Recruiting

NAIA rules allow contact and mentoring that foster recruitment and retention

 
The NAIA Difference
The NAIA is committed to enriching student-athlete experiences where relationships with coaches are encouraged and unrestricted, diverse voices are valued, and the student-athlete is put first.

The rules for recruiting in the NAIA are very different from other associations. Being able to develop personal relationships is a hallmark of the NAIA and part of the philosophy behind NAIA recruiting rules. NAIA recruiting rules don’t restrict when or how often the student and college coaches can communicate. This way, students can fully explore what NAIA schools have to offer them both athletically and academically.

The NAIA has no recruiting calendar. Students and coaches can communicate year-round. There is also no limit to the number of communications or how the communication takes place. The student’s family and the coach set the terms for communicating – not the NAIA.

Students are permitted two days of try-outs at each NAIA member school. The two days do not have to be consecutive, and the student may be provided lodging, meals, etc. if the same would be provided to non-athletes trying out for other programs at the school.

 Students have the opportunity to play, learn and lead.
 
 Coaches value a culture that allows mentoring relationships.
 
 Leaders see the benefits of athletics at a reasonable cost.