. Additional student - athletes nominated through the conference/ CAC may serve as at - large members to ensure representation of each NAIA championship sport. Representatives shall serve a single, two - year term. To be eligible to serve as a representative, a student must: a. Be identified with an NAIA member institution; b. Have completed at least one season of competition in an NAIA championship or invitational sport and two semester/three quarter terms of attendance at an NAIA member institution; and c. At the time of nomination have no less than two seasons of competition and four semester/six quarter terms of attendance of eligibility remaining in the NAIA. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 BYLAWS & CASEBOOK / page 111 A R T I C L E X – S E C T I O N C 10. Athletics Compliance Administrators Association (ACAA) This association is responsible for the professional development of athletics compliance administrators, and for assisting in responsible growth of the position across the association. This association may make recommendations regarding athletics complianc e policies to the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives. The association will meet annually at the NAIA National Convention, and membership is open to individuals of member institutions who are delegated the duties and responsibilities of an athleti cs compliance administrator as described in Article I, Section D. 11. Senior Woman Leader Association (SWLA) This association is responsible for the professional development of senior woman leaders, and for assisting in responsible growth of the position across the association. In addition to promoting the growth and development of senior woman leaders, this asso ciation will initiate professional development opportunities for female staff and student - athletes. The association will meet annually at the NAIA National Convention, and membership is open to all individuals of member institutions holding the role of sen ior woman leader as described in Article I, Section E. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 111 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS The membership has authorized the Council of Presidents to initiate policies within the field of governance of the affairs of the NAIA (Article IV, Section C of the NAIA Bylaws). In carrying out their duties as charged by the membership of the Association, the Council of Presidents has established the following policies. I — COMPOSITION OF THE COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS The Council of Presidents shall be elected from institutional chief executive officers and is composed of conference and Continental Athletic Conference (CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) representatives, and members elected at - large. Serving as ex - officio members shall be the chair of the National Coordinating Committee, the chair of the National Administrative Council, the chair of the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives, the ch air of the Conference Commissioners Associa tion, the chair of the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association, the chair of the Council for Student - Athletes, and the president of the Athletics Directors Association. A. Audit Review Committee The Audit Review Committee of the Council of Presidents reports directly to the Council of Presidents and is independent of the Executive Committee. The committee provides general oversight of the NAIA’s financial operations, controls, policies, and annual audit. The committee meets two times annually in conjunction with the meetings of the Council of Presidents. Duties of the Audit Review Committee include: 1. Ongoing review of financial statements, audit and management letters; 2. Council of Presidents review of Conflict of Interest Form; 3. Quarterly meetings to review the management letter items and other current topics; 4. Quarterly reviews of financial statements with approval of Council of Presidents Executive Committee; and 5. Make recommendations to the Council of Presidents regarding the engagement of the NAIA’s audit firm. B. Conference Review Committee The Conference Review Committee (CRC) reports directly to the Council of Presidents and oversees the annual conference evaluation process and guide initiatives to strengthen conferences. Duties of the committee include: 1. Oversee initiatives to improve and strengthen affiliated conferences; 2. Develop, implement and conduct an annual review of affiliated conference operations; 3. Offer recommendations to the Council of Presidents regarding compliance with requirements for affiliated conferences, and when necessary, recommending appropriate action as specified in the bylaws 4. Provide periodic reports to the Council of Presidents regarding affiliated conference operations; and 5. Assess the conference evaluation process and make recommendations for procedural changes as needed. C. Eligibility Center Oversight Committee The Eligibility Center Oversight Committee reports directly to the Council of Presidents and provides general oversight of the NAIA Eligibility Center. The committee will consult with staff members of the eligibility center and national office regarding th e center’s financial operation and business processes, and will work in concert with the National Eligibility and Competitive Experience Committees related to policy and procedural matters. Duties of the committee include: NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 112 1. Review of standard performance indicators (e.g., registration numbers, telephone and email service levels); 2. Quarterly financial reports (including, each spring, review of proposed annual operating budget, and each fall, recommendations regarding allocation of all or part of annual net income for specified eligibility center operations or new initiatives); 3. Updates on current operational issues (e.g., development of new technology platforms, telephone systems); 4. Policy discussions (e.g., transcript processing, legislative issues, treatment of fee waivers); and 5. New business initiatives (e.g., recruiting agency registration, international student credential evaluation service). D. Membership Committee The Membership Committee reports directly to the Council of Presidents and provides general oversight of the membership application process and additional initiatives related to NAIA membership. The committee provides input and recommendations on a variety of membership topics, including membership recruitment and retention, associate membership, branch campuses. The committee’s chair is responsible for working with the staff to present the committee’s report to the full Council of Presidents twice a year i n conjunction with regularly scheduled Council of Presidents meetings. II — ELECTION/APPOINTMENT TO THE COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS 1. One council member shall be elected in each conference. 2. There shall be representation from independent and public institutions, affiliated conferences and Continental Athletic Conference (CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) members, minorities and women. III — ELECTION/APPOINTMENT PROCESS The Council of Presidents’ year begins on August 1. A. Regular Elections 1. May — A communique will be sent to all chief executive officers within each conference and Continental Athletic Conference (CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) with vacancies stating the status of the current Council of Presidents member and requesting signed authorizations from those chief executive officers willing to serve and to have their names listed on the official ballot. 2. June — A ballot will be sent to all chief executive officers within each conference or CAC with vacancies containing the name(s) of those who indicated a willingness to serve. A plurality of votes cast will elect. 3. July — If a tie occurs, a run - off election will be conducted. 4. August — Council of Presidents membership is announced. 5. When needed, the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer can modify this process and time frame. B. Special Elections Vacancies Except as noted below, when a vacancy exists in an elected position, the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer will notify the chair of the Council of Presidents of that fact and then proceed to conduct an election to fill the vacancy. That election will be conducted in the same manner as a regular election, except that the time frame may be different. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 113 C. At - Large Elections 1. August — The Executive Committee of the Council of Presidents will elect at - large members to the Council of Presidents. 2. August — At - large members will be announced. D. At - Large Vacancies When a vacancy occurs in an at - large position, it shall be filled by appointment of the Executive Committee of the Council of Presidents. E. Short Term Vacancies When a vacancy occurs with less than a year remaining in the term, the Constitution empowers the appointment of a replacement. In this situation, the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer will request that the chair of the Council of Presidents appoint a chief executive officer to s erve the remainder of the term. IV — COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS DESIGNEE A member of the Council of Presidents who serves as a conference or independent representative may choose a designee to attend Council of Presidents meetings in his or her place. For a Council of Presidents conference representative, the designee must be a president from an institution within the conference. For a Council of Presidents Continental Athletic Conference (CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) representative, the designee must be a president from an independent institution. Once appointed, the designee may be changed during the term of the Council of Presidents representative only if the current designee is no longer serving as a chief executive officer within the applicable conference or CAC . During Council of Presidents meetings, designees shall have the right to voice opinions and to speak to issues before the Council and shall have voting privileges on behalf of the designated conference/CAC representative. Council of Presidents at - large members are excluded from this policy. V — DEALING WITH POTENTIALLY CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES When issues arise within the NAIA that are potentially controversial from an external perspective (i.e., they can be linked directly or indirectly to political or social matters that are or can be quite divisive on a national scale), the NAIA’s CEO, senior management, and COP Executive Committee will be guided by the following considerations and principles. The NAIA’s Primary Roles Fundamentally, as a collegiate athletics association, the NAIA’s primary roles are to (a) sponsor and manage national championships; (b) assure fairness in athletic competition across the association; (c) enhance the student - athlete experience when partici pating in their sport; (d) support member institutions, conferences, and athletics personnel as they lead their athletics programs. The NAIA does not dictate how member institutions fulfill their educational and/or religious missions. On the contrary, the NAIA values and supports the diversity of its members. Advocacy by the Association In general, the NAIA will be a strong advocate for character - driven collegiate athletics. When issues arise in our society that have a direct impact on NAIA or its student - athletes, the NAIA should be expected to voice a position. Example: As the medical c ommunity learns more about the long - term health effects of sports - related concussions, the NAIA should be expected to advocate for preventive measures, safety protocols, and education, while also advocating for the continuation of safe competition in sport s that experience an incidence of concussions. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 114 However, periodically issues arise in our society that may have a direct or an indirect impact on the activities and/or policies of the Association, even though the original issue is not related to athletics. Example: equal rights for the LGBTQ community. In many cases, it is difficult to separate the NAIA’s action or position on an issue without a link to a particular side of a political, religious, and/or social justice argument. The current environment in which the NAIA and its member institutions operat e is marked by strong divisions and disagreements within society. In cases where actions by the NAIA may be viewed as advocacy for an issue beyond athletics, the NAIA leadership will be guided by the impact on the association’s primary roles (stated above). Direct impact : If an issue has direct impact on any of the association’s primary roles/functions, or creates potential liability or risk, the association should be expected to take a position. Example: The changes made to the SAT exam created an inequity in the current concordance between the ACT and SAT exams. Without addressing the reasons for or implications of the revisions to the exam, the NAIA needed to address the potential “unfairness” that was created. Indirect impact : If an issue has an indirect effect on any of the NAIA’s primary functions, the leadership will make a judgment about the issue’s overall relevance. Example: Several additional states have expanded the legality of recreational marijuana use. While the NAI A may believe that recreational drug use (or alcohol use, for that matter) is not beneficial to student - athletes, the association chose not to include street drugs in its drug testing program. If however, (hypothetically) a derivative of mar ijuana were found to have performance - enhancing effects, the NAIA should step in to assure fairness in competition. No real or lasting impact : If the NAIA were asked or pressured to “make a statement” of a political nature that had little or no effect on the NAIA’s primary roles, the association’s leadership should avoid taking definitive action. Example: If a group were to protest the NAIA in order to pressure the association to enact rules requiring certain athlete behavior during the playing of the national anthem, the NAIA should resist making a move that is more political than having anything to do with the roles li sted above. Process When Action is Warranted When the NAIA staff (perhaps in consultation with other entities or groups within the Association) determines it is necessary to address a matter, the process should consider the following. 1. First, honor the decision - making process(es) in place to deal with the matter. 2. If there isn’t an obvious or established decision - making process, or if it is not clear, the NAIA senior staff will consult with the Executive Committee of the COP. 3. If someone recommends superseding an established decision - making process, doing so (setting aside normal protocol) should be a separate, deliberate decision with clearly stated rationale. a. If the decision is taken away from a representative body, that body should be consulted and have input prior to changing the decision - making process. b. If the decision is given to a representative body, then that body must be given ample time to consult the members it represents before a final decision on a topic is made. 4. It is perfectly appropriate to consult a representative body, but it should be clear whether any votes are advisory or binding. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 115 V I — CONFERENCE COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION The following policies have been adopted by the Conference Commissioners Association (CCA): 1. Must conduct at least two in - person meetings of conference athletics administrators annually. 2. The conference commissioner must attend all official meetings of the Conference Commissioners Association. 3. The conference representative on the National Administrative Council must attend all official meetings of the Council. 4. Conference representatives must meet all deadlines for requested information, including but not limited to: a. Nominations for national awards; b. Conference tournament plans; c. Conference tournament results; d. Annual conference certification forms; e. Annual conference organization report forms; f. Officials’ rating forms; g. Ratings information; and h. Statistical information. VI I — MEMBERSHIP REINSTATEMENT Former NAIA institutions that hold NCAA membership are eligible for reinstatement under the following guidelines: A. Criteria for Reinstatement of Former Members 1. The institution must have held NAIA membership for more than five consecutive years; and 2. The institution must have dropped NAIA membership while in good standing (no evidence of violations or infractions when school dropped NAIA membership). B. Benefits for Reinstated Members 1. The institution will be provided an exception allowing the institution to be eligible for NAIA postseason play immediately; and 2. The NAIA National Office will assist reinstated members in positively promoting change in current affiliation. C. Guidelines for Reinstated Members 1. The institution must immediately drop membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association; 2. The institution must complete the new member application and approval process; and 3. The institution must receive a positive recommendation from the NAIA Membership Evaluation Team regarding the institution’s understanding of all NAIA rules and guidelines. Membership reinstatement is effective immediately for institutions that meet the criteria. VII I — LOSS OF ACCREDITATION If an active member’s accreditation is removed by its accrediting agency, the member shall be immediately reclassified as an associate member. However, the member institution’s chief executive may request a continuance of active membership for the remainde r of the fiscal year. Such request must be in writing and should include the rationale for postponing the reclassification from active to associate membership. Should the Council of Presidents grant a continuance, active membership will terminate automatic ally at the conclusion of the current fiscal year unless accreditation has been reinstated. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 116 IX — ASSOCIATION FINANCES A. The fiscal year shall be July 1 through June 30. A budget shall be adopted for each fiscal year and it must be in balance. B. An audit firm will be employed to make an annual financial audit to be reported directly to the Audit Review Committee of the Council of Presidents. C. Fiscal policy goals and guidelines: 1. Championship events should be financially independent with income from a specific event to cover expenses of that event. If funds are not sufficient, then a formula for equitable distribution will be utilized. 2. National and local sponsors are to be developed for the purpose of providing additional reimbursement to institutions participating in national championships. 3. The Association should provide a reserve equal to 60 days’ operating expenses. 4. A quasi - endowment fund should be established and, at the end of each year, the Executive Committee and the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer shall determine how much will be added to this fund. 5. A convention registration fee should be established each year based on the actual cost of the convention to the Association. X — DUES A. Annual membership dues will be determined by the Council of Presidents. B. Member institutions holding dual affiliation in the NAIA and the NCAA or Canadian Interuniversity Sport may request an alternate dues structure from the Council of Presidents. X I — TRADEMARK The name National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, initials NAIA, logo and other NAIA symbols and insignia are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office. The name, initials and marks are fully protected and are the exclusive prop erty of the Association. Expressed, written approval by the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer is required for the use of the NAIA initials, name or marks, including use at NAIA events. X I I — REIMBURSEMENT POLICIES A. Team Travel Travel reimbursement to member institutions participating in postseason events is not guaranteed by the Association for any event. All transportation and housing expenses incurred to attend an NAIA championship shall be the financial responsibility of the institution. The NAIA will reimburse up to 100 percent of transportation and housing expenses of the official party to those institutions that used the NAIA travel service from remaining championship profits. Reimbursement will not be available to institut ions not using the NAIA travel service. Seventy - five percent of net income from opening - round events will be used for travel reimbursement in the sports of football, soccer, volleyball and baseball. The traveling team will receive and pay the transportation bill (air and/or ground) and any meal and housing bills incurred (i.e. to and from, and while at the national championship site.) Exceptions will not be made to these policies unless approved in ad vance in writing by the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 117 1. Transportation Institutions located within 750 miles (800 for football) of the event shall receive travel reimbursement based on ground transportation rates, regardless of whether the team flies or drives. Institutions located more than 750 miles (800 for football) from the event may be reimbursed for either ground or air transportation at the NAIA’s discretion, depending upon geography and distance from NAIA - designated airports. Transportation: Opening Rounds (Soccer, Volleyball, Baseball , Basketball ) There are two categories for transportation reimbursement: a. Trips less than 750 miles: 1) Ground transportation only. Air travel will not be eligible for reimbursement without prior written approval from the NAIA Department of Championships. 2) Expenses for one standard, 55 - passenger bus, or up to two 15 - passenger vans. Institutions are responsible for arranging all ground transportation needs. 3) Teams traveling close to 750 miles may submit a written request to the NAIA Department of Championships for approval to use air travel. Written request must be accompanied by: i. The estimated cost of ground transportation; and ii. A quote from the NAIA travel service for the cost of airline tickets. 4) Any airline tickets purchased without written approval from the NAIA Department of Championships will not be eligible for reimbursement. b. Trips more than 750 miles: 1) Air transportation may be used. 2) Commercial airline flights for up to a certain number of the official party (depending on sport). 3) Institutions using commercial flights must use the NAIA travel service. An institution not using the NAIA travel service for commercial flights will be ineligible for reimbursement, unless prior written approval was obtained from the NAIA Department of Ch ampionships. Any such requests must be accompanied by a: i. Quote from the NAIA travel service for the cost of airline tickets; and ii. Quote for alternative proposed travel arrangements. 4) The traveling team’s institution is responsible for transportation expenses incurred from campus to the NAIA - designated airport for departure and return. Transportation: Football There are three categories for transportation reimbursement: a. For trips less than 400 miles: 1) Pre - approved expenses for one, 55 - passenger bus and one additional vehicle. b. For trips between 400 and 800 miles: 1 ) Pre - approved expenses for two, 55 - passenger buses. c. For trips more than 800 miles: 1) Air transportation may be used. 2) Institutions using commercial flights must use the NAIA travel service. An institution not using the NAIA travel service for commercial flights will be ineligible for reimbursement, unless prior written approval was obtained from the NAIA Department of Ch ampionships. Any such requests must be accompanied by a: NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 118 i. Quote from the NAIA travel service for the cost of airline tickets; and ii. Quote for alternative proposed travel arrangements. 3) Charter flights will be coordinated by the NAIA through an approved air charter company. All institutions that charter a flight must be prepared to pay for all costs associated with the flight up front. When charter air travel is used, the NAIA reimburs es the institution for 60 seats at a predetermined rate. It is the responsibility of the traveling school to sell the additional seats beyond the above mentioned 60. 4) The traveling team’s institution is responsible for transportation expenses incurred from campus to the NAIA - designated airport for departure and return. 2. Housing The host institution arranges a hotel block for the traveling team’s official party while at the competition site. The traveling team is financially responsible for the cost of the rooms and must provide receipts with the Traveling Team Expense Form to be eligible for reimbursement. a. All traveling teams must stay at the designated hotel or assigned property in order to be eligible for the event and any reimbursement funds. b. A maximum number of rooms will be eligible for expense reimbursement. c. In the sports of volleyball and soccer, for trips less than 400 miles (one way) a maximum of two nights stay will be eligible for reimbursement. For trips 400 miles or greater, a maximum of three nights stay will be eligible for reimbursement. 3. Expense Report Within 15 days after participating in an opening round, the traveling team shall submit the Traveling Team Expense Report Form with receipts to the NAIA National Office. The institution’s president and the director of athletics will be notified when expens e reports are not submitted within 15 days following the opening round competition. Submitting incomplete or late expense reports may jeopardize the institution’s eligibility for reimbursement. Reimbursement will be generated from opening round bid guarantees minus expenses and will be approved by the Council of Presidents following the completion of fall national championships. Reimbursement funds will be released in February for fall championsh ips and July for spring championship. B. Individual Travel (For Council of Presidents’ travel, see Article X, Section C of Council of Presidents Policy.) Individuals attending meetings or events as representatives of an association, committee, council or officially representing the NAIA shall be covered by the following travel policy: 1. All travel must be approved in advance by the NAIA staff liaison responsible for the committee or activity. 2. Some of the NAIA’s associations, due to their budgets, may find it impossible or inadvisable to reimburse their representatives for the full expenses incurred. In those cases, they may approve a definite honorarium for the traveler. Under no circumstances may this honorarium exceed actual travel costs incurred. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 119 3. The NAIA will be responsible only for direct travel between the home base to the point of the assignment. Variations, such as side trips, will be paid for by the traveler. 4. Housing arrangements (to include location, rates and length of stay) must be approved by the NAIA. 5. Meals will be reimbursed only for the actual cost incurred by the traveler. Daily meal allowance should not exceed $30.00. 6. The following travel expense guidelines will be followed for reimbursement purposes: a. Local Travel — Individuals will be reimbursed for local ground transportation to and from the airport (see Ground Travel below), parking fees, tolls, taxis or shuttle fees. b. Ground Travel — Reimbursement may be claimed at the current rate approved by the Council of Presidents. However, ground travel claims must not exceed the cost of the lowest available air travel fare. c. Air Travel — Upon receiving approval of travel requests from the NAIA staff liaison, all air travel arrangements MUST be made through the NAIA official travel agency. Authorization will be given to the NAIA travel agency to charge the air travel directly to the NAIA. Travel schedules may be adjusted by the NAIA to receive the maximum reduction in fares. Individuals who change their air schedules, thereby increasing the fare or causing a penalty fee, shall be financially responsible for the increase in fare or penalty unless approved in advance by the NAIA. d. Reservations — When making reservations, identify yourself, your institution, and the NAIA staff liaison contact. Be prepared to give the agent the following information: 1) Date of departure; 2) Origin and destination; 3) Date of return; 4) Special requests or preferences (e.g. general departure times); 5) Business and home telephone numbers of traveler; and 6) Address to which ticket should be delivered (generally, your flight will be confirmed while you are on the telephone). e. Change of Reservations — If you need to cancel or change reservations, call the NAIA staff liaison as soon as possible. Before making a change, check to see if your ticket is non - refundable or non - changeable. If the ticket is non - refundable or non - changea ble and the ticket is changed at the traveler’s choice, any extra charges or fees will be at the traveler’s expense. f. Unused or Canceled Tickets — If any portion of a ticket is unused or canceled, never destroy the ticket. The ticket must be returned immediately to the NAIA staff liaison for proper credit. NOTE: This is very important because the refund process for a lost or stolen ticket can take six to eight months. Always return to the NAIA immediately. g. Lost or Stolen Tickets — If a ticket is lost or stolen, call the travel agent immediately. h. Delivery of Tickets — The NAIA travel agent is responsible for the delivery of tickets to the traveler before the date of departure. Street addresses are absolutely necessary for tickets to be delivered properly. When reservations are made too late for ti ckets to be mailed, arrangements will be made for the traveler to pick up the tickets at the airport NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 120 terminal. The traveler will be required to show adequate identification to pick up the tickets. C. Council of Presidents’ Travel 1. Individual members of the Council of Presidents are responsible for their expenses to the meeting held during the National Convention. Council members are acting as representatives of their respective institutions and should be reimbursed accordingly. 2. The NAIA will provide airline ticket, or mileage reimbursement, and up to two nights hotel accommodations for attendance at the fall meeting of the Council of Presidents. All other costs, including airport - to - hotel transportation, meals and incidentals, a re to be paid by the Council of Presidents member. 3. Should the Council of Presidents be requested to have a special meeting other than during the National Convention or the regular fall meeting, representatives shall be reimbursed in accordance with the above stated policy. X I II — INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL AID POLICY A. Definition of Institutional Financial Aid Institutional financial aid is all aid institutionally managed or controlled, exclusive of Pell grants, state grants, SEO grants and loans not controlled by the institutions. B. Countable Aid Countable aid is any and all financial assistance to student - athletes that is funded by the institution, controlled or allocated by the institution, regardless of category, title or original source. Countable aid includes institutional athletic grants or s cholarships, academic scholarships, leadership and/or performance scholarships; outside scholarships administered by the institution; institutional benefits, room credits , or meal credits; institutional loans and institutional work study, as defined in financial aid packages and that is funded by the institution; and reciprocal tuition waivers when waiver offers are decided on an student - by - student basis. C. Non - Countable Aid Non - countable aid is aid that is not funded, controlled or allocated in any significant way by the institution. Non - countable aid includes Pell, SEO, federal or state grants, benefits, scholarships and/or work study; loans not controlled by institutions; c ampus employment; state - mandated tuition waivers; and institutionally funded tuition waivers for employee dependents attending the institution of the employee; and reciprocal tuition waivers when waiver offers are not decided on a student - by - student basis. D. Athletes Counting Toward Limits Any student - athlete who participates in more than 20% of the maximum allowable number of varsity contests in a particular sport, or participates in NAIA - approved postseason, must count towards the team’s upper limit of financial aid. In the sports of indoor track and field and outdoor track and field, a student - athlete must compete in at least three meets and/or post - season competition in at least one sport in order for the st udent’s countable aid to count towards the track and field limits. The financial aid policy, including the aid limits, will apply to varsity participants only. Financial aid to junior varsity - only participants will not count against the institution’s allowable limits and will not be reported to the NAIA. Baseball 11 contests Lacrosse 5 contests Basketball 7 contests Softball 11 contests Bowling 4 contests Swimming and diving 3 meets NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 121 Competitive cheer 3 dates Tennis 6 dates/tournaments Competitive dance 3 dates Indoor track and field 3 meets Cross country 2 meets Outdoor track and field 3 meets Football 3 contests Volleyball 6 dates Golf 8 rounds Beach Volleyball 6 dates Soccer 5 contests Wrestling 5 dates /tournaments NOTE: These limits shall be updated annually to reflect 20% of the maximum allowable limit a s listed in Article I, Section H , Item 1 of the NAIA Bylaws plus one additional contest/date. No limit will be placed on the number of student - athletes on any varsity roster, nor on the combined total number of all varsity and junior varsity athletes. Any intercollegiate contest that meets the following criteria will be considered a varsity contest and must be included in calculating the student’s varsity participation: 1. Is included in the institution’s or the individual’s varsity statistics and/or won - loss record; 2. Can be used for qualification for postseason competition, (indoor and outdoor track and field, swimming and diving, wrestling, women’s golf); or 3. Can be counted toward team scoring (e.g. indoor and outdoor track and field, swimming and diving, wrestling, etc.) for the institution’s varsity team. All varsity rosters will be submitted with Year - End financial reports. NOTE: Designation of varsity or junior varsity status for a contest must be made at the time of scheduling for team sports and upon submission of entry forms for individual sports (indoor and outdoor track and field, swimming and diving, wrestling, etc.). In individual sports, athletes cannot qualify for postseason competition based on results of contests in which they are designated as junior varsity. Provision has been made for an alternate from a junior varsity program to replace a student - athlete on a varsity roster who must drop off the team due to a season - ending injury, verified by a physician (M.D. or D.O.), or other comparable personal crisis, b ut not due to a varsity student becoming ineligible. In such replacement cases a season of eligibility will be used by both athletes per current policy, but no change will be made in counting financial aid. That is, the aid of the original varsity player w ill count toward the limit, and the aid of the replacement player from the junior varsity program will not count for that season. E. Multi - Sport Athletes In the case where a student is a varsity participant in more than one sport for more than 20% of the contest limit in each sport, that student’s aid shall be equally prorated to each sport. Institutions are permitted to prorate financial aid if students pa rticipate in sports sponsored by either the NAIA or the NCAA. In order to prorate the student’s aid, each sport to which the student’s aid will be applied must meet the requirements of varsity intercollegiate sport outlined in NAIA Bylaws Article V, Sectio n B, Item 21. The current list of sports sponsored by either the NAIA or the NCAA is: Baseball Field hockey Rowing (women’s only) Tennis Basketball Football Rugby (women’s only) Indoor and outdoor track and field Bowling Golf Sand volleyball (women’s only) Volleyball NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 122 Competitive cheer Competitive dance Cross country Gymnastics Swimming and diving Ice hockey Soccer Wrestling Equestrian (women’s only) Lacrosse Softball Skiing Fencing Rifle Water polo F. Calculating Cost of Attendance and Multiple Tuition Levels As practices in higher education have changed, schools are increasingly relying on more complex financial aid structures, including various costs of tuition rather than a single fixed tuition rate. The Council of Presidents has adopted a “proportionality m odel” to factor the cost of attendance and multiple tuition levels at a member institution. To calculate the proportionality model, the member institution will take into account the individual’s tuition cost based on the category assigned as reported in the Year End Report (i.e., domestic undergraduate tuition, domestic graduate tuition, interna tional undergraduate tuition, etc.). Each institution will report one standard cost for room and board, books, and fees. The student’s percentage that will count towards the team’s overall financial aid limits will be calculated by the total amount of coun table financial aid awarded to the student divided by the summation of the tuition cost plus the standard cost of room and board, books, and fees. G. Academic Exemption 1. Academically gifted students will be exempt from the aid counted by use of the following criteria: a. Aid to continuing students with a 3.60 cumulative GPA or who are in the top 10% of the class will not count against the limits. b. Only one - half of the aid to continuing students with a 3.30 - 3.59 cumulative GPA or who are in the upper 11% - 25% of the class will count against the limits. c. Aid to entering freshmen will be exempt upon achievement of the following: i. Minimum SAT/ACT score: 1130 SAT/23 ACT = half exemption, 12 70 SAT/27 ACT = full exemption ; ii. Cumulative high school GPA: 3.50 - 3.74 = half exemption, 3.75 - 4.0 = full exemption; or iii. High school class rank: top 11% - 25% = half exemption, top 10% = full exemption. NOTE: For SAT and/ or ACT tests taken prior to March 2016, full and half exemptions will be met with the following test scores: 1050 SAT/23 ACT = half exemption, 1200 SAT/ 27 ACT = full exemption. For SAT and/ or ACT tests taken May 1, 2019, or after, full and half exemptions will be met with the following test scores: 1140 SAT/ 23 ACT = half exemption, 1280 SAT/ 27 ACT = full exemption. The following guidelines should be used in academic factoring: a. Institutions may use the student’s cumulative GPA from either the seventh or final high school semester for incoming freshmen. For home - schooled students, use ACT/SAT scores. For students from high schools that do not grade, use ACT/SAT scores or class ra nk. b. Transfer students’ exemptions are determined in the same way as eligibility, using the cumulative GPA at face value for the student’s first term of identification at a member institution only. c. International students’ exemptions are determined in the same way as eligibility, using the ACT/SAT score, class rank or cumulative GPA, if determined. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 123 d. ACT/SAT tests taken on national test dates during the fall term can be counted as if it were taken in the spring or summer. e. For continuing students, use the cumulative GPA immediately preceding the fall term of the year being reported. H. Upper Limits for Institutional Aid Football 24 Cross country 5 Golf 5 Basketball 8 Swimming and diving

Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Track and Field/Cross Country Rules with NAIA Track and Field Coaches Association approved modifications. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Volleyball Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Volleyball Rules with NAIA Volleyball Coaches Association approved modifications. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Women’s Beach Volleyball Official USA Volleyball Domestic Competition Rules with NCAA Modifications. Wrestling For official rules, please visit: https://www.usawmembership.com/usa_wrestling_rule_book NOTE: Requests for exceptions to the NCAA playing rules for field and court sponsorship/commercial logo placements must be approved by the National Administrative Council Executive Committee. XIX — SPECIAL EVENTS NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 145 Any preseason or postseason contest, special event, all - star game or tournament involving member institutions that wish to identify with the NAIA as a special event must meet the following requirements and submit the Special Events form to the NAIA Preside nt/Chief Executive Officer: 1. All participating institutions must be members in good standing of the NAIA. 2. To protect the amateur standing of all athletes involved, all awards must be approved by the NAIA. 3. All financial obligations and transactions shall be under the jurisdiction of the host institution and/or sponsoring organization(s). All - star contests will not require expenditure of funds by institutions represented by their athletes. The event will pay for all expenses for all athletes, coaches and support personnel. 4. The sponsor(s) must file the following with the NAIA National Office seven days prior to the event, or lose the NAIA sanctions: a. Proof of general commercial liability insurance for the event at a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence naming the NAIA as an additional insured party and including participating legal liability; and b. A rights fee of $2,500 shall be paid to the NAIA. 5. Requests for approval of special events during a given academic year must be submitted to the NAIA National Office prior to October 1. Upon receiving the application the NAIA will submit the application to the National Administrative Council for review. A list of proposed sponsors must be supplied at the time of application to ensure that they do not conflict with any national corporate partners. 6. The NAIA will provide the following services, which are to be utilized in connection with the event and its publicity: a. NAIA logos, for required use in game programs, and other promotional materials; b. Message from NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer for required use in game programs; and c. Digital files for a one - page promotion of the NAIA purpose and history for required use in game programs. 7. As a special event, the NAIA is only approving the event for its membership and is not, through implication or action, assuming financial or legal responsibility for the event. 8. Approved special events will be listed in appropriate NAIA publications and will carry the Association’s official endorsement. 9. Approved special events will not be applied against the frequency of play limits for teams or individual participants. 10. Corporations with business interests beyond the local area of the special event site shall not be solicited for financial support without the prior written approval of the NAIA. Further, no businesses or corporations shall be identified without prior writt en approval of the NAIA. 11. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products of any form shall not be advertised, sold, disbursed or brought onto the site of the special event. XX — FOOTBALL SPECIAL EVENTS NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 146 Any preseason or postseason contest, special event, all - star game or tournament involving member institutions that wish to identify with the NAIA as a special event must meet the following requirements and submit the Football Special Events form to the NAI A President/Chief Executive Officer. The NAIA may require additional information at any time concerning the request for a special event (e.g. financial obligations, institutional expenses, awards presentation process, goals/objectives, expected or actual a ttendance figures, etc.). 1. All participating institutions must be members in good standing with the NAIA. 2. No team may accept an invitation to a postseason bowl game until the 20 teams have been selected to the NAIA FCS. No team may play in a postseason and preseason special event in the same year. Teams qualifying for the FCS may not accept an invitation to another postseason event. 3. To protect the amateur standing of all athletes involved, all awards must be approved by the NAIA. 4. All financial obligations and transactions shall be under the jurisdiction of the host institution and/or sponsoring organization(s). All - star contests will not require expenditure of funds by institutions represented by their athletes. The event host will pay for all expenses for all athletes, coaches and support personnel. All financial responsibilities will be handled directly by the host institution or sponsoring organization with no direct billing to any participating institution other than the ho st. Expenses include: travel, housing and meals for athletes, coaches and support personnel of the participating institutions while traveling to and from the special event site. The official travel party to a football special event shall not exceed 70 peop le. 5. The sponsor(s) must provide the following to the NAIA National Office 30 days prior to the event: a. Proof of general commercial liability insurance for the event at a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence naming the NAIA as an additional insured party and including participating legal liability; and b. A rights fee of $2,500 shall be paid to the NAIA. NAIA representatives will attend the football special event. 6. For approval of football special events, complete and submit the Football Special Events form to the NAIA National Office a minimum of one year prior to the first event. The National Administrative Council will review the application and approve or de ny the request within 60 days of being submitted. The following information should be submitted at the time of application/request: list of proposed sponsors to ensure there is not a conflict with NAIA national corporate partners; business plan; means/crit eria of invitation for participating institutions; and any other materials deemed necessary by the applicant. 7. All institutions being considered must be approved by the NAIA before invitations are extended. 8. An institution may not accept invitations to a football special event in consecutive years. A one year/competitive season waiting period between football special events must be met prior to accepting an invitation to participate in another football sp ecial event. The NAIA football national championship series is excluded from this wai ting period. 9. The NAIA will provide the following services which are to be utilized in connection with the event and its publicity: a. NAIA logos, for required use in game programs, and other promotional materials; b. Message from NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer for required use in game programs; NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 147 c. Digital files for a one - page promotion of the NAIA purpose and history for required use in game programs; and d. Digital files of advertisements for NAIA corporate partners, as deemed necessary by the NAIA Marketing Department. 10. As a special event, the NAIA is only approving the event for its membership and is not, through implication or action, assuming any financial or legal responsibility for the event. 11. Approved special events will be listed in appropriate NAIA publications and will carry the Association’s official endorsement. The NAIA will place endorsed football event information on the NAIA web site prior to the start of the football season. Other services requested by the host/sponsor may be considered (e.g. web links, fact sheets, press releases, etc.), but must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the desired posting date. 12. Approved special events will not be applied against the frequency of play limits for teams or individual participants. 13. Corporations with business interests beyond the local area of the special event site shall not be solicited for financial support without the prior written approval of the NAIA. Further, no businesses or corporations shall be identified without prior written approval of the NAIA. 14. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products of any form shall not be advertised, sold, disbursed or brought onto the site of the special event. XXI — SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM The NAIA is dedicated to promoting and preserving the integrity of athletics for the benefit and welfare of student - athletes. Consistent with that goal, the NAIA is concerned about and resolved to support definitive actions designed to assist student - athle tes striving to cope with escalating substance abuse problems in our society. These substance abuses center on drugs, alcohol, tobacco and smokeless tobacco. Substance abuse is a major societal problem which demands the attention of all segments of society, in particular the education community. The magnitude of the problem compels this Association to accept the responsibility to provide leadership in educating student - athletes who may be using or may be under pressure to use these substances. While maintaining institutional autonomy and individual institutional control, the NAIA is committed to establishing and monitoring requirements which will have a positive impact upon the substance abuse problem as it relates to athletics and, more specifi cally, to student - athletes. Through this national policy on substance abuse, the NAIA desires to communicate a concise message to student - athletes and to other concerned segments of society. The NAIA is committed to facing the issue of substance abuse amon g student - athletes in a positive, forceful, and straightforward manner. We are determined to bring all available educational resources to bear upon the issue in a caring yet definitive mode. Therefore, member institutions will be required to undertake the following actions: 1. Each institution will develop a philosophy statement which expresses the institution’s position on substance abuse as it relates to student - athletes, describes the institution’s substance abuse education program and delineates the institution’s program fo r evaluating the effectiveness of the education program. Student - athletes should receive a copy of the philosophy statement prior to signing a letter of intent, or prior to participation for those not contracted before enrollment. 2. Each institution will establish a substance abuse education program requiring active involvement of all participating athletes. Institutional programs should be coordinated by the health services NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 148 department or the counseling department and should utilize all available resources both on and off campus. 3. Each institution will institute an evaluation program for student - athlete participation and the expectations of the college or university for each athlete’s standard of behavior. 4. Each institution will develop a statement of philosophy on student - athlete participation and the expectations of the college or university for each athlete’s standard of behavior. XXII — SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY ON POSTSEASON COMPETITION Any NAIA student suspended for substance abuse by a national or international sports governing body, or by any amateur sports governing body, shall not be allowed to participate in any NAIA conference, Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions), unaffiliated grouping or national championship during the imposed period of suspension. XXIII — SUNDAY PLAY A. The NAIA shall provide a Sunday Competition Declaration form with the annual Declaration of Intent to Participate certificate, to provide institutions an opportunity to declare their policy on Sunday play. B. As a matter of policy, NAIA conference, Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions), unaffiliated grouping and national championship competition will not be scheduled on Sunday. C. If weather - related or other emergency situations develop, or if the competitive requirements necessitate a more expeditious completion of the event, Sunday competition may be permitted provided that the competing institutions are agreeable and advance app roval is obtained from the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer prior to the beginning of play. D. An institution which has a policy against Sunday competition must inform the tournament/meet director and the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer prior to the beginning of the meet or tournament in order for its team or one of its student - athletes to b e excused from competing on Sunday in conference, CAC, unaffiliated grouping or national championship play. The institution’s policy and request on this matter shall be communicated in written form over the signature of the institution’s chief executive officer. E. If a participating institution has a policy against Sunday competition, the tournament or meet schedule shall be adjusted, by the tournament director in consultation with the NAIA National Office sport manager, to accommodate that institution. Such adjust ment shall not require the institution’s team or an individual competitor to compete prior to the time originally scheduled. F. At individual championships, an athlete is expected to compete according to her/his institutional policy regarding Sunday competition (e.g. if the institution has no policy against Sunday competition, the athlete is expected to compete on Sunday if require d by the schedule). G. If a conference, CAC, unaffiliated grouping contest or national tournament competition is rescheduled for Sunday, it may not begin prior to 12 p.m. (noon) local time. XXIV — VIDEO POLICY FOR NATIONAL COMPETITION For all regular season NAIA play, written consent of athletics directors or their designee from both participating institutions must be obtained prior to a third - party videotaping of an event. No exceptions will be granted to this policy. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 149 The NAIA allows the use of video cameras at all NAIA conference, Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions), unaffiliated grouping and national events unless prohibited by host sites or contracts. EXCEPTION : The third - party videotaping restriction is waived for the sport of wrestling. All NAIA Championship Opening Round Hosts are required to produce a live video stream production for all games of all teams during the national championship tournament round. XXV — NATIONAL STATISTICAL SERVICE A. General Policies 1. A weekly national statistics report available on the PrestoStats website shall be produced for member institutions that are eligible for postseason in the sports of football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball. A nation al statistical report is available for member institutions sponsoring competitive cheer and/or competitive dance at the following links: www.naia.org/cheer and www.naia.org/dance . 2. Reporting statistics shall be coordinated under directions provided by the NAIA. It is the responsibility of each institution/conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) to facilitate this process on its own behalf. 3. For all sports, should a member institution be on suspension in a sport, be a n associate member, or elect not to participate in NAIA championship events because of participation in or declaration to another championship event, the institution shall waive its right to be included in the NAIA awards programs, statistical programs, nat ional ratings and publications contests for those sports during that season. Although a n associate or suspended member is not eligible for awards program, ratings and publication contests, the institution is still required to report statistics, similar to any other member. 4. Should a member fail to file complete and accurate statistical information on any athlete and/or team for two consecutive weeks or a total of four weeks during the national statistical reporting period for the sports of football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball, the institution shall be penalized in the following manner (violation accumulation is sport specific): a. The first violation will be a warning. b. The second violation will be a $500 fine. c. The third violation will be a $1,000 fine and a loss of postseason awards for the applicable athlete(s) and/or team. d. The fourth violation will be a $1,000 fine and such further penalties will be at the discretion of the council. Fines will be due within 30 days of notification. 5. Institutions failing to report statistics and/or results any two consecutive weeks or a total of four weeks during the reporting period will not be eligible for the national statistical reports or ratings for the remainder of the season. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 150 6. The national per - game ranking shall be based on the number of games an individual actually plays; however, to be ranked, a student - athlete must appear in 75 percent of the team’s games. If a player is in the lineup for only one play, the player shall be c harged with a game played whether or not the player touches the ball. EXCEPTION: If a player appears in a football game only to hold the ball on point - after - touchdown kick attempts, that player shall not be statistically considered for that contest; however, if that player becomes statistically involved (i.e. successfully ru ns, passes or kicks following an aborted kick attempt), the player shall be statistically identified with that game. 7. Ranking minimums shall be determined by the NAIA National Office to assure a valid comparative basis. The minimums shall be based on the normal participation or performance levels of the field in a given category. 8. Statistical records set by an institution during the time of suspension by the NAIA shall not be carried in statistical releases or in the NAIA Championship History and Records. However, statistical records set by an individual may be counted toward a tota l four - year record. Should penalty of suspension be limited to a given sport(s) in a particular program, only such sport(s) as stipulated in the suspension shall be affected. 9. The individual statistics of any student - athlete declared ineligible by a member institution, conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) or the NAIA for any remaining portion of a season shall not be included in the national statistical ranking from the date the student - athlete became ineligible. 10. Team statistics in any completed contest which later is termed a forfeit due to administrative action will stand. The actual results of the contest as well as the coach’s record will be changed to reflect the forfeit. 11. When an ineligible student participates, all of the ineligible student’s statistics shall be deleted from the records. Individual statistics earned by eligible students shall stand. All team and individual statistics for the offending opponents shall rema in intact and unaffected. In the case of team/individual student - athlete forfeitures at NAIA national championships, honors and placings will be vacated by the offending team/athlete and final results will not be adjusted. 12. For games to be considered countable (i.e. included in statistics, won - loss records, and coaching records), all of the following must be true: a. The institution must be accredited by one of the nationally recognized accrediting bodies in the U.S., or hold membership in the NAIA, Universities Canada, Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association, Canadian U Sports or the National Christian College Athle tic Association. b. The institution must be a four - year (or upper - level two - year) degree - granting institution; and c. The team must be a varsity program. 13. NAIA member institutions found delinquent in filing eligibility certificates, or failing to file NAIA Declaration of Intent to Participate certificates, shall be denied NAIA statistical and awards programs in the year affected. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 151 14. The host institution is responsible for recording official statistics, for all participating teams, for those sports in which a weekly national statistical report is conducted. This includes all contests for a tournament, classic, tri - match, or any multi - team event of the like that an institution hosts, regardless of the venue or if the host institution is competing. Those sports include men’s and women’s volleyball, football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s baske tball, competitive cheer, competitive dance, softball, and baseball. The home team of a tournament, classic, tri - match or any multi - team event must provide statistical services for all games, regardless of the venue. Only in the event of a single opponent contest may a team declare that statistics will not be provided. In this case, the home team must notify the opposing team (or teams) at least 72 hours prior to the contest if official statistics will not be provided. The opposing team can file an appeal i f it feels an error was made in the official statistics up to 72 hours after the conclusion of the contest. The appeal must be filed with the home team within 72 hours after the contest and both teams must change the statistics. Both schools are required t o report their official statistics to the national statistical service within the post - event 72 - hour window. The method of submission is by use of the official statistical software of the NAIA and/or submission to the National Coaches Association software. B. Football Statistics 1. All games (i.e. regular season, NAIA football championship series, and NAIA - sanctioned pre and postseason bowl games) shall be included in official individual and team statistics. 2. The national individual punt return and kickoff return champions shall be determined by average per return with a minimum number of returns required per game. 3. The national individual punting champion shall be determined by the average yards per punt with a minimum number of punts per game. 4. Only up - to - date statistics will be accepted. C. Basketball Statistics 1. All games (regular season and postseason) shall be included in the official statistics. 2. The national individual and team field goal percentage and three - point field goal percentage champions shall be determined by percentage with a minimum number of field goals made required per game. 3. The national individual and team free throw percentage champion shall be determined by percentage with a minimum of free throws made required per game. 4. The national team rebounding champion shall be determined by rebound margin. D. Women’s Volleyball Statistics 1. All games (regular and postseason) shall be included in the official statistics. 2. Games played during the spring shall not be included in a team’s won - loss record and statistics. E. Men’s Soccer Statistics 1. All games (regular and postseason) shall be included in the official statistics. 2. Games played during the spring shall not be included in a team’s won - loss record and statistics. F. Baseball Statistics 1. All regular and postseason games against countable opponents shall be included in the official statistics for the academic year. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 152 EXCEPTION: A maximum of 12 countable games played during the fall (August 1st – December 31st) shall be included in a team’s won - loss record and statistics. Any contest against a countable opponent in excess of this limit must meet the definition of an exh ibition or scrimmage. 2. Official statistics and history for the national championship opening round will be separate from the official statistics and history of the NAIA World Series. G. Softball Statistics 1. All games (regular and postseason) shall be included in the official statistics. 2. A maximum of six dates played during the fall may be included in a team’s won - loss record and statistics. H. Women’s Soccer Statistics 1. All games (regular and postseason) shall be included in the official statistics. 2. Games played during the spring shall not be included in a team’s won - loss record and statistics. I. Men’s Lacrosse Statistics 1. All games (regular and postseason) shall be included in the official statistics. J. Women’s Lacrosse Statistics 1. All games (regular and postseason) shall be included in the official statistics. K. Men’s Volleyball Statistics 1. All games (regular and postseason) shall be included in the official statistics. L. Competitive Cheer Statistics 1. All games (regular and postseason) shall be included in the official statistics. M. Competitive Dance Statistics 1. All games (regular and postseason) shall be included in the official statistics. N. Career Records 1. A student - athlete’s statistics shall be counted toward career records if the student - athlete’s institution was eligible to participate in the NAIA statistics program during a majority of the student - athlete’s career. 2. Career won - loss records and overall winning percentage by coaches shall not be affected by an institution’s declaration of intent to participate. When compiling coaching records, only records as a head coach at upper - level two - year or four - year institutio ns and games against upper - level two - year or four - year institutions are to be included. High school and/or junior college level games do not count. In career coaching records, there is a minimum of 10 years the head coach is required to be at an NAIA ins titution if carrying over any non - NAIA wins/losses. The carry - over of wins/losses from non - NAIA schools must meet the requirements above in this policy pertaining to upper - level two - year and four - year institutions. 3. In the event that an institution designates co - head coaches, the won - loss records of both coaches for each season they are co - head shall be denoted by an asterisk and footnote, indicating the record, year and names of the co - head coaches. XXVI — AWARDS A. Hall of Fame Award M . Dr. LeR oy Walker Champions of Character Award B. Player of the Week Awards N . A.O. Duer Scholarship Award NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 153 C. All - America Awards O . Emil S. Liston Award D. NAIA Scholar - Athlete Program P . Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award E. National Coach of the Year Q . Al Ortolani Student Athletic Trainer Scholarship F. All - Tournament/Outstanding Athlete Award R . Athletic Trainer of the Year Award G . NAIA Coach of Character Award S . Distinguished Alumnus Award H . Champions of Character ® Team Award T . Awards of Merit I. Athletics Director of the Year U . Approved Individual Awards J . Charles Morris Administrator of the Year V . Gary Spitler Award K . Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year Award W . Sports Information Director of the Year L . Larry Lady Officiating Award To be eligible for NAIA National Award nominations, institutions must be an active member of the NAIA as of July 15. Nominations from institutions that have closed or merged with another NAIA institution remain eligible. A. Hall of Fame 1. Since it was founded in 1952, the NAIA Hall of Fame Award has been the highest honor presented by the Association. Nominees must be persons of outstanding quality, high moral character, fine leadership quality and must be held in high esteem by their coll eagues, coaches and athletes. The number of recipients on an annual basis is a maximum of four inductees allowed per sport, but no more than three in any given category within that sport. 2. The Hall of Fame consists of a division for each sport currently or formerly sponsored by the Association and a division for general meritorious service to the NAIA. Each sport division is divided into three categories: athlete, coach and meritorious serv ice. a. Athlete — To qualify in this category, a nominee must have graduated from an accredited, four - year, degree - granting institution. At least two years of the nominee’s intercollegiate athletic competition must have been as a student at an NAIA/Association for Intercollegiate for Women me mber institution. The nominee must have attained national recognition in the nominated sport. A student - athlete is not eligible for nomination until five years after completion of intercollegiate eligibility. b. Coach — To qualify in this category, a nominee must have upheld the ideals and philosophies of the NAIA while striving to serve the best interests of intercollegiate athletics. While winning is the key factor, the person’s effect upon student - athletes and fellow coaches is also a very important consideration. To be eligible, a person must have coached a minimum of 15 years in the sport in which recognition is being considered. At least 10 years of the nominee’s coaching experience at the college level mu st have been at an NAIA/Association for Intercollegiate for Women institution. The coach must have made significant contributions to the NAIA at the district, conference, regional, and/or national level, and have achieved national recognition in the sport. c. Meritorious Service — These persons must have, over a period of years, exhibited a dedication and loyalty to intercollegiate athletics, and/or a particular sport, in keeping with the NAIA’s philosophy. Their work must have made a concrete contribution to the welfare of intercollegiate athletics and to the Association. National championship honorary coaches who have served for 20 years can be considered. 3. The following support material must be completed and incorporated into the nominee’s packet when the original nomination is submitted: NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 154 a. Completed nomination form. Nominations may be submitted by past or present member institutions, the various NAIA coaches associations, any recognized national committee or any of the certified affiliated conferences. b. A recent photograph; and c. Letters of recommendation in support of the nominee For the coach and athlete category the following recommendations are required from: i.. The current or former president or chancellor/provost of the institution; ii. The current or former athletics director at the institution; and iii. One individual from competing institutions (current o r former) who know the nominee. For the meritorious service category, the following recommendations are required: i. Two l etters of recommendation as outlined in for the coach and athlete category above (provided nominee is associated with a former or current member institution); or ii. Four letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the nominee stating her/his significant contributions to the NAIA. NOTE: All letters of recommendation must include a signature and must be submitted on letterhead of the institution or media outlet (when applicable). A letter from an individual can only count toward one category. 4. NAIA Hall of Fame nominations are received at the NAIA National Office at any time; however, a June 15 deadline date has been established for the processing of nominations and for maximum involvement of the inductees at the various championships or approp riate sites. The deadline for materials for all sports and general meritorious service is June 15. All nominations and all necessary supporting materials are due at the NAIA National Office by the deadline. Nominations received after the deadline will be kept on file u ntil the next year. 1) A conference call will be held in July to decide all championship sports, plus general meritorious service. 2) All packets must be mailed to the NAIA National Office and marked NAIA Hall of Fame. 3) The Hall of Fame liaison may contact the institution or coaches association chair for further support materials if the packet is not complete. 4) The Hall of Fame liaison will then notify the conference commissioner and coaches association Executive Committee to request approval of a candidate. 5) The ballot is reviewed by the Hall of Fame and Honors Committee which must have a quorum of six members in attendance to conduct business. A minimum of six votes is required for election. 6) The NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer will notify those nominees elected to the Hall of Fame. Notification will include the date and place of the presentation of the award. 7) Hall of Fame candidates nominated and not elected to the Hall of Fame will be considered for a second time if additional information is provided. If not elected in a two - year period, the candidate cannot be considered for one year, at which time new nomin ating forms and all supporting data must then be re - submitted. 8 ) A candidate may only be considered a total of four times. 9 ) The award consists of a personalized Hall of Fame certificate, indicating sport and category of election, matted and framed. The institution represented by the athlete, coach or administrator receives a duplicate of the certificate for display on campus. Winners also receive a lifetime membership card that entitles them to admission to all NAIA events. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 155 B. Player of the Week Awards The NAIA National Player of the Week is selected from a pool of conference players of the week, beginning with the first awarding in the first week of the season, for the following sports: men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, foot ball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s golf, men’s a nd women’s tennis, baseball and softball. Sports information director representatives from each conference nominate players for the national award and a voting panel comprising sports information directors from various conferences vote using SIDHelp. In the specific sport in which the institution is part of an unaffiliated grouping, the player from that institution that is nominated by a school sports information director representative will automatically be a national nominee. In indoor track and fiel d, outdoor track and field, wrestling, and swimming and diving, the player from that institution who is nominated by a school sports information director representative will automatically be a national nominee. Voting criteria that may be used: 1) Statistics/results; 2) Team success; 3) Various records (school, conference, national) broken; 4) Level of competition; and 5) Comments from the specific nomination form. C. All - America Awards 1. All - America awards are annually bestowed on the most outstanding athletes in the various sports in which the program is active. 2. The All - America selection committee of each coaches association recommends criteria, procedures for selection and the implementation of the All - America program in their sport to the National Administrative Council. 3. More detailed information on current selection procedures, including deadlines and support materials necessary, may be obtained in the coaches handbook for each sport. Following is a brief description of the number of athletes selected in the sport. a. Baseball: Three teams of 17 each (position specific); third team may exceed the numbers of first and second All - America team numbers based on the number of conference players off the year that were not included in the first, second and third teams. b. Basketball: Three teams of 12 for both the men’s and women’s program; third team may exceed the numbers of first and second All - America team numbers based on the number of conference players off the year that were not included in the first, second and t hird teams. c. Competitive cheer: Three teams for cheer (number varies on athletes meeting criteria). d. Competitive dance: Three teams for cheer (number varies on athletes meeting criteria). e. Cross country: The top 40 finishers at both the men’s and women’s national championship. f. Football: One team (NAIA - AFCA All - American Team) of 25 players (11 offense, 11 defense, 3 specialists). g. Golf: Three teams of 15 each. h. Indoor track and field: Top eight individuals in each event and the individuals on each of the top eight relay teams at the national championships for both the men’s and women’s program. i. Outdoor track and field: Top eight individuals in each event and the individual on each of the top eight relay teams at the national championships for both the men’s and women’s program. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 156 j. Soccer: Three teams of 15 in both the men’s and women’s program; third team may exceed the numbers of first and second All - America team numbers based on the number of conference players off the year that were not included in the first, second and third teams. k. Softball: Three teams of 20 each; third team may exceed the numbers of first and second All - America team numbers based on the number of conference players off the year that were not included in the first, second and third teams. l. Swimming and diving: Top eight individuals in each event and the individuals on each of the top eight relay teams at the national championships for both the men’s and women’s program. m. Tennis: Three teams of 16 each; third team may exceed the numbers of first and second All - America team numbers based on the number of conference players off the year that were not included in the first, second and third teams. n. Women’s Volleyball: Three teams of 14 each; third team may exceed the numbers of first and second All - America team numbers based on the number of conference players off the year that were not included in the first, second and third teams. o. Men’s Wrestling: Top eight individuals in each weight class at the national championships. p. Women’s Lacrosse: Three teams of 15 each; third team may exceed the numbers of first and second All - America team numbers based on the number of conference players off the year that were not included in the first, second and third teams. q. Men’s Lacrosse: Three teams of 13 each; third team may exceed the numbers of first and second All - America team numbers based on the number of conference players off the year that were not included in the first, second and third teams. r. Men’s Volleyball: Three teams of nine each; third team may exceed the numbers of first and second All - America team numbers based on the number of conference players off the year that were not included in the first, second and third teams. s. Women’s Wrestling: Top eight individuals in each weight class at the national championships. t. Men’s and Women’s Bowling: Three teams of five each; third team may exceed the numbers of first and second All - America team numbers based on the number of conference players off the year that were not included in the first, second and third teams. u. Women’s Beach Volleyball: Two teams of 8 pairs. 4 . Each sport section of the NAIA Championship History and Records lists by institution those student - athletes named first, second or third team All - America in those sports where selection is not based on finish at a national championship. D. NAIA Scholar - Athlete Program 1. Scholar - Athlete awards are given annually to outstanding student - athletes in the various sports in which the program is active and their respective teams are eligible for NAIA postseason competition. The NAIA Scholar - Athlete programs recognize excellence in the classroom by NAIA - member student - athletes. 2. The Scholar - Athlete selection committee of each coaches association may recommend national criteria, procedures for selection and implementation of the NAIA Scholar - Athlete program to the National Administrative Council. 3. The following criteria shall be applied by all coaches associations: a. There shall be no minimum or maximum number selected; b. Nominee must be a sophomore or above in academic standing; c. Nominee must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of the original nomination deadline (for transfer students the GPA is only at current NAIA institution); d. Nominee must have been in attendance at nominating institution one full academic year at the time of the nomination deadline; e. Nominee must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport in which nominated; NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 157 f. Nominee must be nominated for the award; and g. Nomination must be submitted online prior to the deadline to be eligible for national press release/website, certificate and honors database – All criteria must be met by this date. 4. Nominations are submitted through NAIA Connect only. 5 . Late nominations will be accepted through June 30 of each year and each individual must meet all requirements by the original nomination deadline. Late nominations will not be listed on the national press release/website, certificate and honors database. E. National Coach of the Year 1. Coaches associations have an opportunity to identify a national coach of the year for all sports in which a national championship is conducted. 2. Only one individual may be honored for the award. 3. Criteria and method of selection are recommended by the coaches association of that sport to the National Administrative Council. 4. Criteria shall include: a. Outstanding coaching record for the year being recognized; b. Proven high principles and ethics in the performance of the coaching profession; c. A high degree of respect and goodwill achieved among her/his peers; and d. A demonstrated devotion to NAIA principles and philosophies. 5. More detailed information on current selection procedures, including deadlines and support materials necessary, may be obtained in the coaches manual for each sport. Following is a brief description of the selection procedures for each sport: a. Baseball: Voted on by the Past President’s Committee and current NAIA - BCA officers from a national ballot listing conference coaches of the year and national championship coaches. b. Basketball: Men’s coach selected by the All - America Committee. Women’s selection is coach of the national championship team. c. Competitive cheer: One cheer coach, voted on by those coaches attending the national championship. d. Competitive dance: One dance coach, voted on by those coaches attending the national championship. e. Cross country: Voted on by those coaches attending the national championships. f. Football: All coaches who are members of the AFCA are eligible and vote through the AFCA website. g. Golf: For men, the coach will be selected by the MGCA officers. The women’s selection is the coach of the national championship team. h. Indoor track and field: Voted on by those coaches attending the national championships. i. Outdoor track and field: Voted on by those coaches attending the national championships. j. Soccer: Voted on by all coaches from a national ballot listing national championship final site coaches and conference coaches of the year. k. Softball: Voted on by all coaches from a national ballot listing which includes conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) coaches of the year, plus quarterfinalist coaches from the national championship. l. Swimming and diving: According to criteria established by the coaches association based on team finish compared with previous years, current year team finish, as well as a vote from coaches participating in the national championships. m. Tennis: Coaches of the national championship teams. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 158 n. Women’s Volleyball: Vote of committee from a candidate pool that includes conference coaches of the year and those coaches participating in the national championship. o. Men’s Wrestling: Voted on by those coaches participating in the national championships. p. Women’s Lacrosse: Vote of committee by a pool that includes conference coaches of the year and/or coaches participating in the National Championship. q. Men’s Lacrosse: Vote of committee by a pool that includes conference coaches of the year and/or coaches participating in the National Invitational. r. Men’s Volleyball: Selected by a vote of committee. s. Men’s and Women’s Bowling: Selected by vote of all coaches. t. Women’s W restling: Voted on by those coaches participating in the national championships. F. All - Tournament/Outstanding Athlete Award 1. All - Tournament teams are selected at most national championship events when appropriate. Size and makeup of the team is appropriate to the sport involved. The selection is usually by a vote of the media and/or participating coaches and/or tournament commi ttee members present at the event. 2. In addition, an outstanding athlete/performer may be selected. The selection is primarily based on athletic skill and is usually by a vote of the media and/or participating coaches and/or tournament committee members present at the event. 3. Only one individual may be honored for the award. G . NAIA Coach of Character Award The NAIA Coach of Character Award is an annual award given to a head coach of an NAIA institution. The nominee be clearly outstanding in embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative, methods of teaching character through sport, and community leadership through volunteering, service or other means. The recipient will be provided round - trip transportation and accommodations to the NAIA National Convention. H . Champions of Character Team ® Award 1. The Champions of Character Team Award sponsored by Buffalo Funds is an annual award given at the end of each sport season. Each sport will award the Champions of Character Team Award to one team on a yearly basis and all NAIA teams are eligible for the te am award. Teams must be nominated by their institution. 2. Annual nomination deadline to the conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) is June 15; conference winners are forwarded to the National Office by July 15. After selection is made by the appropriate committee, the National Office officially notifies the national winner. 3. Award winners will be selected based upon their documented display of exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus, and in the community. Specifically, fulfillment of the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmansh ip and servant leadership will be taken into consideration. I . Athletics Director of the Year 1. Each affiliated conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) may nominate one athletics administrator based on accomplishments during the previous year. Nominee must be active as an athletics director at a member institution for a minimum of five years. Method of selection is determined by the conference. 2. Conference/CAC nomination is due to the National Office by July 15. After one national recipient is selected by the appropriate committee , the National Office officially notifies the winner. Nominations must be accompanied by: NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 159 a. A complete resume; and b. A maximum of three letters of recommendation from the following: the candidates’ president/chancellor, conference commissioner, and a colleague within the conference. 3. Certificates are provided by the NAIA National Office for the conference/CAC recipients and are paid for by the NAIA - ADA. The national award recipient is provided an appropriate plaque at the NAIA - ADA expense. The recipient will be recognized at the annua l awards banquet held in conjunction with the NAIA National Convention. J . Charles Morris Administrator of the Year Award 1. The award was initiated in memory and honor of past Associate Executive Director Charles Morris. The award will annually recognize a Conference and National Administrator of the Year. The intent is to consider members who are administrators in all phases of NAIA athletic programs (e.g. faculty athletics representatives, eligibility chairs, presidents, commissioners, sports chairs, etc.) on college campuses and/or administrators of our conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Associ ation of Independent Institutions) organizations. Athletics directors are not to be considered for this award because they are eligible for the Athletics Director of the Year Award. 2. Annual nomination deadline to the conference/CAC is June 15; conference winners are forwarded to the National Office by July 15. After selection by the National Administrative Council Rules, Awards & Statistics Committee, the National Office officially notifies the national winner. 3. Nomination packet to include: a. Nomination form; b. Summary of preceding years’ conference/CAC, national service honors and achievement; c. Summary of preceding years’ accomplishments; and d. Specific letters of recommendation 1) President/Chancellor (if affiliated with an institution) 2) Conference commissioner 3) Colleagues in the conference or CAC 4. The national award recipient will be presented with a certificate and recognized at an annual function in conjunction with the NAIA National Convention. K . Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year Award 1. The Faculty Athletics Representatives Association initiated the award to honor the late Wally Schwartz, former NAIA vice - president of Legislative Services. The award annually recognizes a conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) and national Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year. 2. Who may qualify: a. Nominee must be active as a faculty athletics representative in a member institution or conference/CAC; and b. Nominee must have a minimum of five years service as a faculty athletics representative and continue to be associated with their institution and/or conference/CAC 3. Annual nomination deadline to the conference/CAC is June 15; conference winners are forwarded to the National Office by July 15. After selection is made by the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives, the National Office officially notifies the natio nal winner. 4. Nomination packet to include: a. Summary of previous years’ service, honors, achievements and office held at the conference/CAC or national level; b. Summary of previous years’ accomplishments; c. Current photo; and NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 160 d. Specific letters of recommendation 1) President/chancellor (if affiliated with an institution) 2) Conference commissioner 3) Colleagues in the conference/CAC 5. The national award recipient will be presented with a certificate and recognized at an annual function in conjunction with the NAIA National Convention. L . Larry Lady Officiating Award 1. The Larry Lady Officiating Award is given to an official of any sport recognized by the NAIA and is in honor of Larry Lady, current NAIA supervisor of officials for basketball, baseball and football and long - time NAIA supporter and administrator. 2. Award Criteria: a. Must have officiated, judged, started or umpired an NAIA national championship or event at any time during his/her career. b. The nominee does not have to be actively officiating at the time of the nomination to be considered. c. The nominee must have at least 10 years of collegiate officiating service in the sport of nomination. 3. Nomination packet to include: a. The nomination form; and b. Three letters of recommendation 1) One letter must be from a coach of the sport of nomination; and 2) One letter must be from a Coordinator of Officials in the sport of nomination. 4. Larry Lady Officiating Award candidates nominated and not selected will be considered for a second time. If not elected in a two - year period, the candidate cannot be considered for one year, at which time new nominating material may be submitted from the nominator to the committee. A candidate may only be considered a total of four times. 5. Nominations may be submitted to the NAIA National Office at any time during the year; however, the annual nomination deadline to the conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) is June 15; conference winners are forwarded to the National Office by July 15. After selection by the appropriate committee, the National Office officially notifies the national winner. M . Dr. LeR oy Walker Character Award 1. This award was created to honor the late Dr. LeRoy Walker, a former president of the NAIA and president emeritus of the United States Olympic Committee. 2. The nominee must be a representative of an NAIA institution as a current student - athlete with at least a junior academic status at the nominating institution at the time of nomination. The nominee must be outstanding in academic achievement (GPA of 3.0 or higher), campus leadership, community leadership, embracing the five core character values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative, athletic achievement and future ambition. 3. Annual nomination deadline to the conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) is June 15; conference winners are forwarded to the National Office by July 15. After selection by the appropriate committee, the National Office officially notifies the national winner. 4. The recipient will receive a $1,000 cash award to the institutional scholarship fund of the recipient’s choice. Also, the recipient will receive a specially engraved plaque/revere bowl as a permanent memento of the award. The recipient will be provided ro und - trip transportation and accommodations to the annual NAIA National Convention. N . A.O. Duer Scholarship Award presented by Daktronics NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 161 1. Named in honor of the NAIA’s former executive secretary who served the Association for 26 years, this award has been annually presented since 1967 to a male and female junior student - athlete in any sport who has excelled in scholarship, character and citi zenship. 2. To be eligible, a student - athlete must have an overall GPA of at least 3.75 (on a 4.00 scale) and must have attained junior standing academically. 3. Nominations are submitted by an institution’s faculty athletics representative to the conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) by June 15. Conference/CAC forwards one male and one female student - athlete nominee to the National Office by July 15. After selection is made by the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives, the National Office officially notifies the national winners . 4. Each affiliated conference/CAC may nominate one student - athlete for consideration by the Awards Committee of the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives which selects the national winner. 5. A $1,000 cash award to the one male and one female national winner is presented to the winner’s institution and an appropriate award is presented to the honorees. O . Emil S. Liston Award presented by Daktronics 1. Named in honor of the NAIA’s first executive secretary and the prime mover behind the men’s basketball tournament, this award has been presented annually since 1950 to one junior men’s and women’s basketball player who has shown high athletic and scholast ic achievement. 2. To be eligible, a student - athlete must have an overall GPA of at least 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) and must have attained junior standing academically. 3. Nominations are submitted by an institution’s faculty athletics representative to the conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) by June 15. Conference/CAC forwards one male and one female student - athlete nominee to the National Office by July 15. After selection is made by the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives, the National Office officially notifies the national winners . 4. Each affiliated conference/CAC may nominate one student - athlete for consideration by the Awards Committee of the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives which selects the national winner. 5. A $1,000 cash award to the one male and one female national winner is presented to the winner’s institution and an appropriate award is presented to the honorees. P . Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award 1. The award commemorates the life and work of Clarence “Ike” Pearson, who served as the chief of statistical services for the men’s basketball tournament for 29 consecutive years prior to his death in November 1976. 2. This award is annually presented to a member of the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association (NAIA - SIDA) who has made outstanding contributions to her/his institution, and to the NAIA at both the affiliated conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) and national level. Special consideration will be given to involvement in the NAIA - SIDA and NAIA championship events. 3. Nominees must be a member of the NAIA - SIDA for five full years. 4. Nominations may be submitted by a chief executive officer, athletics director, conference chair, conference/CAC commissioner/president, conference information director or sports information director. A sports information director also may nominate an NAIA SIDA member from any other affiliated conference or conference. 5. There is no limit on the number of nominations from a conference/CAC 6. Nominees who are not selected in a given year shall continue to be nominees for five succeeding years with updates to their file. Nominations need not be resubmitted. Previous winners of the award are not eligible for nomination again. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 162 7. Annual nomination deadline to the National Office is June 15. After selection by the Ike Pearson Award Committee, the National Office officially notifies the national winner. Nominations must include: a. Completed and signed nomination form; b. Support letter from the nominee’s director of athletics; c. Support letter from the nominee’s chief executive officer or vice president; d. Support letters from the nominee’s colleagues and members of the media; and e. A copy of the nominee’s resume. 8. The Ike Pearson Award Committee consists of past recipients of the award and chaired by the most immediate past winner who is still a member of the NAIA SIDA. The selection committee votes via email ballot. 9. The presentation of the Ike Pearson Award, an engraved plaque, is made at the NAIA - SIDA awards event in conjunction with the annual CoSIDA convention. 10. Previous winners of the award are not eligible for nomination again. Q . Al Ortolani Student Athletic Trainer Scholarship 1. Nominee must have attained junior standing academically at a member institution employing a full - time NATA - certified athletic trainer. 2. The applicant must have worked as a student trainer for a period of at least one year at the college level. 3. The applicant must be enrolled in a program leading to a bachelor’s degree. 4. The applicant must have a GPA of 3.00 or above in his/her major field. 5. Annual nomination deadline to the National Office is by July 15. After selection is made by the appropriate committee, the National Office officially notifies the national winner. 6. A scholarship of $500 will be awarded to the winner for his/her senior year. R . Athletic Trainer of the Year 1. Nominee must be a member in good standing in the NAIA Athletic Trainers Association and the National Athletic Trainers Association as a Certified Athletic Trainer. 2. Nominee is employed current by an NAIA institution as an athletic trainer. 3. Nominee has distinguished themself as a model of the profession of athletic training in personal conduct and professional allied health service to athletes. 4. Nominee is nominated by a Certified Athletic Trainer in good standing in the NAIA - ATA and the NATA, or the nominee’s athletics director. 5. Nominee has not received this award in the past three years. 6. Annual nomination deadline to the National Office is by July 15. After selection by the appropriate committee, the National Office officially notifies the national winner. 7. The national award recipient will be presented with a certificate and recognized at an annual function in conjunction with the NAIA National Convention. S . Distinguished Alumni Award 1. This award is made periodically by the NAIA to former students who have been involved in intercollegiate athletics at member institutions. It is designed to honor individuals who have achieved national or international distinction characterized by univers al humanitarian endeavors and civic concern. 2. Nominees must have attained outstanding achievement in their chosen fields, but not necessarily in athletics. 3. Any member institution may submit nominations for the award to the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer. T . Awards of Merit NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 163 1. Awards of Merit are presented by the Association to those persons who have served the NAIA and/or intercollegiate athletics in an exemplary fashion. 2. Examples of persons qualifying for the Award of Merit are: members of advisory committees who render outstanding service; conference chair, conference eligibility chair, conference information directors or coaches association presidents who performed thei r duties with distinction and skill; and others whose service to the NAIA is exceptional. U . Approved Individual Awards 1. Individual awards based on athletic, scholastic or service recognition, may be recommended to the Hall of Fame and Honors Committee by member institutions, coaches associations, conferences, Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) or standing committees for review. 2. All awards associated with the NAIA must be reviewed by the Hall of Fame and Honors Committee and approved by the National Administrative Council. 3. Only approved NAIA awards may be distributed at all national championship events. V . Gary Spitler Award 1. Any NAIA College/University Sports Information Department submitting entries in the NAIA - SIDA Publications Awards Contests will be eligible for the Gary Spitler Award, providing it meets the criteria set forth for the Publications Contest. 2. Minimum entry of four publications into NAIA - SIDA Publications Contest required. 3. Points are awarded based on the rank of each guide in its respective contest using a one to 10 scale. Scale is to be used for each contest regardless of number of places awarded. 4. The top seven scores are used to calculate total score for award. 5. One point is awarded for any of the top four contests that also received Best Cover in the respective category. 6. In the event of a tie after compiling the top seven scores, the next highest entry will be used. If still tied, the ninth entries are considered and the procedure will continue until entries have run out. If still tied, the publications chair will break the tie with input from the publications contest committee. W . Sports Information Director of the Year 1. This award is presented annually to a full - or part - time sports information director or a part - time coach/sports information director, who represents an institution or conference, and who has made key contributions to their institution, their conference o r the association during a single academic year. 2. Nominations may be submitted by an institution or conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) . 3. Completed nomination form, current photo and at least one, but no more than three, support letters from the conference/CAC commissioner or the nominee's institution must be submitted. 4. Annual nomination deadline to the conference/CAC is June 15; conference winners are forwarded to the National Office by July 15. After selection is made by the appropriate committee, the National Office officially notifies the national winner. 5. The national award recipient will be presented with a certificate and recognized at an annual function in conjunction with the NAIA - SIDA meeting and the NAIA National Convention. XXVII — EMERGING SPORTS A. Definitions 1. Emerging Sport: Any sport in which: a. Fifteen ( 15 ) or more active NAIA member institutions declare intent to sponsor as a varsity intercollegiate sport (as defined by NAIA bylaws). NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 164 2. NAIA Invitational Sport: A sport recognized by the NAIA in which: a. Thirty (30) or more institutions declare intent to participate in postseason competition; b. The National Administrative Council has approved the sport’s request for Invitational Sport status; and c. The sport does not meet the requirements for NAIA championship competition. 3. NAIA Championship Sport: A sport recognized by the NAIA in which: a. Thirty (30) or more institutions declare intent to participate in postseason competition; b. The National Administrative Council has approved the sport’s request for Championship Sport status; and c. The sport meets the requirements for NAIA championship competition. B. Conditions for Establishing a Sport 1. Emerging Sport: a. Fifteen (15) or more institutions sponsor the varsity intercollegiate sport (as defined by NAIA bylaws) and have declared intent to participate in NAIA postseason. The institution’s Declaration of Intent to Participate certificate shall serve as an instit ution’s official designation of sponsorship. b. An Emerging Sport shall establish a coaches association to develop policies and procedures for the emerging sport. 2. Invitational Sport: a. To attain invitational sport status: 1) T hirty ( 30 ) or more institutions must sponsor the varsity intercollegiate sport (as defined by NAIA bylaws) and have declared intent to participate in NAIA postseason. The institution’s Declaration of Intent to Participate certificate shall serve as an institution’s official designation of sponsorship; and 2) The coaches association must submit the Request for NAIA Invitational Sport Status Form by June 1st and receive approval from the National Administrative Council. b. In the first full academic year following the point at which a sport attains Invitational Sport status: 1) The National Administrative Council will propose appropriate legislative changes to be voted on at the NAIA National Convention; and 2) The NAIA will sponsor national invitational competition for the sport. The National Administrative Council must approve policies, procedures and qualification plans for all invitational events; and 3) All institutions sponsoring an invitational sport must participate in a mandatory webinar hosted by the National Office on NAIA regulations. c. Beginning with the second full academic year following the point at which a sport attains Invitational Sport status, the following shall apply: 1) Institutions competing in invitational sports are subject to the Constitution, Bylaws and policies of the association. Students participating in an NAIA Invitational Sport must receive an eligible determination from the NAIA Eligibility Center and be prop erly certified as eligible prior to any intercollegiate competition; 2 ) Should an institution that declares an intent to participate in NAIA postseason un - declare after September 1 st of the current academic year, the institution will be fined $2,500. The institution will also be placed on suspension the following academic year and may not compete in NAIA postseason competition in the sport; and 3 ) The National Administrative Council will evaluate the first invitational competition and recommend changes for a second invitational year. d. A sport shall remain an Invitational Sport until: 1) At least two invitationals have occurred; and NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 165 2) The National Administrative Council approves Championship Sport status. e. If a sport is not approved for Championship Sport status following the second invitational, the National Administrative Council will continue to provide feedback and the sport will retain its invitational status until approved. f. An Invitational Sport shall remain in good standing provided a minimum of 25 institutions honor their declaration of intent to participate in NAIA postseason. If fewer than 25 institutions honor their declaration of intent to participate in NAIA postseason in a given year, the sport will be considered at - risk the following academic year. If the sport does not return to good standing and remains at - risk for a second consecutive year, the sport will automatically return to Emerging Sport status. The sport wil l not be permitted to request Invitational Sport status for the remainder of the current academic year or the subsequent academic year. 3. Championship Sport: a. To attain Championship Sport status: 1) Thirty ( 3 0) or more institutions must sponsor the varsity intercollegiate sport (as defined by NAIA bylaws) and have declared intent to participate in NAIA postseason. The institution’s Declaration of Intent to Participate certificate shall serve as an institution’ s official designation of sponsorship. 2) At least two invitationals have occurred; and 3) The National Administrative Council has approved the sport for championship sport status. b. In the first full academic year following the point at which a sport attains Championship Sport status, the NAIA will sponsor national championship competition for the sport. The National Administrative Council must approve policies, procedures and qualif ication plans for all championship events. c. Institutions competing in Championship Sports are subject to the Constitution, Bylaws and policies of the association. Students participating in an NAIA Championship Sport must receive an eligible determination from the NAIA Eligibility Center and be prop erly certified as eligible prior to any intercollegiate competition. d. A Championship Sport shall remain in good standing provided a minimum of 30 institutions honor their declaration of intent to participate in NAIA postseason. If fewer than 30 institutions honor their declaration of intent to participate in NAIA postseason in a given year, the sport will be considered at - risk the following academic year. If the sport does not return to good standing and remains at - risk for a second consecutive year, the sport will automatically return to Invitational Sport status. XXVIII — CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENTS TO THE NATIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICS COMMITTEE The National Conduct and Ethics Committee shall report to the National Administrative Council. This committee is authorized to impose penalties on institutions’ athletics programs, coaches and/or students as authorized in Article VI, Section C of the NAIA Bylaws. When vacancies occur, the appropriate association shall nominate at least two and no more than three candidates to the National Administration Council for selection to the committee. Selection of the committee will take geographic, gender, and minority rep resentation into consideration to maintain balance on the committee. Individuals considered for selection for service should have previous experience in their normal function at their institution or conference which makes them knowledgeable and skillful in this area. Membership is a five - year term with maximum of two consecutive terms. Terms begin at the conclusion of the annual meeting when appointed. In the case of a vacancy, the new appointee serves the remainder of NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 166 the term and is eligible for one full additional term. Chair to be elected by the committee serves a two - year term with unlimited consecutive terms elected in odd years at the annual meeting. Qualification of nominees: 1. Must be an athletics director, senior woman leader, assistant athletics director, eligibility chair, faculty athletics representative, or compliance administrator. 2. Have previous experience conference level, and/or served a national association, and/or service on a national committee. 3. Have institutional support for the time required to serve on the committee. 2025 - 20 26 NAIA Conference Tournament Deadlines SPORT ENTRY DEADLINE CONFERENCE DEADLINE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PRELIMINARY ROUND DATES FINAL SITE DATES Cross Country - November 9, 2025 (Sun) November 21, 2025 (Friday) Men's Soccer - November 12, 2025 (Wed) November 20 - 22, 2025 (Thur - Sat) December 1 - 8, 2025 (Mon - Mon) Women's Soccer - November 12, 2025 (Wed) November 20 - 22, 2025 (Thur - Sat) December 1 - 8, 2025 (Mon - Mon) Football - November 15, 2025 (Sat) Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 6 & 13, 2025 December 22, 2025 (Mon) Women's Volleyball - November 15, 2025 (Sat) November 22, 2025 (Sat) December 3 - 9, 2025 (Wed - Tues) Men's Wrestling - February 21, 2026 (Sat) March 5 - 7, 2026 (Thurs - Sat) Women's Wrestling - March 1, 2026 (Sun) March 13 - 14, 2026 (Fri - Sat) Indoor Track & Field February 23, 2026 - March 5 - 7, 2026 (Thurs - Sat) Basketball - March 3, 2026 (Tue) March 13 - 14, 2026 (Fri - Sat) March 19 - 24, 2026 (Thur - Tue) Swimming & Diving February 18, 2026 - March 4 - 7, 2026 (Wed - Sat) Cheer and Dance - March 14, 2026 (Sat) March 27 - 28, 2026 (Fri - Sat) Bowling - February 23, 2026 (Mon) March 19 - 21, 2026 (Thurs - Sat) Men's Volleyball April 18, 2026 (Sat) April 28 - May 2, 2026 (Tue - Sat) Men's Lacrosse (Invit.) May 2, 2026 (Sat) May 13 - 16, 2026 (Wed - Sat) Women's Lacrosse April 25, 2026 (Sat) May 6 - 9, 2026 (Wed - Sat) Softball May 4, 2026 (Mon) May 11 - 14, 2026 (Mon - Thurs) May 21 - 27, 2026 (Thur - Wed) Women's Golf May 6, 2026 (Wed) May 19 - 22, 2026 (Tues - Fri) Men's Golf April 29, 2026 (Wed) May 12 - 15, 2026 (Tues - Fri) Women's Beach Volleyball (Inv.) April 11, 2026 (Sat) April 23 - 25, 2026 (Thur - Sat) NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 167 Tennis April 25, 2026 (Sat) May 12 - 16, 2026 (Tues - Sat) Outdoor Track & Field May 11, 2026 - May 20 - 22, 2026 (Wed - Fri) Baseball May 4, 2026 (Mon) May 11 - 14, 2026 (Mon - Thurs) May 22 - 30, 2026 (Fri - Sat) NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL FACULTY ATHLETICS REPS / page 166 COUNCIL OF FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVES The membership has authorized the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives to initiate policies for evaluation and implementation of academic standards (Article IV, Section F, Item 1 of the NAIA Bylaws). In carrying out its duties as charged by the membership of the Association, the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives, with the approval of the National Coordinating Committee (Article IV, Section D of the NAIA Bylaws), has established the following policies. I — CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENTS TO THE NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY COMMITTEE The Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives appoints the members of the National Eligibility Committee. (See Article VIII, Section C, Item 7a of the NAIA Bylaws.) 1. The term of a member shall be five years; a member may serve two consecutive terms. The term shall begin at the conclusion of the annual meeting during which the member is appointed. a. Members appointed to fill the vacancies of uncompleted terms shall fulfill the remainder of the term and may be re - appointed for two additional full terms. 2. The chair of the National Eligibility Committee shall be elected to a two - year term by its members at the annual meeting in even numbered years. There shall be no limit on the consecutive terms that a member may serve as chair. 3. Nominees for the National Eligibility Committee shall: a. Be a regular member of the faculty or administration of a member institution, but not assigned as a coach or athletics administrator; b. Have previous experience that would prepare a nominee for the duties of the committee, such as service as an affiliated conference/A.I.I. eligibility chair or its equivalent; or as a member of the National Eligibility Committee, Council of Faculty Athletic s Representatives, Conduct and Ethics Committee or National Coordinating Committee; c. Have institutional support and be willing to donate time weekly to the business of the National Eligibility Committee; and d. Not be a current member of the National Coordinating Committee. 4. Selection of the committee will take geographic location and gender into consideration to maintain a balance on the committee. 5. When a vacancy arises, a slate of candidates shall be determined by the National Eligibility Committee from nominations solicited from members of the CFAR, acting affiliated conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) eligibility chairs and conference faculty athletics representatives. A ballot of at least two, but no more than three candidates, will be submitted to the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives for its consideration. II — ELECTION TO THE COUNCIL OF FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVES Council members shall be elected from the faculty athletics representatives present at the convention, rather than through mail ballot. It is important that council members be in attendance at council meetings to properly represent their constituents. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL FACULTY ATHLETICS REPS / page 167 III — DETERMINATIONS FROM THE NAIA ELIGIBILITY CENTER 1. General — In accordance with NAIA Bylaws Article V, Section B, Item 20 and Article V, Section C, all first - time NAIA student - athletes must receive a determination of “eligible” from the NAIA Eligibility Center prior to representing their institution in competition against competitors not directly identified with the institut ion. 2. Rea pplication — Reactivation is the process that institutions and students use to have the NAIA Eligibility Center provide an updated eligibility determination. An institution must reactivate a student when the student registered with the NAIA Eligibility Center in a p revious term, and the student’s educational and/or athletic experience matches a scenario from the NAIA Eligibility Center Situation Analysis for which a student must be reactivated for an updated determination. 3. Request for reviews of an eligibility determination — An NAIA member institution (faculty athletics representative, director of athletics, or athletics compliance administrator) may submit a request for a review of a determination by the NAIA Eligibility Center no more than 90 calendar days after the determination is posted to the student’s PlayNAIA profile. The appropriate party(s) must complete the request for review form found on play.mynaia.org . The institution’s written request must clearly and concisely specify: a. The specific eligibility criteria in question; b. The institution’s rationale explaining why it believes a different determination is warranted; and c. Factual evidence to support the institution’s recommendation. 4. Formal appeal of an eligibility determination — An NAIA member institution (faculty athletics representative, director of athletics, or athletics compliance administrator) may submit a request for a formal appeal of a determination by the NAIA Eligibility Center no more than 90 calendar days after the determination is posted to the student’s PlayNAIA profile (or 30 calendar days after completion of a request for review noted above). Formal appeals must be based upon demonstrable evidence of: a. Misapplication of NAIA rules; b. The decision having been reached in a capricious or arbitrary manner; or c. Bias or discrimination in the decision. All requests for appeals must be submitted by the certifying institution’s faculty athletics representative, director of athletics, or athletics compliance administrator. The appropriate party(s) must complete the request for appeal form found on play.mynaia.org and clearly and concisely state the reasons for the appeal and include all relevant supporting documentation and information. The NAIA Competitive Experience Committee is responsible for review of formal appeals related to the application of the evaluativ e criteria for determining a student’s competitive experience. The National Eligibility Committee is responsible for the review of formal appeals related to all other eligibility criteria. 5. Exceptions a. Invitational Sports Beginning in a sport’s second year as an invitational sport, and thereafter, student - athletes must receive a determination of “eligible” from the NAIA Eligibility Center prior to representing an NAIA institution in an intercollegiate contest in that sport. A student shall be exempt from the requirement of registering with the NAIA Eligibility Center and may represent an NAIA institution in competition without receiving an “eligible” determination from the NAIA Eligibility Center provided: NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL FACULTY ATHLETICS REPS / page 168 1) The student’s eligibility for participation was certified under the applicable eligibility rules governing the sport in its first year as a recognized invitational sport; 2) The student represented an NAIA institution in an intercollegiate contest in the applicable sport’s first year as a recognized invitational sport; 3) The student’s institution sponsored the applicable sport as a varsity intercollegiate sport as defined by NAIA bylaws and submitted a declaration of intent noting the sport’s varsity status; and 4) The student is properly certified as meeting all other NAIA eligibility requirements listed in NAIA Bylaws Article V. An NAIA member institution may choose to forego this exception and request any student(s) participating in an invitational sport receive an evaluation from the NAIA Eligibility Center. Any such decision must be confirmed by the institution’s athletics dire ctor and faculty athletics representative in writing to the NAIA Eligibility Center and the institution’s conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) eligibility chair, and articulate which stude nt(s) are to receive a determination from the NAIA Eligibility Center and in which sport(s). Should a member institution request an eligibility determination(s), the student(s) must receive an eligible determination from the NAIA Eligibility Center prior t o representing the NAIA institution in an intercollegiate contest in the particular sport for which a determination was requested. b. New NAIA Members A student shall be exempt from the requirement of registering with the NAIA eligibility center and may represent an NAIA institution in competition without receiving an “eligible” determination from the NAIA Eligibility Center provided: 1) The student’s eligibility for participation was certified under the eligibility rules of the intercollegiate athletics association in which the institution previously held membership; 2) The student represented the new NAIA member institution in an intercollegiate contest; 3) The student’s institution sponsored the applicable sport as a varsity intercollegiate sport as defined by NAIA bylaws; and 4) The student is properly certified as meeting all other NAIA eligibility requirements listed in NAIA Bylaws Article V. A new member institution may choose to forego this exception and request any student(s) receive an evaluation from the NAIA Eligibility Center. Any such decision must be confirmed by the institution’s athletics director and faculty athletics representative in writing to the NAIA Eligibility Center and the institution’s conference eligibility chair, and articulate which student(s) are to receive a determination from the NAIA Eligibility Center and in which sport(s). Should a new member institution request an eligibility determination(s), the student(s) must receive an eligible determination from the NAIA Eligibility Center prior to representing the NAIA institution in an intercollegiate contest in the particular sport for which a determination was requested. c. NAIA Participation prior to Fall 2011 — A student shall be exempt from the requirement of registering with the NAIA eligibility center and may represent an NAIA institution in competition without receiving an “eligible” determination from the NAIA Eligibil ity Center if the student represented an NAIA member institution in an intercollegiate competition prior to the Fall 2011 academic term. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL FACULTY ATHLETICS REPS / page 169 IV — EVALUATING EXCEPTIONAL RULES BASED ON LEARNING DISABILITIES A student - athlete who fails to meet NAIA eligibility requirements may request an exceptional ruling to a standard rule based on the limitation of the major life activity of learning if the student qualified, or continues to qualify, for either or both of t he following: a. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and/or b. A 504 plan under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In considering an exceptional ruling for a student with a learning disability, the committee should take into account a number of factors, including but not limited to: 1. The extent to which the student’s failure to meet any eligibility criterion is attributable to the student’s disability. 2. The student’s overall academic record related to the student’s high school preparation and performance, which includes the grades earned by the student; the likelihood that courses the student has taken will prepare him/her to successfully complete a plan ned course of study at a particular college or university; as well as the student’s SAT/ACT scores, both overall composite scores and scores in specific subject areas. Demonstrated areas of improved performance through high school are significant factors in assessing a student’s readiness and motivation for being a successful student - athlete. 3. Standardized test scores should be weighed to reflect the student’s ability, rather than his or her disability. Although the nonstandard administration of an SAT/ACT is intended to accommodate for a particular student’s learning disability, there are cert ain disabilities (particularly decoding disabilities) that may make achieving the necessary test score — even under a nonstandard administration — more difficult. Moreover, the committee shall not place undue emphasis on a student’s low test scores when evidence is presented elsewhere in a student’s overall academic record that suggests preparedness for freshman year as a student - athlete. Conversely, the committee s hall not place undue emphasis on a student’s adequate test score when evidence is presented elsewhere in the student’s overall academic record that suggests a lack of preparedness. Finally, the committee also shall not place undue emphasis on a particular subscore when the subscore is within the student’s area of disability. For example, if a student has a reading disability, the committee will not place undue emphasis on the English subscore of the ACT/SAT. 4. The assessments of school principals, guidance counselors, school psychologists and teachers as to whether a student with a learning disability is likely to succeed academically in college while participating in athletics, including any objective evidence of whether participating in athletics assists or hinders the student’s academic performance. 5. Written or oral comments by the student that may reflect the level of knowledge that the student acquired in high school and may be helpful in predicting his/her preparedness to succeed in college. 6. The accommodations for students with learning disabilities actually used by the student while in high school. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL FACULTY ATHLETICS REPS / page 170 7. The accommodations the member institution commits to provide for the particular student, and the extent to which the accommodations address the student’s demonstrated areas of weakness and reflect the individual student’s needs. NOTE: This policy in no way restricts or prohibits any student - athlete from requesting an exceptional ruling to a standard rule under Article V, Section L of the NAIA Bylaws. V — HOME SCHOOL WAIVER 1. A prospective student - athlete who completes a home schooling program conducted in accordance with the laws of the student’s state of residence may request a home school waiver from the NAIA Home School Committee if the student fails to achieve the test sc ores listed in NAIA Bylaws Article V, Section C, Item 2, Note 2. 2. A student under consideration for a home school waiver must be properly registered with the NAIA Eligibility Center and have all high school transcripts, a course schedule for the student’s first term of identification and all standardized test scores (AC T and/or SAT) properly submitted to the NAIA Eligibility Center. 3. In considering a home school waiver, the Home School Committee should take into account a number of factors, including but not limited to: a. Evidence that at home education was conducted in accordance with state laws (a signed written statement from the home school administrator verifying compliance with state education regulations and/or state compulsory attendance statutes). b. A home school transcript that includes course titles, course grades, signature of home school administrator, the ninth grade start date and the graduation date. c. An official transcript from any other high school, college or nontraditional program attended. The official copy must be sent directly to the NAIA Eligibility Center from the issuing institution. d. Scores from any official sitting for the SAT or ACT, including subscores. All standardized test scores must be sent directly to the NAIA Eligibility Center from the testing service. e. Supplemental evidence of academic achievement from scores on alternative and/or state standardized tests (e.g., New York State Regents Exam, California Achievement Test). Supplemental test scores may be evaluated in conjunction with, but shall not replace , the ACT and/or SAT. f. Evidence of a student’s academic preparedness submitted by unrelated third parties. NOTE: This policy in no way restricts or prohibits an institution from requesting an exceptional ruling to a standard rule under Article V, Section L of the Bylaws. VI — NON - COLLEGIATE POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 1. The NAIA Eligibility Center shall, for purposes of NAIA Bylaws Article V, Section B, Item 19 and Article V, Section C, Item 2, evaluate whether an institution is a non - collegiate postsecondary educational school based on all of the following requirements: NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL FACULTY ATHLETICS REPS / page 171 a. The institution offers academic coursework equivalent to or above high school grade 12 curriculum in three or more subjects (math, science, social science, language, art, music, etc.) excluding physical education/sports and standardized testing preparatio n courses; b. Students admitted to the institution must have earned a secondary school diploma; and c. Academic coursework must be administered directly on campus or through an officially designated academic partner (locally or online). 2. Academic accreditation (or lack thereof) may be taken into consideration for the prep school and/or officially designated academic partner. 3. Confirmation that academic standards have been met shall be made available by the prep school via its public website or official printed materials. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL STUDENT - ATHLETES / page 172 COUNCIL FOR STUDENT - ATHLETES The membership has authorized the Council for Student - Athletes to initiate operational policies for the Champions of Character ® program and conduct research and education that will benefit the health, safety and development of NAIA student - athletes (Article IV, Section G of the NAIA Bylaws). In carrying out its duties as charged by the membership of the Association, the Council for Student - Athletes, with the approval of the National Coordinating Committee (Article IV, Section D of the NAIA Bylaws), has established the following policies. I — COMPOSITION OF THE COUNCIL FOR STUDENT - ATHLETES Per Article IX, Section C of the NAIA Constitution, the Council for Student - Athletes shall consist of: A. One representative from the Council of Presidents; B. One representative from the Conference Commissioners Association; C. One representative from the Athletic Directors Association; D. Two representatives from the Athletic Trainers Association; E. One representative from the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives; F. One representative from the Sports Information Directors Association; G. Four members of NAIA coaches associations; H. The four elected officers of the Association of Student - Athletes; I. One member of the Champions of Character Advisory Committee; J. Seven at - large representatives from the Association of Student - Athletes; and K. Two at - large positions designated for females and/or minorities. Per Article VIII, Section A of the NAIA Constitution, the members of the Council for Student - Athletes must be qualified by experience or title and be committed to engaging in ongoing research, education and collaboration that will benefit the health, safet y and development of the student - athlete. The members of the constituency groups that comprise the council shall determine whether a nominee is qualified to represent the group. II — ELECTION TO THE COUNCIL FOR STUDENT - ATHLETES Vacancies shall be filled by holding a regular election or by appointment by the appropriate council. Should the vacancy be filled by appointment, the appointee(s) shall serve for the remainder of the term, at which time the nomination/election process out lined in Article VIII of the Constitution shall apply. Council terms begin on July 1st and run through June 30th of the applicable year in which the member’s term end. Terms for officers from the Association of Student - Athletes (ASA) shall coincide with the individual’s term as an officer of the ASA. At - large representatives from the ASA shall serve one - year terms, and individuals may serve a maximum of two consecutive t erms. The initial council selection shall be staggered in order to ensure adequate council retention each year. Representatives from NAIA coaches associations shall serve a single two - year term, and four different sports (two men’s sports and two women’s sports) shall be represented at all times. Women’s Sport Rotation Years Men’s Sport Rotation Years Basketball 2015 - 16 Soccer 2015 - 16 Cross Country 2015 - 16 / 2016 - 17 Swimming & Diving 2015 - 16 / 2016 - 17 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL STUDENT - ATHLETES / page 173 Golf 2016 - 17 / 2017 - 18 Tennis 2016 - 17 / 2017 - 18 Soccer 2017 - 18 / 2018 - 19 Track & Field 2017 - 18 / 2018 - 19 Softball 2018 - 19 / 2019 - 20 Wrestling 2018 - 19 / 2019 - 20 Swimming & Diving 2019 - 20 / 2020 - 21 Baseball 2019 - 20 / 2020 - 21 Tennis 2020 - 21 / 2021 - 22 Basketball 2020 - 21 / 2021 - 22 Track & Field 2021 - 22 / 2022 - 23 Cross Country 2021 - 22 / 2022 - 23 Volleyball 2022 - 23 / 2023 - 24 Football 2022 - 23 / 2023 - 24 Golf 2023 - 24 / 2024 - 25 III — ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The purpose of the NAIA Council for Student - Athletes is to engage in ongoing research, education and collaboration that will benefit the health, safety and development of the student - athlete. Through incorporation of the ideals of Champions of Character©, the Council will be committed to ensuring NAIA student - athletes train and compete in a safe and healthy environment. The outcomes could include the development and delivery of services, progra mming, rules recommendations assist NAIA student - athletes achieve success. The CSA supervises associations and committees which deal with issues of student - athlete health, safety and development. The council reviews and acts on all recommendations from those committees within its area of responsibility. The roles and responsibili ties of each council member includes: 1. Initiating operational policies for the Champions of Character program, and conducting research and education that will benefit the health, safety and development of NAIA student - athletes. 2. Providing administrative supervision of the Champions of Character Advisory Committee, Athletic Trainers Association, Association of Student - Athletes and those committees assigned to it which deal with issues of student - athlete health, safety and developm ent. 3. Reviewing and acting on all recommendations from those committees within its area of responsibility. 4. Conducting nominations and elections in accordance with the Constitution when openings on the Council arise. IV — TRANSGENDER AND NON - BINARY STUDENT - ATHLETE COMPETITION The NAIA Council of Presidents has pass a new transgender policy as of April 8, 2024 effective immediately. The policy can be found in COP policy section XXI – Transgender Policy (p. 130) . V — REQUIRED CPR/AED CERTIFICATION It is required that all institutionally employed head coaches and any member of the coaching staff in position to independently supervise student - athletes engaged in athletic activity must maintain current and valid certification in adult CPR/AED. An institutional representative shall be designated and required to retain a record of all certifications and produce a copy upon request. Newly hired coaches must obtain the required certification prior to indepen dent supervision of student - athletes or within 60 days of hire, whichever is earlier. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 INDEX / page 174 INDE X 12 - HR ENROLLMENT 12 - HOUR ENROLLMENT RULE · 72 12 - HOUR ENROLLMENT RULE — GRADUATE HOURS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 73 12 - HOUR ENROLLMENT RULE EXCEPTION — LAST TERM OF ATTENDANCE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 73 20% Rule 24/36 - HR Rule 20% LIMITS PER SPORT · 64 24/36 - HOUR RULE · 74 24/36 - HOUR RULE CASEBOOK RULINGS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 75 24/36 - HOUR RULE, FIRST TIME PARTICIPANT EXCEPTION · 75 24/36 - HOUR RULE, JUCO EXCEPTION · 75 24 - WEEK SEASON · 36 30 - DAY 30 DAY EXTENSION OF ELIGIBILITY, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 87 30 - DAY WINDOW, RECERTIFICATION · 80 9 - HR Rule 9 - HOUR RULE · 73 A ACADEMIC EXEMPTION · 122 ACADEMIC TERM LIMITS · 80 ACCREDITED · 28 ACT REQUIREMENTS · 69 ACT/SAT TESTING IN THE FALL TERM, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 70 ACTS PERMITTED BY NAIA AMATEUR CODE · 98 ACTS THAT RESULT IN LOSS OF AMATEUR STANDING · 100 ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR · 90 ADMISSION STANDARDS, GENERAL · 48 AFFILIATED CONFERENCE CERTIFICATION DEADLINE · 125 ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS · 140 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO · 44 ALL POST - BACCALAUREATE STUDENTS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA · 82 ALL - STAR COMPETITIONS · 40 AMATEUR RULES AND REINSTATEMENT PROCEDURES · 98 AMENDMENT PROCEDURES · 47 APPEALS · 97 APPLICATION OF ELIGIBILITY RULES · 58 ASSOCIATION FINANCES · 116 ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT - ATHLETES · 110 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 INDEX / page 17 5 ASSOCIATION ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE · 55 ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDATIONS · 107 ASSOCIATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS · 107 ASSOCIATIONS OF THE NAIA · 107 ATHLETES COUNTING TOWARD LIMITS · 120 ATHLETICALLY RELATED EXPENSES · 48 ATHLETICS COMPLIANCE ADMINISTRATOR · 31 ATHLETICS COMPLIANCE ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION · 111 ATHLETICS DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION · 107 ATHLETICS TRAINERS ASSOCIATION · 108 AWARDS · 152 AWARDS/HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE · 103 B BASKETBALL & EXHIBITIONS · 30, 34 BRANCH CAMPUS IDENTIFICATION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 59 BREAK PERIODS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 38 BYLAWS · 24 C CALCULATING COST OF ATTENDANCE AND MULTIPLE TUITION LEVELS · 122 CALCULATING UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE GPA, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 77 CAMPUS VISITATIONS AND TRYOUTS · 49 CASEBOOK EXAMPLES FRACTIONS OF TERMS · 84 MILITARY SERVICE ELIGIBILITY EXCEPTION APPLIES TO ONE INSTITUTION · 86 TIME LIMITED TO APPLY EXCEPTION · 86 CERTIFICATION OF STUDENT - ATHLETES, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 87 CHALLENGE OF A POSITIVE TEST · 101 CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE · 106 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATION · 137 CHARACTER - DRIVEN COACHING ONLINE TRAINING · 93 CHEERLEADING ACTIVITIES AT NAIA - SPONSORED EVENTS · 140 COACH OBSERVATION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 50 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS · 103 COMPETING BEFORE FALL TERM · 80 COMPETITION AGAINST PROFESSIONAL TEAM, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 99 COMPETITIVE EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE · 104 COMPOSITION OF THE COUNCIL FOR STUDENT - ATHLETES · 172 COMPOSITION OF THE COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS · 111 CONDUCT IN COMPETITION · 92 CONDUCT IN COMPETITION · 134 CONFERENCE COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION · 108 CONFERENCE COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION · 115 CONFERENCE INFORMATION DIRECTORS COMMITTEE · 104 CONFERENCE UNAFFILIATED QUALIFYING PROCEDURES · 135 CONSTITUTION · 17 CONSTITUTION - AMENDMENTS · 23 CONSTITUTION - ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING PROCEDURES · 22 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 INDEX / page 17 5 CONSTITUTION - DISSOLUTION CLAUSE · 23 CONSTITUTION - EXECUTION OF RESPONSIBILITY BY THE COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS · 19 CONSTITUTION - INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP, ELIGIBILITY, VOTING, DUES, TERMINATION · 18 CONSTITUTION - COUNCILS: COMPOSITION, ETC · 20 CONSTITUTION - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY · 23 CONSTITUTION - THE NAIA COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS QUALIFICATIONS, COMPOSITION, NOMINATION, ELECTION, CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY · 19 CONSTITUTION - THE NAIA NATIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE QUALIFICATIONS, COMPOSITION, NOMINATION, ELECTION, CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY, RESPONSIBILITIES · 20 CONSTITUTION - VACANCIES COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS, NATIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE, NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL, COUNCIL OF FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVES · 22 CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE · 104 CONSTITUTION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES · 17 CONSTITUTION, NAME · 17 CONSTITUTION, ORGANIZATION · 17 CONTINENTAL ATHLETIC CONFERENCE · 108 CONTROL OF ATHLETICS PROGRAM · 29 COUNCIL FOR STUDENT - ATHLETES · 57 COUNCIL FOR STUDENT - ATHLETES POLICY · 172 COUNCIL OF FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVES DUTIES · 57 COUNCIL OF FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVES POLICY · 166 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS DESIGNEE · 113 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS DUTIES · 55 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS POLICY · 111 COUNTABLE AID · 120 COUNTING TERMS OF ATTENDANCE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 84 CREDIT HOURS USED FOR ELIGIBILITY, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 78 CRITERIA FOR AFFILIATED CONFERENCES · 44 CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENTS TO THE NATIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICS COMMITTEE · 165 CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENTS TO THE NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY COMMITTEE · 166 D DEALING WITH POTENTIALLY CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES · 113 DECLARATION OF INTENT POSTSEASON · 42 DECLARATION OF INTENT , PENALTY · 91 DEFINITION OF AN AMATEUR · 98 DEFINITION OF INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL AID · 120 DEFINITIONS · 58 DELINQUENT FILING OF THE DECLARATION OF INTENT · 92 DETERMINATIONS FROM THE NAIA ELIGIBILITY CENTER · 167 DISCONTINUANCE OF A SPORT DURING A SEASON, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 65 DISMISSED/EXPELLED OR SUSPENDED · 81 DIVISIONS OF COMPETITION COMMITTEE · 105 DRUG TESTING AND REINSTATEMENT PROCEDURES · 101 DUE DILIGENCE · 94 DUES, COP POLICY · 116 DUTIES OF THE NAIA PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER · 53 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 INDEX / page 17 5 E ELECTION TO THE COUNCIL FOR STUDENT - ATHLETES · 172 ELECTION TO THE COUNCIL OF FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVES · 166 ELECTION/APPOINTMENT PROCESS · 112 ELECTION/APPOINTMENT TO THE COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS · 112 ELIGIBILITY · 58 ELIGIBILITY CASE · 58 ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATE PROCESS, COP POLICY · 126 ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION · 58 ELIGIBILITY CHAIR · 46 ELIGIBILITY EXCEPTIONS FOR DUAL MEMBERS · 42 ELIGIBILITY FOR POSTSEASON PLAY, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 81 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR POST - BACCALAUREATE STUDENTS · 82 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS · 69 EMERGING SPORTS · 163 EMPLOYMENT OF STUDENTS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 100 END OF A TERM · 58 ENFORCEMENT · 90 ENROLLMENT · 58 ENTERING FRESHMAN · 58 ESTABLISHING POLICIES BY COUNCILS · 58 EVALUATING EXCEPTIONAL RULES BASED ON LEARNING DISABILITIES · 169 EVENT MANAGEMENT · 134 EXCHANGE PROGRAMS · 43 EXCHANGE PROGRAMS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 44 EXHIBITION · 59 EXPENSES PAID BY INSTITUTION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 50 F FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVE · 30 FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVES ASSOCIATION · 108 FINANCIAL AID LIMITS - REQUESTING AN EXCEPTION · 123 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE · 48 FINANCIAL BENEFITS · 49 FOOTBALL ACCLIMATIZATION PERIOD · 39 FOOTBALL SPECIAL EVENTS · 145 FOREIGN STUDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES · 52 FORFEITS · 141 FORFEITS & FREQUENCY OF PLAY, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 34 FREQUENCY OF PLAY AND SCHEDULING · 32 FRESHMAN ELIGIBILITY - 2.3 GPA · 69 FRESHMAN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS · 69 FRESHMAN ELIGIBILITY, MINIMUM GPA · 70 FRESHMAN EXCEPTION FOR PROGRESS RULE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 78 G GAME SUSPENSION FOR COACHES · 94 GED AND HISET STUDENTS · 71 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 INDEX / page 17 5 GENERAL INSTITUTIONS/CONFERENCES · 28 GENERAL STUDENT · 48 GOOD STANDING · 59 GPA REQUIREMENTS, CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY · 77 H HIGH SCHOOL CLASS RANK — PREP SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 71 HIGH SCHOOL CLASS RANK — TOP 50%, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 71 HIGH SCHOOL CLASS RANK, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 71 HIGH SCHOOL GPA — ATTENDING MULTIPLE HIGH SCHOOLS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 70 HIGH SCHOOL GPA — OVERALL 2.000, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 70 HIGH SCHOOL GPA — PREP SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 71 HIGH SCHOOL GPA, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 70 HOME SCHOOL COMMITTEE · 106 HOME SCHOOL WAIVER · 170 HOME - SCHOOLED STUDENTS · 71 HOSTING HIGH SCHOOL ALL - STAR GAMES · 44 HOUSING OF TEAMS · 142 HS CLASS RANK · 71 I IDENTIFICATION · 59 INCOMPLETE GRADES, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 81 INELIGIBLE PARTICIPATION – INSTITUTION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 95 INELIGIBLE PARTICIPATION – STUDENT REESTABLISHES ELIGIBILITY, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 95 INELIGIBLE PARTICIPATION – STUDENT, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 95 INFRACTIONS · 90 INFRACTIONS AND PENALTIES · 90 INITIATE CONTACT · 51 INSTITUTIONAL CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER® RESPONSIBILITIES · 32 INSTITUTIONAL CREDIT HOUR · 60 INSTITUTIONAL CREDIT, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 60 INSTITUTIONAL DAY OFF POLICY · 39 INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL AID POLICY · 120 INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT OF ATHLETICS AIMS AND OBJECTIVES · 32 INSTITUTIONAL VIOLATION(S) · 91 INSTITUTIONALLY PROVIDED FINANCIAL AID · 48 INTERCOLLEGIATE CONTEST · 61 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION · 52 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION EXCEPTION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 52 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COMPETITION · 106 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT – MULTIPLE GRADUATION DATES, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 72 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS · 72 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – IDENTIFICATION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 60 INTER - TERM · 61 INTRO - CODE OF ETHICS · 12 INTRO - INTERORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS · 15 INTRO - NAIA COACHES CODE · 11 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 INDEX / page 17 5 INTRO - NAIA HISTORY · 13 INTRO - STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY · 10 INTRODUCTION · 10 J JUNIOR COLLEGE GRADUATE – SOC, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 66 JUNIOR VARSITY SCRIMMAGE DATES, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 36 L LATE ENROLLMENT, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 80 LOSS OF ACCREDITATION · 115 M MAINTAINING INSTITUTIONAL IDENTIFICATION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 72 MEDICAL HARDSHIP, NON - NAIA · 66 MEMBER INSTITUTIONS OF NON - AFFILIATED CONFERENCES · 47 MEMBERSHIP TYPES AND REQUIREMENTS · 28 MEMBERSHIP DUES PAYMENT DEADLINE · 40 MEMBERSHIP REINSTATEMENT · 115 MID - YEAR ELIGIBILITY, FRESHMAN ELIGIBILITY · 73 MILITARY SERVICE ELIGIBILITY EXCEPTION · 85 MILITARY SERVICE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 86 MINIMUM NUMBER CONTESTS · 136 MIXED TEAM COMPETITION · 140 MULTI - SPORT ATHLETES · 121 N NAIA INSURANCE COVERAGES · 125 NAIA RISE COMMITTEE · 105 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL DUTIES · 56 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL POLICY · 131 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC COACHES ASSOCIATIONS · 109 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND INVITATIONAL COMPETITIONS · 133 NATIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICS COMMITTEE · 103 NATIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE DUTIES · 56 NATIONAL DRUG TESTING AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE · 107 NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY COMMITTEE · 105 NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: ITS FUNCTIONS · 53 NATIONAL OFFICE PERSONNEL · 54 NATIONAL STATISTICAL SERVICE · 149 NINE - HOUR RULE — IDENTIFICATION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 74 NINE - HOUR RULE — INCOMPLETE GRADES, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 74 NINE - HOUR RULE — SUMMER ATTENDANCE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 74 NON - COLLEGIATE POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS · 170 NON - COUNTABLE AID · 120 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 INDEX / page 17 5 NON - INTERCOLLEGIATE SCRIMMAGE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 64 NON - RECOGNITION OF MAJOR LEVEL FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL · 142 NON - TERM · 61 NON - TERM — ATTENDANCE AT A NON - ACCREDITED INSTITUTION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 62 NON - TERM — HIGH SCHOOL, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 62 NON - TERM — MILITARY SERVICE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 62 NORMAL PROGRESS · 62 NOTIFICATION · 50 NOTIFICATION OF PENALTIES · 97 NOTIFICATION TO CLUB STATUS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 41 NOTIFICATION, CLOSED INSTITUTIONS/DISCONTINUED SPORT, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 51 NUMBER OF SCRIMMAGE DATES · 34 O OFFICIAL ACTION ON COACHES ASSOCIATION PROPOSALS · 142 OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES GOVERNING MEN’S PROGRAMS · 142 OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES GOVERNING WOMEN’S PROGRAMS · 143 OFFICIAL REPRIMAND · 96 OFFICIAL WARNING · 96 OFFICIATING/COACHING, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 99 OPERATION OF NON - SCHOOL SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS (BOOSTER CLUBS) · 124 ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE · 55 ORGANIZATION OF ASSOCIATIONS WITHIN THE NAIA · 107 OUTSIDE COMPETITION AND THE 20% RULE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 65 P PARTICIPATION · 62 PARTICIPATION ELITE - LEVEL COMPETITION · 65 PARTICIPATION IN AWARDS PROGRAM · 44 PARTICIPATION IN FUNCTIONS AT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS · 142 PASSING GRADE – MID YEAR ELIGIBILITY, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 73 PENALTIES · 96, 101 PLAYING WITH PLAYERS HAVING LOST AMATEUR STANDING, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 99 POLICIES FOR NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS — TELEVISION · 128 POLICIES FOR POSTSEASON EVENTS — RADIO · 126, 127 POLICIES OF SELECTION · 102 POST - BACCALAUREATE · 62 POSTSEASON COMPETITION · 62 POSTSEASON PARTICIPATION FOR FIRST - YEAR MEMBERS · 41 POSTSEASON RESTRICTIONS · 40 POSTSEASON TOURNAMENTS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 39 PRACTICE · 39 PRACTICE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 39 PROBATION · 96 PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF INCAPACITY OF THE NAIA PRESIDENT · 54 PROCESSING OF ELIGIBILITY CASES · 87 PROCESSING REQUESTS FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL RULING TO A STANDARD RULE · 89 PROGRESS RULE · 77 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 INDEX / page 17 5 PROGRESS RULE — TRANSFER CREDIT TAKEN FACE VALUE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 78 PROSPECTIVE STUDENT · 62 PROTEST STIPULATION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 91 Q QUALIFICATION MODELS AND DEFINITIONS · 138 R RECOGNITION OF CREDITS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 61, 80 RECOGNIZED AWARDS RECEIVED BY STUDENTS · 100 RECRUITMENT · 50 RECRUITMENT OF A GRADUATE STUDENT - ATHLETE · 51 RECRUITMENT OF A NON - ENROLLED STUDENT · 51 RECRUITMENT OF AN ENROLLED STUDENT - ATHLETE · 50 RECRUITMENT OF ENROLLED GRADUATE STUDENT, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 51 REGISTRARS ASSOCIATION · 110 REGISTRATION OF SPORTS SPONSORSHIP · 41 REIMBURSEMENT POLICIES · 116 REINSTATEMENT APPLICATION PROCEDURES · 101 REPEAT COURSE — TERM OF ATTENDANCE · 79 REPEAT COURSE – TRANSFER STUDENT, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 79 REPEAT COURSES · 78 REPORTING OF INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION RESULTS · 102 REPORTING OF TEAM COMPETITION RESULTS · 102 REPORTING VIOLATIONS: AN INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY · 91 REQUEST FOR AN ELIGIBILITY RULING, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 89 REQUIRED CPR/AED CERTIFICATION · 173 RESIDENCY · 63 RESIDENCY PERIOD – PRACTICE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 63 RE - TAKING A FAILED COURSE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 79 RETENTION: REESTABLISHMENT OF ELIGIBILITY · 80 RIGHTS FEES FOR NAIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS · 129 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES · 173 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, NAC · 131 S SAT REQUIREMENTS · 69 SCRIMMAGE · 63 SCRIMMAGE – REPORTING SCORES/STATISTICS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 63 SCRIMMAGES — SEASON OF COMPETITION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 63 SCRIMMAGES, CASEBOOK EXAMPLES · 35 SEASON OF COMPETITION · 64 SEMI - PROFESSIONAL TEAMS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 100 SENIOR EXCEPTION, 12 - HOUR ENROLLMENT RULE · 72 SENIOR WOMAN LEADER · 31 SENIOR WOMAN LEADER ASSOCIATION · 111 SIGNED RELEASE · 50 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 INDEX / page 17 5 SPECIAL EVENTS · 144 SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS AT NATIONAL EVENTS · 125 SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION · 110 STAFF MEMBERS REPRESENTING PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS · 47 STANDING COMMITTEES · 102 STANDING COMMITTEES AND DESCRIPTIONS · 103 START DATES · 37 START OF TERM · 67 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE, CONSTITUTION · 17 STRUCTURE OF NAIA PROGRAMS · 55 STUDENT PURSUING GRADUATE WORK · 83 STUDENT PURSUING SECOND BACCALAUREATE DEGREE · 82 STUDENT - ATHLETE REINSTATEMENT · 102 STUDENT - ATHLETE’S FAILURE TO REPORT NAME, IMAGE, LIKENESS COMPENSATION · 95 SUBMISSION OF NAIA OFFICIAL ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATES · 87 SUBMITTING ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATES, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 87 SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY ON POSTSEASON COMPETITION · 148 SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM · 147 SUMMER COMPETITION – TRANSFERS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 66 SUNDAY PLAY · 148 SUSPENSION · 96 SUSPENSION WITHIN PREVIOUS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 85 T TERM OF ATTENDANCE · 67 TERM OF ATTENDANCE – GRADUATE STUDENT, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 68 TERM OF ATTENDANCE, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 67 TERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY · 83 TEST CREDITS – IDENTIFICATION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 73 TICKET POLICY FOR NATIONAL EVENTS · 125 TOURNAMENT SELECTION APPEALS PROCESS · 139 TRADEMARK · 116 TRANSFER · 68 TRANSFER FROM INSTITUTION OFFERING 2 - YEAR & 4 - YEAR DEGREES, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 68 TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS: GENERAL · 84 TRANSGENDER AND NON - BINARY STUDENT - ATHLETE COMPETITION · 173 TRYOUTS AT PROFESSIONAL CAMPS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 99 TRYOUTS WITH PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 50 U UNTIMED ACT/SAT SCORES, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 69 UNUSUAL CALENDARS · 43 UPPER LIMITS FOR INSTITUTIONAL AID · 123 USE OF AN INELIGIBLE STUDENT IN INTERCOLLEGIATE COMPETITION · 94 USE OF INELIGIBLE ATHLETES · 91 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 INDEX / page 17 5 V VIDEO POLICY FOR NATIONAL COMPETITION · 148 VIOLATIONS OF REQUIREMENTS FOR AFFILIATED CONFERENCES · 92 VIOLATIONS REVIEWED BY THE NATIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICS COMMITTEE · 95 W WITHDRAWAL AND TRANSFER, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 68 WITHHOLD THE HEAD COACH · 90 WITHHOLD THE STUDENT · 96 WITHHOLDING AN ATHLETE FROM PARTICIPATION, CASEBOOK EXAMPLE · 90 Y YEAR - END REPORTS (INSTITUTIONAL) · 124

Bowling 5 Baseball 12 Tennis 5 Volleyball 8 Softball 10 Wrestling 10 Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field 12 Competitive Cheer 12 Competitive Dance 10 Lacrosse 12 Beach Volleyball 5 Institutions not in compliance with the financial aid policy will be subject to the following sanctions by the National Conduct and Ethics Committee. 1. First instance of violation of the financial aid limit: Reprimand and the financial aid limit in the affected sport(s) will be lowered by the amount the institution was in violation. 2. Second instance of violation of the financial aid limit: Probation and the financial aid limit in the affected sport(s) will be lowered 1.5 times the amount the institution was in violation. 3. Third instance of violation of financial aid limit: Suspension and the financial aid limit in the affected sport(s) will be lowered 2 times the amount the institution was in violation. NOTE: These are guidelines only. The Conduct and Ethics Committee has the discretion to vary from these sanctions in their decisions. The Council of Presidents also has discretion to alter these guidelines as deemed necessary. I. Requesting an Exception Institutions that do not philosophically fit in with the financial aid policy may exercise their rights as members to request an exception. An institution or a conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC ) ( formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) may submit to the Council of Presidents through the National Administrative Council a request for exception if this policy or its implementation procedures harm or threaten to harm a school or the conference/ CAC unfairly and/or unintentionally. The responsibility to propose an alternative policy and/or procedures shall reside with the requesting school or conference (as appropriate). If the request is from a single institution, its conference must suppor t the request for the exception. Or, in the case of an independent, CAC must support the request for the exception. Requests for exception must be submitted by the institution’s chief executive officer. Requests may be granted on a yearly basis or multi - year schedule subject to review by Council of Presidents. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 124 XIV — YEAR - END REPORTS (INSTITUTIONAL) Each member institution is required to file the following forms with the NAIA National Office yearly. 1. NAIA Substance Abuse Certification of Compliance Report; 2. Institutional Financial Aid Report; 3. Varsity Roster for Institutional Teams; and 4. An accounting of national championship expenses. Institutions shall have until December 1 to complete the certificates and return to the NAIA National Office. Institutions delinquent in filing any of the above certificates shall be suspended from all NAIA postseason competition. The suspension shall be lifted upon receipt of the completed certificates in the NAIA National Office. X V — OPERATION OF NON - SCHOOL SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS (BOOSTER CLUBS) The NAIA recognizes the importance of booster clubs and similar support groups to the institution and to the community, provided such assistance is rendered in an educationally sound manner. A. The NAIA requires each institution to have complete control over all funds being used to assist the institution’s athletics program. B. The NAIA requires that all scholarship assistance be controlled by the faculty through the regularly constituted committee on student loans and scholarships. The NAIA further requires that all donations to the scholarship fund by an athletic booster clu b be deposited in the general scholarship fund to be controlled by the above committee. The scholarships may carry the name of the donor, but there can be no requirement or commitment that compromises general financial aid principles of the institution. C. It is recommended that an institutional representative (athletics director, faculty athletics representative or business manager) act as a consultant to the booster club in all matters relating to the institution and its programs. Because the athletics department at an NAIA institution is considered a part of the total institutional structure, rather than a separate adjunct, all financial assistance given by a booster club must be administered by the institution, as are all general funds, rather than directly by the athletics department. D. The key to an effective booster club is to not lose sight of the club’s primary purpose of assisting the institution. The institution must remain in control of its athletics program, and is totally responsible for all action taken by organizations asso ciated with it and purporting to represent it. Non - school supporting organizations generate their income through dues, raffles, sales, fundraising programs and other such activities, and these funds are to be accounted for in a professional manner and are subject to audit by the institution. E. Non - school supporting organizations cannot give any financial assistance, in kind or in money, to any prospective or current student - athlete nor to the student’s family or relatives. F. Non - school supporting organizations or individuals may assist an institution in sponsoring a tournament, but the control of the tournament (such as selecting teams, officials, scheduling, etc.) must remain under the control of the institution. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 125 For example, if a booster club undertakes a project to resurface an institution’s track, this project must be approved by the institution’s chief executive officer and/or the appropriate institutional committee. The monies collected can then be applied to the project. A booster club cannot simply give the monies directly to the athletics department or to the coach for this purpose. Institutional clearance, approval and monitoring is required. The same concept is true for all projects relating to physical pl ant improvements, coaching aids, athletic banquets, coaching travel, team travel or the hosting of tournaments. Institutional approval, not just athletics department approval, is needed before a project is undertaken. Active booster clubs working closely with college administrators play an important role in the promotion of educationally - sound athletics. Their efforts, when properly channeled, serve the needs of all students and the community. XV I — NAIA INSURANCE COVERAGES A. Catastrophic Athletics Injury 1. All NAIA member institutions are required to participate in the NAIA catastrophic athletic injury insurance program for student - athletes. 2. Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company is the catastrophic insurance carrier. 3. Coverage is provided for participation in scheduled games, supervised practice sessions, and authorized group or team travel that is paid for or reimbursed by the sponsoring organization, in connection with such games or practice sessions. B. Liability Insurance 1. All affiliated conferences are required to pay a premium each year to cover their cost of NAIA liability insurance. 2. K & K Insurance Group, Inc. is the liability insurance carrier. 3. Coverage is provided for athletic events that are authorized, sanctioned or scheduled by the NAIA. This coverage will pertain to championships under the auspices of the NAIA. It is extended to affiliated conferences as it pertains to conference championsh ips and other qualifying events. XVI I — SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS AT NATIONAL EVENTS Businesses or corporations shall not be solicited as sponsors or contributors to an NAIA National Championship, or any NAIA activity or endeavor, without prior written approval of the NAIA Marketing Department. XVII I — AFFILIATED CONFERENCE CERTIFICATION DEADLINE The annual deadline for affiliated conference certification forms is April 1. Conference commissioners are required to submit to the NAIA National Office the list of schools that are conference members. Sport qualification plans are created based on this i nformation as well as the information from each institution’s Declaration of Intent to Participate certificate. The conference members listed on the certification forms as of the April 1 deadline each year will be included in the qualification plans as a c onference member. All schools which are accepted into a conference following the April 1 deadline will not be included as a conference member until the following academic year. XIX — TICKET POLICY FOR NATIONAL EVENTS One complimentary, general admission ticket for all National Championship events shall be made available to members of the following groups (upon presentation of a membership card and appropriate identification). NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 126 1. NAIA Conference Commissioners Association 2. NAIA Athletics Directors Association 3. NAIA Faculty Athletics Representatives 4. NAIA Coaches Associations 5. NAIA Sports Information Directors Association 6. NAIA Athletic Trainers Association 7. NAIA Registrars Association 8. NAIA Athletics Compliance Administrators Association 9. NAIA National Committees The chief executive officer of each member institution shall receive two complimentary tickets upon presentation of the NAIA membership card and appropriate identification. All cards are non - transferable. X X – ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATE PROCESS Pursuant to NAIA Bylaws Article V, Section I , Item 1, it is the responsibility each member institution to certify the eligibility of each student prior to participation in any manner (i.e. scrimmage, exhibition, intercollegiate contest) against competitors not directly identified with the institutio n. Each member institution is required to file eligibility certification through the electronic Eligibility Certification Process (ECP) software system. It is the responsibility of each institution to facilitate eligibility certification through this process, unless otherwise approved by the NAIA national office. XX I — TRANSGENDER POLICY The NAIA supports fair and safe competition opportunities for all student - athletes. Title IX ensures there are separate and equal opportunities for female athletes. As a result, the NAIA offers separate categories of competition in all sports except for co mpetitive cheer and competitive dance, which are both co - ed. Student - athletes may participate in NAIA competition in accordance with the following conditions. A. Participation by students in sports designated as male by the NAIA: All eligible NAIA student - athletes may participate in NAIA - sponsored male sports. B. Participation by students in sports designated as female by the NAIA: Only NAIA student - athletes whose biological sex* is female may participate in NAIA - sponsored female sports. They may participate under the following conditions: 1. A student who has not begun any masculinizing hormone therapy may participate without limitation. 2. A student who has begun masculinizing hormone therapy may participate in: a. All activities that are internal to the institution (does not include external competition), including workouts, practices, and team activities. Such participation is at the discretion of the NAIA member institution where the student is enrolled; and b. External competition that is not a countable contest as defined by the NAIA (per NAC Policy Article XXV, Section A, Item 12). Such participation is at the discretion of the NAIA member institution where the student is enrolled. An NAIA institution that has a student - athlete who has begun masculinizing hormone therapy must notify the NAIA national office. The national office will take the necessary steps to provide appropriate privacy protections. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 127 This policy will be subject to review in light of any legal, scientific, or medical developments. NOTE: With the exception of competitive cheer and competitive dance, the NAIA created separate categories for male and female participants. Each NAIA sport includes some combination of strength, speed, and stamina, providing competitive advantages for male stude nt - athletes. As a result, the NAIA policy for transgender student - athletes applies to all sports except for competitive cheer and competitive dance, which are open to all students. It is imperative that the dignity and privacy of transgender athletes be respected. Therefore, the NAIA will rely on its long - standing process for complying with all NAIA regulations, which places primary responsibility for adherence to all rules and polic ies on the institution. Similarly, should any institution determine it has violated these policies, the institution is expected to self - report the violation. Should any institution become aware of an apparent violation by another NAIA institution, the NAIA ’s existing process for reporting violations as described in NAIA Bylaws Article VI, Section B, Item 3 will apply. *For the sake of this policy, biological sex is defined by distinguishing characteristics and can be supported by birth certificate or signed affidavit. While rare, there have been cases where the sex assigned at birth does not match the biological sex, wh ich led to the use of biological sex in this document. XX I I — POLICIES FOR POSTSEASON EVENTS — RADIO A. All requests for broadcasting of any NAIA national meet, tournament or game must be directed, in advance, to the NAIA Depa rtment of Sports Information for permission to originate. B. Broadcasting space will be assigned as facilities permit. C. Exclusive rights may be granted to stations (commercial or non - commercial) with the following policies to apply: 1. The participating institutions will determine if exclusive rights are to be granted to any station in their particular markets. 2. If a station is given exclusivity, no other station in that market will be permitted to originate a broadcast or take a feed without permission from the station that was given exclusive rights. 3. Stations or institutions purchasing exclusive rights may provide feeds of the originating broadcast to other stations. 4. Stations or institutions purchasing rights will be charged a rights fee, as listed in the Rights Fees for NAIA national championships at the end of this section. 5. All rights fees must be made payable to the host site and be submitted in advance of the originating broadcast. 6. All necessary lines must be requested and paid for by the originating station. 7. The originating station must submit a listing of all stations on its network, if any, at the time of payment, and will be responsible for the rights fees for all of these stations. D. NAIA policy governing the acceptance of advertisers and advertising copy for broadcasts of NAIA championship events is as follows: Beer, wine, liquor, or any form of alcoholic beverage, or any form of tobacco products, shall not be endorsed by the NAIA, but the advertisement of such products in connection with NAIA events is permissible under the following conditions: NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 128 1. All such advertisements must receive advance approval from the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer. 2. Alcoholic beverages in any form shall not be allowed to be sold, dispersed, or brought into the public areas of any NAIA event. 3. No commercial may directly or indirectly relate any advertised product to the institution, athletes involved or the NAIA. XXI I I — POLICIES FOR NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS — TELEVISION A. The NAIA owns television rights to all of its championship meets, tournaments and games, and may award exclusive rights to commercial or non - commercial stations. B. All stations interested in producing a telecast from any NAIA championship meet, tournament or game must first obtain written approval from the NAIA Department of Sports Information. C. The NAIA Department of Sports Information will coordinate arrangements for all telecasts. D. All necessary installation of lines, uplinking, satellite transmission, construction of any facilities, cost of talent and any other production costs shall be the sole financial responsibility of the originating station. E. Policies, procedures and costs for televising of any games in the NAIA Football National Championship Series are as follows: 1. Policies and Procedures a. All stations (commercial or non - commercial) interested in producing a telecast of any game in the football championship series must receive permission from the NAIA Department of Sports Information. Space will be assigned as facilities permit. b. Television stations within a 200 - mile radius of the site wishing to air a live or same - day telecast must adhere to the following restrictions. i. The NAIA will require that 5,000 tickets or 80 percent of the stadium’s seating capacity (whichever is applicable) must be sold by noon Thursday of game week for a station to secure a telecast. ii. A stadium’s seating capacity will be determined by the NAIA. c. Television stations outside a 200 - mile radius of the site wishing to air a live or same - day telecast will not be subject to the ticket - sales restriction above. d. If more than one commercial station in a market expresses interest in producing a telecast of any game(s), then a sealed bid process will be used by the NAIA to determine which station will receive exclusive rights to televise a game. e. Stations televising a first - round game in the football championship series have first rights to subsequent games played in the championship series (excluding the championship final); however, notification must be given by the station to the NAIA no less t han 24 hours after the completion of the previous game. f. Stations that televise a first - round game in the championship series, but decline to televise a subsequent game, relinquish first rights to the championship game. g. Participating stations will agree to run 30 - second promotional spots on the two institutions involved in the game, plus a 30 - second promotional spot on the NAIA. 2. Costs: See Rights Fees for NAIA national championships at the end of this section. 3. All rights fees must be paid in advance of the telecast with a check submitted to the NAIA game administrator and made payable to the host site. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 129 F. Policies, procedures and costs for televising of any games in the men’s and/or women’s basketball tournaments are as follows: 1. Policies and Procedures a. The NAIA, in conjunction with a designated television carrier, may offer interested stations (commercial and non - commercial) and cable systems an opportunity to purchase rights and receive individual game feeds from the designated television carrier. b. All information related to telecast costs and procedures for the men’s or women’s tournaments should be directed to: NAIA Department of Sports Information, 120 W. 12 th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, MO 64105. G. NAIA policy governing acceptance of advertisers and advertising copy for telecasts of NAIA championship events is as follows: Beer, wine, liquor or any form of alcoholic beverage, or any form of tobacco products, shall not be endorsed by the NAIA, but the advertisement of such products in connection with NAIA events is permissible under the following conditions. 1. All such advertisements must receive advance approval from the NAIA President/Chief Executive Officer. 2. Alcoholic beverages in any form shall not be allowed to be sold, dispersed or brought into the public areas of any NAIA event. 3. No commercial may directly or indirectly relate any advertised product to the institution, athletes involved or the NAIA. Rights Fees for NAIA National Championships NOTE: The NAIA reserves the right to transfer all television rights to transfer all television rights to outside agencies and/or host sites, in which case fees may vary. RADIO TELEVISION TELEVISION WEB BLOGGING BASEBALL Commercial: $200/game (non - exclusive) + $75 per $500/game/station (live) $250/game/station (delayed) $75 Non - Commercial: $150/game (non - exclusive) + $50 per $250/game/station (live or delayed) MEN’S BASKETBALL - DIVISION I Commercial: $200/game (non - exclusive) + $75 per $500/game/station (live) $250/game/station (delayed) $75 Non - Commercial: $150/game (non - exclusive) + $50 per $250/game/station (live or delayed) $50 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL - DIVISION I Commercial: $200/game (non - exclusive) + $75 per $500/game/station (live) $250/game/station (delayed) $75 Non - Commercial: $150/game (non - exclusive) + $50 per $250/game/station (live or delayed) $50 MEN’S BASKETBALL - DIVISION II Commercial: $200/game (non - exclusive) + $75 per $500/game/station (live) $250/game/station (delayed) $75 Non - Commercial: $150/game (non - exclusive) + $50 per $250/game/station (live or delayed) $50 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL - DIVISION II Commercial: $200/game (non - exclusive) + $75 per $500/game/station (live) $250/game/station (delayed) $75 Non - Commercial: $150/game (non - exclusive) + $50 per $250/game/station (live or delayed) $50 COMPETITIVE CHEER AND DANCE Commercial: $150/game (non - exclusive) + $75 per $500/game/station (live) $250/game/station (delayed) $75 Non - Commercial: $100/game (non - exclusive) + $50 per $250/game/station (live or delayed) $50 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Commercial: $150/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $75 Non - Commercial: $100/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $50 FOOTBALL Commercial: $200/game (non - exclusive) + $75 per $500/game/station (live) $250/game/station (delayed) $75 Non - Commercial: $150/game (non - exclusive) + $50 per $250/game/station (live or delayed) $50 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GOLF Commercial: $150/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $75 Non - Commercial: $100/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $50 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS / page 130 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S LACROSSE Commercial: $150/sport (non - exclusive) + $75 per $500/match/station (live) $250/match/station (delayed) $75 Non - Commercial: $100/sport (non - exclusive) + $50 per $250/match/station (live or delayed) $50 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD Commercial: $150/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $75 Non - Commercial: $100/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $50 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD Commercial: $150/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $75 Non - Commercial: $100/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $50 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SOCCER Commercial: $150/game (non - exclusive) + $75 per $500/game/station (live) $250/game/station (delayed) $75 Non - Commercial: $100/game (non - exclusive) + $50 per $250/game/station (live or delayed) $50 SOFTBALL Commercial: $150/game (non - exclusive) + $75 per $500/game/station (live) $250/game/station (delayed) $75 Non - Commercial: $100/game (non - exclusive) + $50 per $250/game/station (live or delayed) $50 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SWIMMING AND DIVING Commercial: $150/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $75 Non - Commercial: $100/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $50 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS Commercial: $150/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $75 Non - Commercial: $100/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $50 MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Commercial: $150/sport (non - exclusive) $500/match/station (live) (Pool Play) $250/match/station (delayed) (all other) $25 Non - Commercial: $100/sport (non - exclusive) $250/match/station (live or delayed) WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Commercial: $150/sport (non - exclusive) $500/match/station (live) (Pool Play) $250/match/station (delayed) (all other) $25 Non - Commercial: $100/sport (non - exclusive) $250/match/station (live or delayed) WRESTLING Commercial: $150/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $75 Non - Commercial: $100/sport (non - exclusive) $300/day (live or delayed) + $100 per $50 NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 131 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL The membership has authorized the National Administrative Council to initiate operational policies for conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) and national competition, national statistical services, national awards and event management (Article IV, Section E, Item 1 of the NAIA Bylaws). In carrying out its duties as charged by the membership of the Association, the National Administrative Council, with the approval of the National Coordinating Committee (Article IV, Section G of the NAIA Bylaws), has established the following policies. Failure to abide by the following policies shall result in an institutional self - report, to be reviewed by the National Conduct and Ethics Committee. The committee is empowered to review such violations and apply penalties as necessary, including but not l imited to penalties listed in Article VI, Section C, forfeits, and/ or withholding a student - athletes or coach from future competitions. I — ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The composition of the council and terms of its members are governed by NAIA Constitution Article VIII, and restated here for quick reference. A. Council Composition The National Administrative Council consists of 41 - 44 members. The council shall include one member for each conference and one representative from the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) per 10 members of the CAC. Each conference shall elect its representative for the term. Additional appointments to the council shall include the president and vice - president of the NAIA Athletic Directors Association (ADA), the chair and vice - chair of the NAIA Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) three members of NAIA - SIDA, three members of NAIA - SWLA , the chair of the NAIA Council for Student - Athletes and president of the NAIA - Athletic Trainers Association. The council may also include at - large members. Annually, the composition of the council shall be reviewed and at - large members may be named as is necessary to ensure all standards are met. The following minimums will be reviewed in selection of at - large me mbers: • Minimum of 10 Athletic Directors must be on the council. • Minimum of 10 Conference Commissioners must be on the council. • Minimum of three women must be on the council. • Minimum of three men must be on the council. • Aim to have no more than one - third of members rotate off the council in a given year. If this situation does occur, the Executive Committee may grant term extensions as needed to ensure appropriate consistency within the council. B. Chair and Vice - Chair The council shall elect a chair and vice - chair of the council. The chair and vice - chair shall also serve on the NAC Executive Committee. In consideration of members for election to these two positions, one position must be an athletic director and one must be a conference commissioner, SID or athletic trainer. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 132 C. Terms Each elected conference representative and at - large member shall be elected for a three - year term. Appointed members shall serve a term consistent with the term of appointment with the ADA, CCA, NAIA - SIDA , NAIA - SWLA , NAIA - CSA or NAIA - ATA. The council chair and vice - chair shall serve terms of two years in each position. While serving in the chair and/or vice chair position, the individual may be permitted to complete their service as an officer and are not subject to standard term limitation s. The past chair will be permitted to remain on the council for one additional year in the past chair role if desired. If a member serves as the chair of a subcommittee and his or her second term on the council is expiring, the member will be eligible to serve an additional two - year term as an at large member of the council. This is to ensure consistency in committee leade rship when necessary. Terms shall start on July 1 of each year and shall continue until June 30. Should an elected member leave their position of employment, the conference shall elect a new member to complete the term. In such instances, the term shall be equal to the time remaining on the original member’s term. In such cases, if the newly elected m ember assumes the seat on the council prior to January 1 of the second year of the term, the newly elected member shall be considered to have served one term. If assuming the seat after January 1 of the second year of the term, the newly elected member sha ll be considered a fill - in and still eligible for two consecutive terms on the council. D. Expectations Members of the council are the only members who may attend NAC meetings or serve as NAC representatives in other capacities for the association. In the event a member is unable to attend a meeting and wishes to have a substitute from the conference or group the member represents sit in on an NAC meeting or task force call, the request must be submitted in writing to the NAIA NAC liaison and then ap proved by the NAC executive committee. In no instance will a substitute be allowed to vote at the meeting. Attendance at NAIA Convention meeting and NACDA meeting must be in person. No members shall be allowed to connect to listen via conference call or vote via conference call. E. Committee Assignments Each NAC member shall be assigned to one of four committees. The purview of each committee is as follows: 1. Polls , Awards and Statistics: Set policies and procedures pertaining to NAIA polls, awards and statistics. 2. Championship Competition: Set policies and procedures pertaining to national championships. 3. Postseason Selection, Qualification and Ratings : Set policies and procedures pertaining to ratings and postseason selection models of all sports. 4. Experience and Enhancement: Set policies and procedures pertaining to national championship branding, contest management, conduct in competition, and student - athlete experience, opportunities and development outside of competition. 5. Rules: Set policies and procedures pertaining to NAIA sport rules. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 133 A chair shall be assigned to each of the five committees. The committee chair shall be a member of the executive committee. In addition, each committee shall elect a vice - chair. F. Executive Committee The Executive Committee shall set the agenda for full council meetings, make committee assignments, and serve as the communication link between committees and the full council. Meetings of the full council shall be conducted at the NAIA annual convention and at the NACDA annual convention. The Executive Committee shall conduct a monthly conference call in the 8 months in which there is not a meeting of the full council. Between meetings of the full council, the Executive Committee shall be empowered to act on behalf of the NAC in any manner that is within the council’s authority. The Executive Committee shall include the elected council chair and vice - chair, along with the chairs of the five committees. G. Council Voting Voting at full NAC meetings and task force calls shall be tallied with a simple majority passing the considered motion. For any votes to be considered official, a quorum of 50% of the council current members (not including the chair) is needed. The chair s hall be exempt from voting - but shall be asked to vote to break any ties. Voting at the committee level shall also be tallied with each member of the committee having a single vote. The chair will be exempt from voting unless needed to break any ties. Committee votes shall be disclosed to the full NAC body to communicate the com mittee’s stance and discussion on each motion. Voting during Executive Committee calls shall be tallied by each member having one vote in a simple majority. The chair will be exempt from voting unless needed to break any ties. For any votes to be considered official, a quorum of three voters (excluding the chair) is needed. Individuals are expected to recuse themselves from voting on a particular issue if they have prior knowledge or previous involvement in the situation to the extent they cannot be unbiased, or there is likely to be a presumption that the individual has a bi as. The Executive Committee is also authorized to initiate a member’s recusal, if necessary. II — NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND INVITATIONAL COMPETITIONS The NAIA organizes and conducts 2 9 national championships and invitational events , 13 for men, 1 4 for women, and two co - ed, in the following sports: Football Women’s Lacrosse Baseball Softball Men’s Basketball Women’s Basketball Men’s Bowling Women’s Bowling Men’s Cross Country Women’s Cross Country Men’s Golf Women’s Flag Football Men’s Indoor Track and Field Women’s Golf Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Women’s Indoor Track and Field NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 134 Men’s Soccer Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Men’s Swimming and Diving Women’s Soccer Men’s Tennis Women’s Swimming and Diving Men’s Volleyball Wom en’s Tennis Men’s Wrestling Women’s Volleyball Competitive Cheer Wom en’s Wrestling Competitive Dance The NAIA organizes and conducts national invitationals in the f ollowing sports: Women’s Beach Volleyball and Women’s Flag Football The basic aim of the national competition structure is to provide quality events through clearly established qualification procedures based upon democratic principles, and in most cases, by direct competition. Qualification guidelines, procedures and policies, as well as the format for each event, are based on the recommendations of the coaches associations in each sport, subject to the approval of the National Administrative Council. The competing institutions are charged with the responsibility of verifying that all of their competing students are eligible under all NAIA standards. Each coaches association has structured a sports handbook listing the qualifying standards and entry procedures for postseason competition for the particular sport. The coaches’ manuals are compiled each year by the National Office and are available on the NAIA website at www.NAIA.org . III — EVENT MANAGEMENT It is a policy of the NAIA for every institution to demonstrate a commitment to conduct in competition consistent with the NAIA’s core values for character - driven athletics. The following standards shall be enforced: 1. After every contest, teams and coaches will stay on the playing surface and shake hands with opponents. 2. Before every contest, team captains and coaches will shake hands with officials. 3. Profanity is unacceptable in NAIA competition. a. PA announcement must be made before the invocation/national anthem or player introductions. b. PA announcement must be made to give a warning for profanity/vulgarity when deemed appropriate by the event manager. 4. Support groups (e.g. bands , cheerleaders, etc.) must be placed as far away from the opponent’s bench as possible. 5. Making personal attacks regarding physical characteristics of a player, coach or official is unacceptable and must be addressed by the crowd control manager. 6. Every institution must assign a person who is solely responsible for crowd control at contests in basketball, football, soccer and other sports as deemed necessary. IV — CONDUCT IN COMPETITION An ejection is an action enforced in conjunction with competition by a game official consistent with the playing rules in that sport. A suspension is required by NAIA Bylaws (Article VI, Section B, Item 7) as an additional consequence related to ejections in conjunction with competition. Ejections are not subject to appeal. Some sport rules allow protests through an official process outlined in each sport rule book. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 135 Suspensions resulting from Article VI, Section B, Item 7 caused by an ejection which are greater than the sport - specific rule may be appealed starting with the conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions). An institution must submit an appeal to its conference/CAC within 72 hours of the completion of the contest. The conference/CAC will submit a recommendation to the NAIA National Office within 72 hours of receiving the appeal from the institution. The National Conduct and Ethics Committee is responsible for all appeals related to suspensions due to ejections of a coach and/or student - athlete. Once an appeal with appropriate signatures has been submitted to the conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions), the student - athlete/coach may continue to participate through the appeal process. If the appeal is not approved, then the student - athlete/coach must sit out of the next scheduled contest(s). A player or coach serving a game suspension shall be restricted to the designated spectator areas and prohibited from any communication or contact, direct or indirect, with the team, coaches, bench personnel and/or game officials from the start of game to its completion, including any overtime periods. While the suspended coach or player is allowed on the field and in the bench area during pregame activities, the suspended player may not be dressed in their game uniform, and they may not take part in any wa rm - up activities. Ejection reports must be completed by the NAIA game official ejecting a student - athlete or coach and the athletics director of the ejected student - athlete or coach. The form must be submitted to the NAIA within 48 hours after the completion of the contest. ( www.NAIA.org/ejections ) V — CONFERENCE / CONTINENTAL ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (CAC) (FORMERLY THE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS) / UNAFFILIATED QUALIFYING PROCEDURES The following policies are in effect to formulate conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions)/ unaffiliated grouping qualifying tournament plans in the sports of men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s la crosse , men’s and women’s wrestling, men’s and women’s bowling, women’s beach volleyball, women’s flag football, softball and baseball. Specific policies, unique to each sport, will also apply as stated in the respective sports manuals. A. Conference/CAC/unaffiliated grouping qualifying tournament plans must be approved by the conference/CAC commissioner and be submitted to the NAIA Department of Championships by the following deadlines: September 1 — Volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country November 1 — Men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s bowling, men’s and women’s wrestling, and competitive cheer February 1 — Softball, baseball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s golf, men’s volleyball, men’s and women’s lacrosse , women’s flag football and women’s beach volleyball B. Only those institutions having declared their intent to participate in championship events for the above listed sports are eligible to participate in the national qualifying tournaments in the respective sports. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 136 C. All member institutions in good standing must have the opportunity to qualify for postseason play. National qualifying tournament policies may not create undue hardship on a member institution financially, philosophically or with regard to affiliated conf erence requirements. D. Institutions must play the following minimum number of contests against accredited, upper - level two - year, degree - granting institutions in the United States and/or Canada to be eligible for NAIA postseason competition. Competition minimums updated annually here: https://naia.prestosports.com/athletics - directors/Contest_Minimums.pdf Sport Minimum Contests Baseball 16 games Beach Volleyball N/A Competitive Cheer 4 competitions (at least 3 must be approved NAIA Competitions) Competitive Dance 4 competitions (at least 3 must be approved NAIA Competitions) Football 8 games Men's Basketball 18 games Men's Bowling 5 matches (2 vs. NAIA Varsity opponent) Men's Cross Country 4 meets (At - Large Only) (must score in each) Men's Golf Minimum of 12 rounds Men's Indoor Track & Field N/A Men's Lacrosse 7 matches (vs. NAIA Varsity opponent) Men's Outdoor Track & Field N/A Men's Soccer 10 matches Men's Swimming & Diving N/A Men's Tennis N/A Men's Volleyball 12 matches Men's Wrestling N/A Softball 16 games Women's Basketball 18 games Women's Bowling 5 matches (2 vs. NAIA Varsity opponent) Women's Cross Country 4 meets (At - Large Only) (must score in each) Women’s Flag Football N/A Women's Flag Football N/A Women's Golf Minimum of 12 rounds Women's Indoor Track & Field N/A Women's Lacrosse 7 matches (vs. NAIA Varsity opponent) Women's Outdoor Track & Field N/A Women's Soccer 10 matches Women's Swimming & Diving N/A Women's Tennis N/A Women's Volleyball 16 matches Women's Wrestling N/A Minimum Competitors - In postseason qualifying competitions for cross country , golf, and tennis: i. Cross Country - A minimum of five runners must start and complete the competition. ii. Golf - A minimum of four golfers must start and finish the postseason qualifying competition. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 137 iii. Tennis – A minimum of four singles and two doubles must be included in the postseason qualifying competition. The following guidelines are to be used in the development of tournament plans: Consideration may be given to any one or combination of the following criteria in selecting teams for the conference, CAC and unaffiliated grouping qualifying championship events: i. An approved rating system; ii. Regular season overall won - loss record; iii. Overall won - loss record against NAIA teams within the conference; and/or iv. Any system approved by the conference/CAC commissioner and the NAIA Department of Championships. E. Affiliated conferences/CAC/unaffiliated groupings which determine a champion without conducting a championship event must certify that the representative complies with all tournament policies. F. When a national qualifying tournament is conducted and a team champion is determined and subsequently fails to honor the Declaration of Intent to Participate and/or is declared ineligible for the next round of the national championship, it is the prero gative of the appropriate Executive Committee to identify its affiliated conference/CAC/unaffiliated grouping representative. G. When the distance between participating institutions exceeds 750 miles, a play - in competition should be established. It is recommended that conferences, CAC and unaffiliated groupings limit the number of at - large berths for any playoff to the smallest number necessary to round out tournaments. It is recommended that selection criteria for all playoffs be established (e.g. .500 won - loss record, rankings, national norms and/or head - to - head competition). H. Exceptions to the above policies may be requested by submitting a written request and rationale from the appropriate Executive Committee to the NAIA 30 days prior to the deadline for tournament plans. The NAIA Department of Championships shall submit t he appeals and rationale along with their recommendation to the National Administrative Council or their duly appointed committee for a decision. The representative requesting the exception shall not participate in the decision. I. The National Administrative Council will review these policies annually with the NAIA Department of Championships and revise policies when applicable. VI — CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATION It is the policy of the NAIA that each member institution shall have the opportunity to qualify for the national championship event in each sport through fair and equitable competition. Qualification to national competition shall exist via the following me thods: 1. Meeting established qualification standards; 2. Affiliated conference, Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions), unaffiliated grouping competition; or 3. At - large selection. A. Affiliated Conferences/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions): NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 138 To qualify its champion automatically to national competition, an affiliated conference must meet the following criteria: 1. Have a minimum of six, or multiples of six, institutions organized through one of the following formats : a. A single conference having a minimum of six, or multiples of six, institutions which sponsor a sport and have declared their intent to participate in NAIA postseason competition in the same division in that sport; b. Two or more affiliated conferences, individually having fewer than six member institutions which sponsor a sport and have declared their intent to participate in NAIA postseason competition, agreeing to collectively declare a unified champion. c. One affiliated conference, having six or more member institutions which sponsor a sport and have declared their intent to participate in NAIA postseason competition, one or more affiliated conferences, individually having fewer than six member institution s which sponsor a sport and have declared their intent to participate in NAIA postseason competition, agreeing to collectively declare a unified champion. 2. Declare a champion by regular season play or postseason competition as determined by the conference(s). 3. All members of an affiliated conference who declare their intent to participate in that sport must qualify through the conference championship playoff plan. B. Unaffiliated Grouping To qualify its champion automatically to national competition, the unaffiliated groupings must meet the following criteria: 1. Declare a champion by regular season play or postseason competition as determined by a third party administrator appointed by the NAIA National Administrative Council. It is the policy of the National Administrative Council that should an affiliated conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) approved qualifying group drop below the minimum number of six sponsored teams, leaving five teams remaining, the conference/CAC/unaffiliated grouping must contest its postseason qualifying event as scheduled. For unaffiliated groupings of five or fewer, as established by the National Administrative Council, the grouping will not receive or be eligible for an automatic berth. Institutions in these groupings retain eligibility for at - large selection. VII — QUALIFICATION MODELS AND DEFINITIONS Baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’ s and women’s bowling, men’s and women’s wrestling , women’s beach volleyball, women’s flag football and competitive cheer and dance will qualify for the national championship event via the following method: Affiliated conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) champions will qualify automatically to the national competition. Institutions that are not a part of an approved affiliated conference or CAC format will be grouped into an unaffiliated grouping. The unaffiliated grouping champion will qualify automatical ly for the national competition. At - large selections for the national tournament will be based upon existing coaches association policies as approved by the National Administrative Council. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 139 The Association of Independent Institutions shall be treated as an NAIA Conference for the purpose of qualification plans. Standing agreements in place prior to June 2016 shall be grandfathered in and not subject to this policy. Men’s and women’s indoor track and field, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, and men’s and women’s swimming and diving will qualify for the national championship event by meeting all existing qualification standards/criteria as established annually by each sports’ coaches association. A football conference certified by the NAIA shall be eligible to qualify its champion to the championship series provided: 1. Six or more active members in good standing sponsor intercollegiate football; 2. Six or more active members in good standing have declared their intent to participate in the NAIA championship program; 3. The conference members must play an intra - conference round robin schedule if consisting of less than 10 members and conference members of 10 or greater must play at least seven intra - conference games, and have a written charter/constitution on file with t he NAIA Department of Championships; 4. The conference is certified by the NAIA prior to May 1 each year by filing a conference certification form with the NAIA Department of Championships; 5. The conference certifies its method of determining its champion in case of ties. Only one institution per conference will be recognized as qualifying for the conference championship team berth; and Independent institutions (those not recognized by the NAIA as a member of a certified football conference) sponsoring football shall qualify for the championship series by: 1. Being a member in good standing and sponsoring the sport of football; and 2. Declaring their intent to participate in the NAIA footb all program. The highest ranked independent (provided it is ranked in the top 20) shall automatically qualify for the football championship series. The complete qualification plan for each sport shall be published annually in the specific coaches handbook and posted on the NAIA web site. VIII — TOURNAMENT SELECTION APPEALS PROCESS If there is misapplication of NAIA policy or procedure regarding national tournament selection, an institution may appeal to the NAIA National Office. Criteria for filing an appeal: 1. A written appeal citing the specific NAIA policies and/or procedures that have been misapplied must be submitted to the NAIA Department of Championships within 24 hours (or noon Central time of the next business day, if the end of the 24 - hour period falls on a non - business day) from the time the tournament field has been released. 2. Once an appeal has been submitted, a response will be provided within 24 hours from receipt of appeal. 3. Appeals must be submitted and signed by the athletics director and chief executive officer of the institution. NOTE: The National Administrative Council sport liaison will be on the selection conference call to listen to the discussion of tournament selection. The liaison will report any concerns to the NAIA National Office immediately following the conclusion of the conference call. NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 140 The ratings oversight committee for each sport will review ratings to prevent any ratings process violations or unethical use of the ratings process. IX — MIXED TEAM COMPETITION A. When competition in a sport is separated by gender, a mixed team is an intercollegiate team on which at least one individual of each gender participates. i. Mixed teams are considered as a men’s team for sponsorship and postseason qualification purposes. If a mixed team qualifies as a team for postseason competition, a woman must participate in the men’s postseason tournament with her team. ii. Where individuals as well as teams may qualify, a woman competing on a mixed team may be eligible for the women’s championship only if the institution does not sponsor a women’s team and if she does not qualify for the men’s team competition. In such case s, if the woman qualifies as an individual for postseason competition, she will participate in women’s postseason play. If there is no women’s national championship, she can compete in the men’s national championship. B. When competition in a sport is not separated by gender: i. All teams and competitors compete in gender neutral competition; ii. Applicable roster and gender limits shall be determined by sport rules; and iii. The following sports recognized by the NAIA do not separate competition by gender: 1) Competitive cheer 2) Competitive dance X — ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS The use of alcohol, tobacco or tobacco products is not permitted by participants, coaches, cheerleaders, trainers, game administrators, or officials in the playing areas during all NAIA - sanctioned competition and practices for such competition. The institu tion’s coaching staff, event games committee, sport manager or host site coordinator (as applicable) shall enforce this policy through the following steps: 1. On the first offense, the individual(s) and entire team shall receive an official warning. 2. A second offense will cause expulsion from the practice, game, tournament or event. Member institutions are strongly encouraged to adopt this policy for all regular season practice and competition. XI — CHEERLEADING ACTIVITIES AT NAIA - SPONSORED EVENTS The following policy shall apply regarding “sideline” cheerleading and other non - competitive support activities at NAIA - sponsored events (conference, Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions), unaffiliated grouping or national). 1. Pyramids higher than two and a half persons in height are prohibited. Pyramid height is measured by body lengths. A shoulder stand is defined as two persons in height, a chair or shoulder sit is defined as one and a half persons high. 2. No external force shall be used by cheerleaders to propel the body (e.g. trampoline, springboard, clasped hands, etc.). 3. Cheerleaders will adhere to the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA) recommendations and safety guidelines for collegiate cheerleading. To obtain a copy of the college safety rules, go to www.aacca.org . NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 141 This regulation affects only postseason or approved special events and not regular season competition. Each institution is responsible for the determination of cheerleading activities on its campus during the regular season. Conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) commissioners will have the responsibility of seeing that these regulations are enforced at conference and independent events. The head cheerleader and the sponsor will be required to sign a statement acknowledging abidance of these regulations at all NAIA - sponsored events. Violation of these regulations will lead to immediate dismissal of the cheerleading squad from the facility. They may return as fans with the purchase of a ticket. One cheerleading squad (in uniform) from a participating institution, not to exceed 14 persons (one sponsor, one mascot and a maximum of 12 cheerleaders) shall be admitted free of charge to all conference, independent, unaffiliated grouping and national ch ampionships . This regulation is not intended in any way to diminish the importance of cheerleading nor to discourage the involvement of cheerleading within the membership, but rather to ensure that adequate safety standards are applied at NAIA - sponsored events. XII — FORFEITS A. Each member institution in a forfeited game shall enter the results of the contest in its records in the same manner as the NAIA to prevent confusion in national ranking of team and coaching records. See Article XXV of the National Administrative Council policy for application of recording statistics. B. If a forfeit is declared while a game is in progress, all statistics are voided unless the game has reached a “reasonable point of conclusion” (i.e., three quarters completed in football, 30 minutes in basketball, five innings in baseball, five innings in softball, 70 minutes in soccer), in which case all statistics shall count and be reflected in the records. The team’s won - loss record and coach’s record shall include the forfeit, but if the statistics are voided, all averages in future ranking shall be computed without inclusion of the forfeited game. C. If a game is interrupted and the officials do not declare a winner or loser in such a contest, the status shall be “no contest.” Statistics shall not be counted, nor shall either team’s won - loss record or coaches record be changed. D. If institutions have agreed to and signed a written contract for a game(s) and one institution fails to abide by that contract, a forfeit shall be awarded to the offended institution provided the following conditions are met : 1. The athletics director or faculty athletics representative of the offended institution must submit to the NAIA National Office a written request for the forfeit. The request must be submitted within 10 days of the forfeit in question or prior to the start of postseason competition, whichever is earlier. Electronic submission is required. 2. A copy of the contract or bracket assignments for postseason play must accompany the written request for the forfeit. EXCEPTION: Weather conditions and/or other acts of God which threaten the safety of an institution’s representatives may be evaluated for their impact. Such conditions may or may not be grounds to deny a request for a forfeit. Contracts or game agreements for non - conference opponents must include the signed acknowledgment by both coaches of the date, time, and location of the competition in order for the NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 142 forfeit to be granted. Electronic agreements such as emails or text messages will not qualify as signed contracts. The Declaration of Intent to Participate serves as a contract for all postseason competition. The NAIA National Office must be notified in writing should an institution officially drop a sport during a season. Contracted contests that are dropped after August 10 for fall sports, October 10 for winter sports, and January 10 for spring sports are sub je ct to the awarding of forfeits. E. Women’s Soccer Only – If a team forfeits 15 percent or more games in a season then it is automatically ineligible for postseason competition. F. Once an institution announces discontinuance of a sport, it must notify all institutions remaining on the schedule as well as its conference/ Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) (formerly the Association of Independent Institutions) commissioner (as appropriate), eligibility chair and the NAIA National O ffice. XIII — HOUSING OF TEAMS /INDIVIDUALS AT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS All participating teams and individuals in an NAIA national championship event must stay at the designated headquarters hotel or assigned properties on the approved host - site list of participating hotels for the duration of the championship in order to be eligible for the event and any available reimbursement funds. The duration consists of all activities from pre - tournament functions to the championship contest. XIV — PARTICIPATION IN FUNCTIONS AT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS All participating teams and individuals competing in a national championship or national invitational, including opening rounds, must attend all functions including: Parade of Champions, coaches meetings, opening round celebrations, student athlete experie nce events, teaming up for character events, and Champions of Character ® nominations. Failure to comply will result in a penalty of a $1,500 fine to the institution. XV — NON - RECOGNITION OF MAJOR LEVEL FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL A. Institutions which are classified as NCAA Division I in men’s and women’s basketball shall not be eligible for participation in NAIA championship events, statistical services or the NAIA awards program in that sport. In that the NAIA does not recognize ba sketball for those institutions holding NCAA Division I status, eligibility adherence and certification will not be required for the sport of basketball for those institutions. B. Institutions which are classified as NCAA Division IA and/or IAA in football shall not be eligible for participation in the NAIA football championship program, statistical services or the NAIA awards program in football. In that the NAIA does not recogniz e football for those institutions holding Division IA and or IAA status, eligibility adherence and certification will not be required for the sport of football for those institutions. XVI — OFFICIAL ACTION ON COACHES ASSOCIATION PROPOSALS Each coaches association shall conduct an annual business meeting. Action on proposals from any business meeting must be by a mail ballot or by vote at the sport’s annual meeting conducted among member institutions which sponsor the sport. NAIA Coaches Ass ociations must have a quorum (at least 50% of eligible voters) in order for a sport motion to be heard by the National Administrative Council. A quorum is not required for the sports of Cross Country and Track & Field voting. XVII — OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES GOVERNING MEN’S PROGRAMS Baseball Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with NAIA Baseball Coaches Association modifications. These rules shall be applied to all contests (preseason, regular season and postseason) when both NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 143 institutions are members of the NAIA. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Basketball Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Rules. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Bowling Official United States Bowling Congress Rules. To view, go to: www.bowl.com Cross Country Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Track and Field/Cross Country Rules with NAIA Cross Country Coaches Association approved modifications. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Football Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Football Rules. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Golf The Rules of Golf by United States Golf Association (USGA) with NAIA Golf Coaches Association approved modifications. To obtain rules, contact: USGA, P.O. Box 200, Far Hills, NJ 07931 Lacrosse Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Lacrosse Rules. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Soccer Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Soccer Rules with NAIA Soccer Coaches Association approved modifications. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Swimming and Diving Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Swimming Rules with NAIA Swimming and Diving Coaches Association approved modifications. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Tennis Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Rules. To obtain rules, contact: ITA, 33 State Road, Suite J, Princeton, NJ 08540 Track and Field Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Track and Field/Cross Country Rules with NAIA Track and Field Coaches Association approved modifications. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Volleyball Official USA Volleyball Domestic Competition Rules Wrestling Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Wrestling Rules with NAIA Wrestling Coaches Association approved modifications. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . NOTE: Requests for exceptions to the NCAA playing rules for field and court sponsorship/commercial logo placements must be approved by the National Administrative Council Executive Committee. XVIII — OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES GOVERNING WOMEN’S PROGRAMS Basketball Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Rules. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . NAIA HANDBOOK 2025 - 2026 NAIA • 120 W. 12th Street, Suite 700, Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.595.8000 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL / page 144 Bowling Official United States Bowling Congress Rules. To view, go to: www.bowl.com Competitive Cheer NAIA Competitive Cheer and Dance Rule Book. To view, go to: www.NAIA.org/ccd . Competitive Dance NAIA Competitive Cheer and Dance Rule Book. To view, go to: www.NAIA.org/ccd . Cross Country Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Track and Field/Cross Country Rules with NAIA Cross Country Coaches Association approved modifications. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Golf The Rules of Golf by United States Golf Association (USGA) with NAIA Golf Coaches Association approved modifications. To obtain rules, contact: USGA, P.O. Box 200, Far Hills, NJ 07931 Lacrosse Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Women’s Lacrosse Rules. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Soccer Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Women’s Soccer Rules with NAIA Soccer Coaches Association approved modifications. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Softball Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Women’s Softball Rules with NAIA Softball Coaches Association approved modifications. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Swimming and Diving Official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Swimming Rules with NAIA Swimming and Diving Coaches Association approved modifications. To view or purchase rules, go to: www.ncaapublications.com . Tennis Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Rules. To obtain rules, contact: ITA,