Article VII, Section A
Definition of an Amateur
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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 sport, 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.