Article V, Section H

Military Service Eligibility Exception - Key Points

Link to NAIA Bylaws

Military Service Eligibility Exception – Comprehensive Summary

The Military Service Eligibility Exception provides special consideration for student-athletes whose college attendance was interrupted or delayed due to full-time active military service in the armed forces of any nation. It offers both immediate eligibility upon return and specific season of competition protections during service, provided the requirements below are met.

1. Immediate Eligibility After Military Service

A student qualifies if:

• Their college attendance was interrupted or delayed by ≥ 1 year of continuous active duty.

• They enroll in ≥ 12 institutional credit hours at an NAIA member school.

• They become identified at that institution.

To retain eligibility for the following term, the student must either:

1. Earn 24/36 institutional credit hours in the two most recent terms of attendance, or

2. Meet second-term student requirements by completing ≥ 9 institutional credit hours in the immediately previous term.

2. Time Limit on Applying the Exception

• The exception may only be used during the first two full semesters or three full quarters after release from active duty.

• After that period, all normal NAIA eligibility rules apply.

3. Casebook Clarifications

• Automatic waiver of:

  • Entering freshman requirements

  • Transfer residency requirements

  • 24/36-Hour Rule

  • Progress Rule
    → The student is immediately eligible upon registering for 12+ credit hours.

• Documentation requirements:

  • Incoming students: NAIA Eligibility Center must receive a copy of discharge papers.

  • Continuing students: Eligibility chair must receive a copy of discharge papers.

  • Institutions must retain documentation in the student’s eligibility file and provide it if requested.

• Impact on terms/seasons:

  • Prior terms of attendance and seasons of competition before military service still count toward the NAIA limits.

  • This exception does not erase previously used seasons.

• Second-term eligibility options:

  1. Meet the 24/36-Hour Rule for the last term before service and first term back, or

  2. Complete 9 institutional credit hours in the first term back and remain in good standing (last term before service does not apply).

• Institutional restriction:

  • Exception may be applied at only one NAIA institution.

  • Upon transfer to another member school, all standard Article V rules apply.

4. Military Service Seasons of Competition Exception

While serving full-time in the armed forces, a student-athlete will not be charged with a season of competition if they compete:

1. For a military team (e.g., base team or intra-military competition), or

2. On a non-military team with documented permission/assignment from their military unit.

Important notes:

• This applies only to the season of competition rule (V.B.20b).

• Amateurism rules in Article VII still apply. Violating those rules may still result in being charged with a season.

• Acceptable verification includes:

  • Official orders or duty records

  • Letter on official military letterhead confirming assignment

  • Tournament/program roster identifying military representation

5. Scope of Application

• The exception applies only during the student’s period of full-time active duty.

• Competitive activity before enlistment or after discharge is not covered.

• Institutions should maintain clear documentation to avoid disputes about eligibility.

6. Verification 

Individuals seeking to utilize this exception should obtain documented permission for assignment from their military unit while on active duty. Acceptable verification may include orders, official correspondence on military letterhead, or rosters showing participation under military assignment. This documentation should be retained in the institutional eligibility file and submitted to the eligibility chair if requested.