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Article I, Section N

Declaration of Intent to Participate in NAIA Postseason Competition

Link to NAIA Bylaws

 

Annual Declaration of Intent (DOI)

What is it?

  • Each year, institutions must declare their intent to participate in NAIA national championships for the upcoming academic year.

  • When is it due?
    Submit between April 1 and June 1 (no later than June 1).

  • What’s the commitment?
    Declaring means your team commits to:

    • Meeting minimum contest requirements for that sport

    • Participating in postseason events if qualified

    • New Bylaw in Effect: Undeclaration Deadline Updated

 

Bylaws Amendment 25-B-05 | Effective April 7, 2025
To undeclare a team without penalty, institutions must now act at least four weeks before the sport’s conference qualification deadline — not the postseason start date.

What is the “conference qualification deadline”?

It’s the final date for conference or unaffiliated group competitions, signaling the end of regular season play and the transition to national championship planning.

How to Undeclare a Team (Penalty-Free)

  • Use the Postseason Participation Undeclare Form (on the NAIA Forms page)

  • Must be submitted:

    • ≥4 weeks before the conference qualification deadline

  • Teams that undeclare:

    • Are exempt from postseason contest requirements

    • Retain varsity status and may still compete during the regular season

 

What If You Miss the Deadline?

  • The team is obligated to fulfill postseason participation

  • If it does not, it’s a DOI violation, and the team will be:

    • Suspended from postseason play in that sport for the following academic year

  • Further penalized if it undeclares for three consecutive seasons (automatic suspension)

Two Types of Undeclare Forms

Form Purpose
Postseason Participation Undeclare Form

Removes a team from postseason, maintains varsity status

Important! NAIA Eligibility is still required to maintain varsity status! 
Sponsoring a Varsity Sport Undeclare Form Used when discontinuing varsity status for the season (e.g., club team)

 

Additional FAQs

  • What counts as postseason?

    Includes conference championships, Continental Athletic Conference, and unaffiliated grouping qualifiers.

  • Can we undeclare early if we lack players?

    Yes — as long as it's before the updated deadline.

  • Is the penalty sport-specific?

    Yes, all DOI consequences apply only to the sport in question.

  • Can we compete in non-NAIA postseason events instead?

    Yes — submit the Postseason Participation Undeclare Form. Teams may compete in alternatives (e.g., CSA Nationals), but:

    • Events count toward the 24-week season

    • Athletes must meet NAIA eligibility rules

 

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