Seasons of Competition
Fall/Winter 2025
Path Forward Task Force
Seasons of Competition
Three options for eligibility were discussed by the COP:
1. Status Quo (stay at four seasons of competition)
2. Five SOC (change current policy to five seasons of competition)
3. Earned 5 SOC (student may participate in fifth season of competition, if they meet certain criteria)
Seasons of Competition
OPTION #1: Status Quo
No student shall be permitted to participate in intercollegiate athletics for more than four seasons in any sport.
OPTION #2: 5 SOCs
No student shall be permitted to participate in intercollegiate athletics for more than five seasons in any sport.
Seasons of Competition
OPTION #3: Earned 5th SOC
No student shall be permitted to participate in intercollegiate athletics for more than four seasons in any sport.
EXCEPTION: A student may participate in a fifth season of competition if the student is enrolled full-time in any of the following programs and is otherwise eligible per Article V, Section E:
a. Designated five-year degree program as declared by the institution,
b. Completed all academic requirements for graduation with a baccalaureate degree and is pursuing an additional baccalaureate or equivalent degree or second major area of study,
c. Graduate program,
d. Professional school,
e. Fifth-year post-baccalaureate degree teacher education program, or
f. Post-baccalaureate certification program.
Considerations
1. If we make the bylaw too specific, we may open ourselves up to lawsuits.
2. Could negatively impact incoming freshmen if we add a fifth year of eligibility.
3. Option 2 provides institutions with more autonomy.
4. Will this encourage student-athletes to stay in school longer and incur more debt?
5. If DII passes 5 SOC and the NAIA does not, our coaches will be at a major recruitment disadvantage.
Seasons of Competition
• With a vote of 14-2-0, the COP supported Option 2, with the caveat that a progress rule be added.
• Communications about the policy should reinforce a commitment to education-based athletics and the expectation that bachelor’s degrees be completed within four years.
• DII is expected to vote in January about adding a fifth year of eligibility.
• The NAIA legislative proposal deadline is January. Any proposed bylaw change can be withdrawn before the membership vote.
• Consideration of proceeding with the proposed bylaw change will be revisited after the DII vote.
Path Forward Task Force
Membership Communication & Feedback
• A survey will be sent this fall to presidents, ADs, commissioners, coaches, FARs, compliance administrators, and SWLs.
• Discussion at conference COP and AD meetings.
• Member webinar with national office staff.