One of the updated softball rules pertains to the requirement of Barrel Compression Testing (BCT), which will be mandatory in 2022. Please refer to Rule 5.2 in the Softball Rule Changes for more details.
NEW: Rules Interpretations Available
Coaches will now have access to rule videos and bulletins through the Arbiter Officiating Hubs. Access becomes available once each sports hub opens for registration. Please visit the online clinic for more information.
New Rules for Lacrosse and Men's Wrestling
New rules are being implemented in the following sports for the 2019-20 year:
The National Eligibility Committee has approved a Freshman Voucher Process for the fall 2019 term, effective immediately. This process will allow institutions to vouch for a freshman student's eligibility and permit the student to compete in fall 2019 prior to receiving an initial eligibility center determination, provided they meet all specifications (e.g. U.S. student, spring 2019 graduate, etc.) All vouched students are required to receive an eligibility center decision by the end of the fall term.
The NAIA Athletic Trainers’ Association (ATA) is conducting a research initiative to collect information on current alcohol, drug, and tobacco use and abuse of NAIA student-athletes. Results will be shared at the 2020 NAIA National Convention. For more information, contact Russ Richardson.
Notable items include a major change to the Financial Assistance Bylaw, Article II, Section B, and a new, mid-year eligibility opportunity found in Article V, Section C, Item 5.
NAIA Academy is Now Open
TheNAIA Academyis open for the 2019-2020 academic year. Student-athletes must be registered by someone in the athletics department before they can access the NAIA Academy. They cannot register themselves. Please ensure student-athletes are registered for the academy in NAIAHelp before encouraging them to log in and complete courses.
NAIA Legislative Services launched the new NAIA Learning Center, which includes interactive, rules education courses specific to roles including athletic directors, FARs, registrars, and compliance administrators. While the Learning Center is easy-to-use, check out thehow-to video and the user manual so you can hit the ground running.