14.2 Seasons of Competition: 10-Semester/15-Quarter Rule. A student-athlete shall not engage in more than four seasons of intercollegiate competition in any one sport (see Bylaws 14.02.10 and 14.2.2). An institution shall not permit a student-athlete to represent it in intercollegiate competition unless the individual completes all of their seasons of participation in all sports within the time periods specified below:
14.2.1 Collegiate Enrollment Concurrent With Service Assignment. Any time in which a student-athlete is enrolled for a minimum full-time load as a regular student in a collegiate institution while simultaneously on active duty in the U.S. military, on an official religious mission or with a recognized foreign aid service of the U.S. government shall count against the 10 semesters or 15 quarters in which the four seasons of eligibility must be completed. (Revised: 4/19/10)
14.2.2 Ten-Semester/15-Quarter Rule. A student-athlete shall complete their seasons of participation during the first 10 semesters or 15 quarters in which the student is enrolled in a collegiate institution in at least a minimum full-time program of studies, as determined by the regulations of that institution. For an institution that conducts registration other than on a traditional semester or quarter basis, the Academic Requirements Committee shall determine an equivalent enrollment period.
14.2.2.1 Use of Semester or Quarter. A student-athlete is considered to have used a semester or quarter under this rule when the student-athlete is officially registered in a collegiate institution (domestic or foreign) in a regular term of an academic year for a minimum full-time program of studies, as determined by the institution, and attends the first day of classes for that term, even if the student-athlete drops to part-time status during that first day of classes (see Bylaw 14.2.3). (Revised: 1/10/05)
14.2.2.2 Pregnancy Exception. A member institution may approve a two-semester or three-quarter extension of this 10-semester/15-quarter period of eligibility for a pregnant student-athlete.
14.2.2.3 Transgender Female Exception. A member institution may approve a two-semester or three-quarter extension of the 10-semester/15-quarter period of eligibility for a transgender female (male to female) student-athlete who uses two semesters or three quarters while completing one calendar year of testosterone suppression treatment or surgical intervention. (Adopted: 7/18/17)
14.2.2.4 Ten-Semester/15-Quarter Rule Waivers. The Management Council, or a committee designated by the Management Council to act for it, by a two-thirds majority of its members present and voting, may approve waivers to the 10-semester/15-quarter rule as it deems appropriate. (Revised: 7/20/10)
14.2.2.4.1 Waiver Criteria. A waiver of the 10-semester/15-quarter period of eligibility is designed to provide a student-athlete with the opportunity to participate in four seasons of intercollegiate competition within a 10-semester/15-quarter period. This waiver may be granted, based upon objective evidence, for reasons that are beyond the control of the student-athlete and the institution, which deprive the student-athlete of the opportunity to participate for more than one season in their sport within the 10-semester/15-quarter period. The Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement reserves the right to review requests that do not meet the more-than-one-year criteria detailed in this bylaw for extraordinary circumstances or extreme hardship. (Revised: 4/17/91, 1/11/94, 8/10/94, 10/12/95, 1/8/01, 10/22/02, 7/20/10)
14.2.2.4.1.1 Application of Waiver. If the waiver is granted, it shall be applied during the next available opportunity to enroll [e.g., next semester(s), quarter(s)]. (Adopted: 10/19/10)
14.2.2.4.1.2 Circumstances Beyond Control. Circumstances considered to be beyond the control of the student-athlete and the institution and do not cause a participation opportunity to be used shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (Adopted: 8/10/94, Revised: 10/12/95, 10/22/02, 7/20/10)
(a) Situations clearly supported by contemporaneous medical documentation, which states that a student-athlete is unable to participate in intercollegiate competition as a result of incapacitating physical or mental circumstances;
(b) The student-athlete is unable to participate in intercollegiate athletics as a result of a life-threatening or incapacitating injury or illness suffered by a member of the student-athlete's immediate family that clearly is supported by contemporaneous medical documentation; (Revised: 10/26/06)
(c) Reliance by the student-athlete on written, contemporaneous, clearly erroneous academic advice provided to the student-athlete from a specific academic authority from a collegiate institution regarding the academic status of the student-athlete or prospective student-athlete that directly leads to that individual not being eligible to participate and, but for the clearly erroneous advice, the student-athlete would have established eligibility for intercollegiate competition; (Revised: 10/9/96 effective 8/1/97)
(d) Natural disaster (e.g., earthquakes, floods); and
(e) Extreme financial difficulties as a result of a specific event (e.g., layoff, death in the family) experienced by the student-athlete or by an individual on whom the student-athlete is legally dependent that prohibits the student-athlete from participating in intercollegiate athletics. These circumstances must be clearly supported by objective documentation (e.g., decree of bankruptcy, proof of termination) and must be beyond the control of the student-athlete or the individual on whom the student-athlete is legally dependent. (Adopted: 10/12/95, Revised: 10/28/97)
14.2.2.4.1.3 Circumstances Within Control. Circumstances that are considered to be within the control of the student-athlete and the institution and cause a participation opportunity to be used include, but are not limited to, the following: (Adopted: 8/10/94, Revised: 10/12/95, 10/22/02, 7/20/10)
(a) A student-athlete's decision to attend an institution that does not sponsor their sport, or decides not to participate at an institution that does sponsor their sport;
(b) An inability to participate due to failure to meet institutional/conference or NCAA academic requirements, or disciplinary reasons or incarceration culminating in or resulting from a conviction; (Revised: 10/12/95)
(c) Reliance by a student-athlete on misinformation from a coaching staff member;
(d) Redshirt year, unless it meets the exception pursuant to Bylaw 14.2.2.4.1.4; (Revised: 1/9/06 effective 8/1/06)
(e) An inability to participate as a result of a transfer year in residence or fulfilling a condition for restoration of eligibility; and
(f) A student-athlete's lack of understanding regarding the specific starting date of their 10-semester/15-quarter period of eligibility. (Adopted: 10/9/96 effective 8/1/97)
14.2.2.4.1.4 Waiver -- Student-Athlete Who Does Not Use Season of Competition During Initial Year of Collegiate Enrollment. For a student-athlete who does not use a season of competition during their initial year of full-time collegiate enrollment at any institution, a waiver may be granted if all of the following conditions are met: (Adopted: 1/9/06 effective 8/1/06, Revised: 7/24/07, 7/19/10, 10/21/14)
(a) The student-athlete was academically and athletically eligible and was on the institution's eligibility list (formerly squad list) during their initial year of collegiate enrollment; and (Revised: 1/9/06, 7/24/12 effective 8/1/13)
(b) The student-athlete was denied one participation opportunity per Bylaw 14.2.2.4.1 following their initial year of collegiate enrollment.
14.2.2.4.1.4.1 Application of Waiver. If the waiver is granted, it must be used during the next available opportunity [e.g., next semester(s) or quarter(s)]. (Adopted: 1/9/06 effective 8/1/06, Revised: 7/20/10, 4/16/19 Immediate, for student-athletes who initially enroll in a collegiate institution during the 2019-20 academic year and thereafter.)
14.2.2.4.2 Practice While Waiver Is Pending. A student-athlete, who has exhausted their 10-semester/15-quarter period of eligibility, may practice, but not compete, for 30 consecutive calendar days, provided the institution has filed a 10-semester/15-quarter waiver request with the NCAA national office. If such a request is denied prior to exhausting the 30-day practice period, the student-athlete must cease all practice activities upon the institution's notification of the denial. (Adopted: 7/20/10, Revised: 10/16/18)
14.2.3 Additional Applications of the 10-Semester/15-Quarter Rule.
14.2.3.1 Athletics Competition. Even though a student is enrolled for less than a minimum full-time program of studies at a collegiate institution, a student shall use a semester or quarter under the 10-semester/15-quarter period of eligibility if the individual represents the institution in intercollegiate athletics. (Revised: 1/10/05)
14.2.3.2 Nonrecognized College. Enrollment in a postsecondary, noncollegiate institution (e.g., technical school, seminary or business college) in the United States that is not accredited at the college level by an agency or association recognized by the secretary of the Department of Education and legally authorized to offer at least a one-year program of study creditable toward a degree, constitutes enrollment in the application of the 10-semester/15-quarter rule (Bylaw 14.2) only if: (Revised: 1/10/90)
(a) The student is enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies at such an institution that conducts an intercollegiate athletics program; or
(b) The student, whether enrolled for a minimum full-time program of studies or not, represents the institution in intercollegiate athletics.
14.2.3.3 Joint College/High School Program. A student-athlete's eligibility under the 10-semester/15-quarter rule does not begin while a student is enrolled in a collegiate institution in a joint high school/college academic program for high school students, in which the courses count as both high school graduation credit and college credit, provided the student has not officially graduated from high school and does not practice (including limited preseason tryouts) or compete for the college's athletics programs. (Revised: 1/13/98, 1/8/01 effective 8/1/01, 1/14/02)
14.2.3.4 Vocational Program. A student-athlete's eligibility under the 10-semester rule does not begin while the student is enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies as a part of a special vocational program that combines enrollment in regular college courses and participation in vocational training courses, provided the student is not considered to be regularly matriculated by the institution, does not go through the customary registration and testing procedures required of all regular entering students and is not eligible for the institution's extracurricular activities, including athletics.
14.2.3.5 Eligibility for Practice. A student-athlete receiving athletics aid after having engaged in four seasons of intercollegiate competition in a sport may continue to take part in organized, institutional practice sessions in that sport without being a counter (see Bylaw 15.02.4), provided the individual has eligibility remaining under the 10-semester rule.
14.2.4 Criteria for Determining Season of Eligibility.
14.2.4.1 Minimum Amount of Competition. Any competition (including a scrimmage with outside competition), regardless of time, during a season in an intercollegiate sport shall be counted as a season of competition in that sport. This provision is applicable to intercollegiate athletics competition conducted by a two-year or four-year collegiate institution at the varsity or subvarsity level. (Revised: 1/11/94, 1/19/13 effective 8/1/13)
14.2.4.1.1 Transfer from a Non-Division II Institution. The Division II season of competition legislation does not apply to a transfer student-athlete's previous participation at a non-Division II institution (e.g., NCAA Division I or III, NAIA, two-year college). A transfer student-athlete is subject to the legislation applicable to the division or association of which the previous institution was a member during the student-athlete's term(s) of participation. (Adopted: 1/27/20 Immediate, for a student-athlete who transferred to a Division II institution during the 2018-19 academic year and thereafter.)
14.2.4.1.1.1 Exception -- Division III Transfer. A Division III student-athlete who is charged with a season of participation for practice only under Division III legislation will not be charged with a season of competition upon transfer to a Division II institution. (Adopted: 1/27/20 Immediate, for a student-athlete who transferred to a Division II institution during the 2018-19 academic year and thereafter.)
14.2.4.1.2 Exception -- Two-Year College Scrimmages. A two-year college prospective student-athlete may compete in a scrimmage as a member of a two-year college team without counting such competition as a season of competition, provided the scrimmage is conducted without official scoring. (Adopted: 1/11/94, Revised: 4/4/07, 7/23/19)
14.2.4.1.2.1 Official Scoring. Official scoring has occurred when either institution participating in the scrimmage satisfies either of the following conditions: (Adopted: 7/23/19)
(a) The signing of a scorebook by an official; or
(b) The score is used for individual or seasonal statistics.
14.2.4.1.3 Exception -- Competition in the Nonchampionship Segment. In field hockey, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's volleyball and men's and women's water polo, a student-athlete may engage in outside competition during the segment of the playing season that does not conclude with the NCAA championship without using a season of competition, provided the student-athlete was academically eligible during the segment in the same academic year that concludes with the NCAA championship. In baseball, women's beach volleyball, softball and men's and women's lacrosse, a student-athlete may engage in outside competition during the segment of the playing season that does not conclude with the NCAA championship without using a season of competition. Prior to participating against outside competition during the nonchampionship segment, student-athletes shall be certified as eligible (e.g., amateurism, enrolled full time). (Revised: 1/15/11 effective 8/1/11, 7/26/11, 7/17/18)
14.2.4.1.4 Recognized Foreign Exchange/Study Abroad Program. A student-athlete who participates in a formal and established educational foreign exchange or study abroad program recognized by the certifying institution's academic authorities shall not use a season of competition for participation in intercollegiate competition that occurs during the certifying institution's nonchampionship segment. (Adopted: 1/16/16 effective 8/1/16)
14.2.4.1.5 Alumni Game, Fundraising Activity or Celebrity Sports Activity. A student-athlete may engage in outside competition in either one alumni game, one fundraising activity or one celebrity sports activity during a season without counting such competition as a season of competition, provided the event is exempted from the institution's maximum number of contests or dates of competition as permitted in the particular sport per Bylaw 17. (Adopted: 1/15/11 effective 8/1/11)
14.2.4.1.6 Preseason Exhibition Contests or Dates of Competition/Preseason Scrimmages During Initial Year. During a student-athlete's initial year of collegiate enrollment, they may compete in preseason exhibition contests or dates of competition and preseason scrimmages (as permitted in the particular sport per Bylaw 17) that occur prior to the first countable contest or date of competition in the sport without counting such competition as a season of competition. (Adopted: 1/19/13 effective 8/1/13)
14.2.4.2 Participation in Organized Competition Before Initial Collegiate Enrollment. An individual who does not enroll in a collegiate institution as a full-time student in the regular academic term that begins immediately after a one-year time period (the next opportunity to enroll after the one calendar-year period has elapsed) following their high school graduation date shall use one season of intercollegiate competition for each consecutive 12-month period after the one-year time period and before initial full-time collegiate enrollment in which the individual participates in organized competition per Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2. (Adopted: 1/8/01 effective 8/1/01, Revised: 2/21/08, 1/16/10)
14.2.4.2.1 Administration of Participation in Organized Competition.
14.2.4.2.1.1 High School Graduation. An individual's high school graduation date (or the international equivalent as specified in the NCAA Guide to International Academic Standards for Athletics Eligibility) shall be considered to be the graduation date of the final high school class (e.g., junior, senior) of which they were a member. (Adopted: 1/16/10 effective 8/1/10 for individuals who are issued a final amateurism certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center on or after 4/1/10)
14.2.4.2.1.1.1 Early High School Graduation. If an individual graduates early from high school, they become a member of that class and the date of graduation for the individual is the expected date of that class. (Adopted: 1/16/10 effective 8/1/10 for individuals who are issued a final amateurism certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center on or after 4/1/10)
14.2.4.2.1.1.2 Late High School Graduation -- Required Repeat Year. If an individual is required to repeat an entire year of high school attendance, they become a member of that class and the date of graduation for the individual is the expected date of that class. (Adopted: 1/16/10 effective 8/1/10 for individuals who are issued a final amateurism certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center on or after 4/1/10)
14.2.4.2.1.1.3 Discontinued High School Enrollment. An individual who discontinues high school enrollment and then participates in organized competition per Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2 shall use one season of intercollegiate competition for each consecutive 12-month period after a one-year time period (the next opportunity to enroll after one calendar year has elapsed) following the discontinued enrollment and before initial full-time collegiate enrollment. (Adopted: 1/16/10 effective 8/1/10 for individuals who are issued a final amateurism certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center on or after 4/1/10)
14.2.4.2.1.2 Organized Competition. Athletics competition shall be considered organized if any one of the following conditions exists: (Adopted: 1/16/10 effective 8/1/10 for individuals who are issued a final amateurism certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center on or after 4/1/10)
(a) Competition is scheduled in advance;
(b) Official score is kept;
(c) Individual or team standings or statistics are maintained;
(d) Official timer or game officials are used;
(e) Admission is charged;
(f) Teams are regularly formed or team rosters are predetermined;
(g) Team uniforms are used;
(h) An individual or team is privately or commercially sponsored; or
(i) The competition is either directly or indirectly sponsored, promoted or administered by an individual, an organization or any other agency.
14.2.4.2.1.3 Academic Year in Residence. An individual who uses a season of competition in a specific sport per Bylaw 14.2.4.2 shall fulfill an academic year in residence at any member institution before being eligible to represent the certifying institution in that specific sport in intercollegiate competition. (Adopted: 1/16/10 effective 8/1/10 for individuals who are issued a final amateurism certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center on or after 4/1/10)
14.2.4.2.1.3.1 Exception -- Transfer Student. A student who has attended a two-year or a four-year collegiate institution for at least two full-time semesters or three full-time quarters and who has satisfactorily completed an average of at least 12-semester or 12-quarter hours of transferable degree credit for each full-time academic term of attendance at the two-year or four-year collegiate institution is not required to fulfill an academic year in residence before being eligible to represent the certifying institution in that specific sport in intercollegiate competition. This exception shall not apply to the use of a season(s) of intercollegiate competition for each 12-month period after the one-year time period and before initial full-time collegiate enrollment in which an individual participates in organized competition per Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2. (See Bylaws 14.4 and 14.5 for progress-toward-degree and transfer requirements.) (Adopted: 1/16/10 effective 8/1/10 for individuals who are issued a final amateurism certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center on or after 4/1/10, Revised: 5/7/10, 4/15/14)
14.2.4.2.1.3.2 Exception -- Graduate Student. A student who transfers and enrolls in a graduate program, professional school or equivalent degree program is not required to fulfill an academic year in residence before being eligible to represent the certifying institution in that specific sport in intercollegiate competition. (See Bylaws 14.1.8 and 14.4 for progress-toward-degree and transfer requirements.) (Adopted: 4/15/14)
14.2.4.2.2 Exceptions to Participation in Organized Competition. An individual shall not be charged with a season of intercollegiate competition, provided the individual satisfies any of the following exceptions for each consecutive 12-month period in which the individual participates in organized competition per Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2 following the one-year time period after the individual's high school graduation and before initial full-time collegiate enrollment. (Adopted: 1/16/10 effective 8/1/10 for individuals who are issued a final amateurism certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center on or after 4/1/10)
14.2.4.2.2.1 Service Exceptions. Participation in organized competition during time spent in the armed services, on official religious missions or with recognized foreign aid services of the U.S. government and the period between completion of the service commitment and the first opportunity to enroll as a full-time student in a regular academic term is exempt from the application of Bylaw 14.2.4.2. (Adopted: 1/7/01 effective 7/31/01 for those individuals first entering a collegiate institution on or after 8/1/01, Revised: 4/14/14, 7/21/14, 1/25/19 April 1, 2019, for individuals enrolling during the 2019-20 academic year, and thereafter, 4/15/19 April 1, 2019, for individuals enrolling during the 2019-20 academic year, and thereafter.)
14.2.4.2.2.2 National/International Competition Exception. For a maximum of one year, participation in organized competition per Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2 shall be excepted if the competition is national or international competition that includes participation in: (Adopted: 1/8/01 effective 8/1/01 for those individuals first entering a collegiate institution on or after 8/1/01, Revised: 7/19/16, 10/16/18)
(a) Official Pan American, Parapan American, World Championships, World Cup, World University Games (Universiade), World University Championships, Olympic and Paralympic training, tryouts and competition or junior level equivalents (e.g., Youth Olympic, Youth Paralympic, U20 World Cup, junior national teams); (Revised: 10/18/11, 10/16/18, 1/22/20 effective 8/1/20)
(b) Officially recognized training and competition directly qualifying participants for final Olympic or Paralympic tryouts or junior level equivalents (e.g., Youth Olympic, Youth Paralympic, U20 World Cup, junior national teams); or (Revised: 10/16/18, 1/22/20 effective 8/1/20)
(c) Official tryouts and competition involving national teams sponsored by the appropriate national governing bodies of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (or, for student-athletes representing another nation, the equivalent organization of that nation, or, for student-athletes competing in a non-Olympic or Paralympic sport, the equivalent organization of that sport) or junior level equivalents (e.g., Youth Olympic, Youth Paralympic, U20 World Cup, junior national teams). (Adopted: 7/19/16, Revised: 10/16/18, 1/22/20 effective 8/1/20)
14.2.4.2.2.3 Skiing Exception. For a maximum of two years, participation in organized competition per Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2 shall be excepted in skiing when such participation is part of competition sanctioned by the U.S. Skiing Association and its international counterparts. (Adopted: 1/8/01 effective 8/1/01 for those individuals first entering a collegiate institution on or after 8/1/01)
14.2.4.2.2.4 Men's Ice Hockey Exception. In men's ice hockey, for a maximum of two years, participation in organized competition per Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2 shall be excepted. (Adopted: 1/15/11 effective 8/1/11, Revised: 10/18/16 Immediate, for individuals initially enrolling in a collegiate institution on or after 8/1/17, 1/23/19)
14.2.4.2.2.4.1 Major Junior Ice Hockey -- Men's Ice Hockey. An individual who participates on a Major Junior men's ice hockey team shall use a season of intercollegiate competition for each consecutive 12-month period in which the individual participates, regardless of when such participation occurs. The individual shall fulfill an academic year of residence (see Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.3) before being eligible to represent the institution in intercollegiate competition in men's ice hockey. (Adopted: 1/15/11 effective 8/1/11)
14.2.4.2.3 Waiver. The Committee for Legislative Relief shall have the authority to review and grant waivers of the organized competition legislation. (Adopted: 1/16/10 effective 8/1/10 for individuals who are issued a final amateurism certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center on or after 4/1/10)
14.2.4.3 Road Racing. Participation in road racing is essentially the same as cross country or track and field competition and cannot be separated effectively from those sports for purposes of organized competition before initial collegiate enrollment. Therefore, an individual who does not enroll in a collegiate institution as a full-time student in the regular academic term that begins immediately after a one-calendar year time period following high school graduation and participates in a road race(s) shall use one season of intercollegiate competition in cross country and track and field for each consecutive 12-month period after the one-year time period and before initial full-time collegiate enrollment. The individual shall also fulfill an academic year in residence at any member institution before being eligible to represent the certifying institution in cross country or track and field competition. (Adopted: 7/23/13)
14.2.4.4 Track and Field and Cross Country. Cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field shall be considered separate sports. (Revised: 1/10/90)
14.2.4.5 Triathlon and Cross Country, Track and Field and Swimming. Triathlon includes elements of competition similar to cross country, track and field and swimming competition and cannot be separated effectively from those sports for purposes of organized competition. Therefore, triathlon and cross country are considered the same sport, triathlon and track and field are considered the same sport, and triathlon and swimming are considered the same sport for purposes of the organized competition legislation. (Adopted: 1/18/14 effective 8/1/14)
14.2.4.6 Volleyball and Beach Volleyball. Volleyball and beach volleyball are considered the same sport for purposes of Bylaw 14.2.4.2. (Adopted: 10/16/12, Revised: 5/1/15)
14.2.4.7 Intercollegiate Competition. A student-athlete is considered to have engaged in a season of intercollegiate competition when they compete in an athletics event involving any one of the conditions characterizing intercollegiate competition per Bylaw 14.02.10.
14.2.4.8 Foreign-Tour Competition. A student-athlete who did not compete during the institution's season just completed and who represents the institution in a certified foreign tour after that intercollegiate season and before the start of the next academic year shall not be charged with a season of eligibility (see Bylaw 17.31.1.5). (Revised: 1/12/99)
14.2.5 Hardship Waiver. A student-athlete may be granted an additional year of competition by the conference or the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement for reasons of "hardship." Hardship is defined as an incapacity resulting from an injury or illness that has occurred under all of the following conditions: (Revised: 1/14/02 effective 8/1/02)
(a) The incapacitating injury or illness occurs in one of the four seasons of intercollegiate competition at any two-year or four-year collegiate institution; (Revised: 1/10/92 effective 8/1/92)
(b) The injury or illness occurs prior to the first competition of the second half of the playing season that concludes with the NCAA championship in that sport (see Bylaw 14.2.5.2.3) and results in an incapacity to compete for the remainder of that playing season; and (Revised: 1/14/97 effective 8/1/97, 1/14/02 effective 8/1/02, 1/13/03 effective 8/1/03 for any injury or illness occurring on or after 8/1/03, 1/21/17 effective 8/1/17 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/17)
(c) The injury or illness occurs when the student-athlete has not participated in more than three contests or dates of competition (whichever is applicable to that sport), or 30 percent of the maximum permissible number of contests or dates of competition set forth in Bylaw 17 in their sport (see Bylaw 14.2.5.2.5.1.1 for information regarding percent calculation in track and field and Bylaw 14.2.5.2.5.1.2 for information regarding percent calculation in basketball). Competition (excluding alumni games, fundraising activities, celebrity sports activities, scrimmages and exhibition contests per Bylaw 17 in the applicable sport) against outside participants during the playing season that concludes with the NCAA championship, or, if so designated, during the official NCAA championship playing season in that sport (e.g., spring baseball, fall soccer), shall be countable under this limitation. In basketball, contests played as part of a region challenge shall be countable under this limitation. (Revised: 1/10/92, 1/14/97 effective 8/1/97, 1/14/02 effective 8/1/02, 4/29/04, 1/10/05 for any competition occurring on or after 8/1/04, 1/17/09 effective 8/1/09, 1/16/13, 1/21/17 effective 8/1/17 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/17, 4/16/19 Immediate, for student-athletes who initially enroll during the 2019-20 academic year, and thereafter., 1/27/20 effective 8/1/20 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 08/01/20, 8/26/21)
14.2.5.1 Administration of Hardship Waiver. The hardship waiver shall be administered by the member conferences of the Association or, in the case of an independent member institution, by the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. An institution may appeal a decision by its conference to the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. (Revised: 1/13/03 for any hardship waiver denied on or after 2/1/00, 10/22/19 Immediate for any student-athletes that initially enroll at a collegiate institution during the 2020-21 academic year and thereafter.)
14.2.5.2 Criteria for Administration of Hardship Waiver. The following criteria are to be employed in the administration of the hardship waiver: (Revised: 12/5/06)
14.2.5.2.1 Nature of Injury/Illness. It is not necessary for the incapacitating injury or illness to be the direct result of the student's participation in the institution's organized practice or game competition. The student-athlete may qualify for the hardship waiver as a result of any incapacitating injury or illness occurring after the individual becomes a student-athlete by reporting on call for regular squad practice or after attending the first day of classes as a full-time student at a member institution.
14.2.5.2.2 Medical Documentation. Contemporaneous medical documentation from a physician or medical doctor that establishes the student-athlete's inability to compete for the remainder of the playing season as a result of an injury or illness shall be submitted with any hardship-waiver request. Chiropractic records do not constitute medical documentation for purposes of administering a hardship-waiver request. For circumstances involving psychological or mental illnesses, the required contemporaneous or other appropriate medical documentation may be provided by an individual who is qualified and licensed to diagnose and treat the particular illness (e.g., psychologist). (Adopted: 1/12/99 effective 8/1/99, Revised: 4/28/05, 10/20/09)
14.2.5.2.3 First-Half-of-Season Calculation. The first half of the season is measured by the maximum permissible number of contests or dates of competition set forth in Bylaw 17 in the sport. Any computation of the first half of the season that results in a fractional portion of a contest or date of competition shall be rounded to the next whole number. The first full contest or date of competition immediately following the rounded value is the first contest or date of competition in the second half of the season (e.g., 50 percent of an 11-game football schedule -- 5.5. games -- shall be considered six games and any injury or illness must have occurred prior to the start of the seventh contest).. (Adopted: 1/21/17 effective 8/1/17 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/17, Revised: 4/18/22 effective 8/1/22 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/22, 6/15/22)
14.2.5.2.3.1 Contests or Dates of Competition Based on Championship Selection. In sports in which the playing season is divided into two segments, but championship selection is based on competition throughout the season (e.g., golf and tennis), the first half of the season shall be measured by the Bylaw 17 maximum for the entire season (e.g., nonchampionship and championship segments). In sports in which the playing season may be divided into two segments but the championship selection is based on competition during only one segment of the season (e.g., spring baseball, fall soccer), the first half of the season shall be measured by the maximum number of contests or dates of competition set forth in Bylaw 17 for the championship segment. (Adopted: 1/21/17 effective 8/1/17 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/17)
14.2.5.2.3.2 First-Half-of-Season Calculation -- Track and Field. For an institution that sponsors both indoor and outdoor track and field, the first half of the season calculation for indoor and outdoor track and field shall be based on the institution's number of completed varsity dates of competition in the respective season. For example, if the institution completes six dates of competition in indoor track, the injury or illness must have occurred prior to the beginning of the fourth date of competition. For an institution that sponsors only indoor track and field or outdoor track and field, but not both, and a student-athlete who only competes in indoor track and field or outdoor track and field, but not both, the first half of the season shall be measured by the maximum number of dates of competition set forth in Bylaw 17. (Adopted: 1/21/17 effective 8/1/17 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/17)
14.2.5.2.3.3 First Half-of-Season Calculation - Basketball. If an institution participates in a region challenge event, the first half of the season shall be measured by the maximum number of contests set forth in Bylaw 17 plus the number of contests played in the region challenge event. For example, if an institution participates in two contests as part of a region challenge event, the injury or illness must have occurred prior to the start of the 15th contest (e.g., 26 contests plus two region challenge contests). (Adopted: 1/27/20 effective 8/1/20 August 1, 2020, for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after August 1, 2020., Revised: 8/26/21)
14.2.5.2.4 Reinjury in Second Half of Season. A student-athlete who suffers an injury in the first half of the season that concludes with the NCAA championship, attempts to return to competition during the second half of that season and then is unable to participate further as a result of aggravating the original injury does not qualify for the hardship waiver. (Adopted: 1/21/17 effective 8/1/17 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/17)
14.2.5.2.5 Percent Calculation. The following requirements apply in determining the percent calculation under this waiver provision: (Note: The percent calculation requirements set forth in Bylaws 14.2.5-(c) and 14.2.5.2.3 apply only to the waiver provisions of this section and do not apply to the maximum- and minimum-contests requirements in Bylaws 17 and 20.) (Revised: 7/21/09)
14.2.5.2.5.1 Denominator in Percent Computation. The denominator in the percent calculation shall be based on the maximum number of contests or dates of competition set forth in Bylaw 17 for the applicable sport. (Revised: 1/14/97 effective 8/1/97, 1/12/99, 1/14/02 effective 8/1/02, 1/10/05 for any competition occurring on or after 8/1/04, 1/17/09 effective 8/1/09, 1/21/17 effective 8/1/17 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/17)
14.2.5.2.5.1.1 Denominator in Percent Computation -- Track and Field. For an institution that sponsors both indoor and outdoor track and field, the denominator in the percent calculation for indoor and outdoor track and field shall be based on the institution's number of completed varsity dates of competition in the respective season. For example, if the institution completes six dates of competition in indoor track, the denominator in the percent calculation for a hardship waiver in indoor track and field would be six. For an institution that sponsors only indoor track and field or outdoor track and field, but not both, and a student-athlete who only competes in indoor track and field or outdoor track and field, but not both, the institution's number of completed varsity dates of competition or the maximum number of dates of competition set forth in Bylaw 17 may be used in the denominator. (Adopted: 1/16/13, Revised: 4/30/15)
14.2.5.2.5.1.2 Denominator in Percent Calculation - Basketball. If an institution participates in a region challenge event, the denominator shall include the number of contests played in the region challenge event. For example, if an institution participates in two contests as part of a region challenge event, the denominator in the percent calculation would be 28 (e.g., 26 contests plus two region challenge contests). (Adopted: 1/27/20 effective 8/1/20 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/20, Revised: 8/26/21)
14.2.5.2.5.2 Fraction in Percent Computation. Any computation of the percent limitation that results in a fractional portion of a contest or date of competition shall be rounded to the next whole number (e.g., 30 percent of a 26-game basketball schedule -- 7.8 games -- shall be considered eight games). (Revised: 1/14/97 effective 8/1/97, 10/3/18)
14.2.5.2.6 Transfer Student-Athletes. The hardship-waiver criteria for a transfer student-athlete who suffers an injury or illness while attending an NCAA Division I or Division III institution may be based on the method that would be most beneficial to the student-athlete (the rule applicable to the member division in which the injury or illness occurred or the Division II rule). The application of a particular division's legislation must include all the applicable elements of that division's legislation, as opposed to selected elements of the legislation of each division. (Adopted: 7/21/09, Revised: 7/20/10)
14.2.5.2.7 Foreign-Tour Competition. A student-athlete who qualifies for a hardship for the previous academic year would not use a season of competition if the student-athlete represents the institution on a certified foreign tour during the summer-vacation period at the conclusion of that academic year. (Adopted: 1/10/92, Revised: 1/14/02)
14.2.6 Season-of-Competition Waiver -- Competition While Ineligible. In conjunction with a request for restoration of eligibility and any conditions imposed thereon per Bylaw 14.13, a student-athlete may be granted an additional season of competition by the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement when they participated in a limited amount of competition under either of the following circumstances: (Adopted: 1/16/93, Revised: 1/11/00 effective 8/1/00, 1/13/03 effective 8/1/03, 1/8/16)
(a) As a result of a good-faith, erroneous formal declaration of eligibility by the institution's appropriate certifying authority; or
(b) As a result of a student-athlete's good-faith, erroneous reliance upon a coaching staff member's decision to place the student-athlete into competition prior to the coaching staff member receiving a formal declaration of eligibility for the student-athlete from the institution's appropriate certifying authority. (Revised: 10/21/14)
14.2.6.1 Applicable Conditions. The competition must have occurred under all of the following conditions: (Adopted: 1/8/16)
(a) The competition occurred while the student-athlete was representing an NCAA member institution;
(b) The student-athlete did not participate in more than two events or 10 percent (whichever number is greater) of the institution's scheduled or completed events in their sport. All competition (including a scrimmage) against outside participants shall be countable under this limitation in calculating both the number of events in which the student-athlete participated and the number of completed events during that season (both segments) in the sport;
(c) The student-athlete was involved innocently and inadvertently in the erroneous declaration of eligibility, which permitted the student-athlete to compete while ineligible; and
(d) The student-athlete, in the case of a coaching staff member's erroneous decision, had reason to believe they were eligible to participate, and the student-athlete did not contribute to the coaching staff member's erroneous decision to allow the student-athlete to participate.
14.2.6.2 Administrative Criteria. The following criteria shall be employed in the administration of the season-of-competition waiver: (Adopted: 1/16/93)
14.2.6.2.1 Ten Percent Calculation. The following requirements are to be met in determining the percent calculation under this waiver provision: (Note: The percent calculation requirements set forth in Bylaws 14.2.6.1-(b) and 14.2.6.2.1 apply only to the waiver provisions of this section and do not apply to the maximum- and minimum-contest requirements in Bylaws 7 and 17.) (Adopted: 1/16/93, Revised: 5/8/09 effective 8/1/09)
14.2.6.2.1.1 Denominator in Percent Computation. The denominator in the institution's percent calculation shall be based on the institution's number of scheduled or completed varsity contests or dates of competition [see Bylaw 14.2.6.1-(b)] as computed for playing and practice season purposes in Bylaw 17 for the applicable sport. Exempted events in Bylaw 17 are included in the percent calculation, except for discretionary exemptions in the applicable sport. (Adopted: 5/8/09 effective 8/1/09)
14.2.6.2.1.2 Fraction in Percent Calculation. Any computation of the percent limitation that results in a fractional portion of a contest or date of competition shall be rounded to the next whole number (e.g., 10 percent of a 26-game basketball schedule -- 2.6 games -- shall be considered three games). (Adopted: 5/8/09 effective 8/1/09)
14.2.6.2.1.3 Conference Championships. A conference championship shall be counted as one contest or date of competition in determining the institution's scheduled or completed contests or dates of competition in the sport, regardless of the number of dates or games involved in the championship. However, for purposes of this regulation, the calculation of scheduled contests or dates of competition in a particular season does not include postseason competition conducted after the completion of the institution's regular-season schedule and conference tournament. (Adopted: 5/8/09 effective 8/1/09)
14.2.6.2.1.4 NCAA Regional Cross Country Meet. The NCAA regional cross country meet may be counted as one date of competition in determining the institution's scheduled or completed dates of competition, provided no qualifying standards exist for participation in the meet. (Adopted: 5/8/09 effective 8/1/09)
14.2.7 Season-of-Competition Waiver -- Competition While Eligible. A student-athlete may be granted an additional season of competition by the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement when, due to extenuating circumstances (per Bylaw 14.2.7.1.3), the student-athlete, while eligible, did not compete in more than three contests or dates of competition (whichever is applicable to that sport) or 30 percent (whichever number is greater) of the maximum permissible number of contests or dates of competition set forth in Bylaw 17. The competition must occur prior to the first competition of the second half of the playing season that concludes with the NCAA championship in that sport. All competition (including a scrimmage) against outside participants shall be countable under this limitation in calculating the number of contests or dates of competition in which the student-athlete participated. (Adopted: 1/13/03 effective 8/1/03, Revised: 1/10/05 for any competition occurring on or after 8/1/04, 10/21/08, 1/21/17 effective 8/1/17 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/17)
14.2.7.1 Administrative Criteria. The following criteria shall be employed in the administration of this season-of-competition waiver: (Adopted: 1/13/03 effective 8/1/03)
14.2.7.1.1 Thirty Percent Calculation. The requirements specified in Bylaw 14.2.6.2.1 shall apply to the 30 percent calculation specified in this waiver. (Adopted: 1/13/03 effective 8/1/03, Revised: 5/8/09 effective 8/1/09, 1/21/17 effective 8/1/17 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/17)
14.2.7.1.2 First-Half-of-Season Requirement. The first-half-of-season requirements specified in Bylaw 14.2.5.2.3 shall apply to the first-half-of season requirement specified in this waiver. (Adopted: 1/21/17 effective 8/1/17 for any incapacitating injury or illness, or other extenuating circumstance occurring on or after 8/1/17)
14.2.7.1.3 Extenuating Circumstances. Extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following: (Adopted: 1/13/03 effective 8/1/03)
(a) The student-athlete is unable to compete as a result of a life-threatening injury or illness suffered by a member of the student-athlete's immediate family, which clearly is supported by contemporaneous medical documentation; (Revised: 1/10/05 for any competition occurring on or after 8/1/03)
(b) The student-athlete is unable to compete as a result of extreme financial difficulties as a result of a specific event (e.g., layoff, death in family) experienced by the student-athlete or an individual on whom the student-athlete is legally dependent. These circumstances must be clearly supported by objective documentation (e.g., decree of bankruptcy, proof of termination) and must be beyond the control of the student-athlete or the individual on whom the student-athlete is legally dependent; (Revised: 1/10/05 for any competition occurring on or after 8/1/03)
(c) The student-athlete's institution dropped the sport (in which the student has practiced or competed) from its intercollegiate program; and
(d) The student-athlete participated in nonregular-season competition (e.g., alumni contest, exhibition contests, scrimmages, nonchampionship segment contests) due to a coach's documented misunderstanding of the legislation. The competition must have occurred while the student-athlete was representing an NCAA institution. (Adopted: 1/14/08, Revised: 7/22/08 effective 8/1/08, 10/21/08)
14.2.7.1.4 Review Authority. In cases where a student-athlete does not meet the extenuating circumstances listed in Bylaw 14.2.7.1.3, the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement shall have authority to review and grant waivers based on additional documented extenuating circumstances. (Adopted: 1/13/03 effective 8/1/03)