Eligibility -- Age-Based Eligibility Model

Convention Year: 2027

Date Submitted: June 30, 2026

Status: Available for Co-Sponsor

Effective Date: Immediate

POPL Number: N/A

Official Notice Number: 2027-

Source: American Rivers Conference and Ohio Athletic Conference.

Proposal Category: Membership Proposal

Topical Area:

Intent: To transition from a season-based eligibility and waiver-driven framework to a continuous, five year age-based eligibility model that mirrors the framework adopted by Division I. The period of eligibility will be triggered by either a student-athlete's initial full-time collegiate enrollment or the start of the regular academic year following their 19th birthday (whichever occurs earlier), operating continuously for five years with limited, clear exceptions (e.g., pregnancy, military service, and religious missions). Furthermore, this proposal intends to establish an equitable implementation timeline providing current student-athletes with eligibility remaining after the 2025-26 academic year the benefit of whichever model is most advantageous, while exploring avenues to protect student-athletes finishing their eligibility during the 2026-27 academic year.

: Amend 14, as follows:

Rationale: This proposal initiates a necessary legislative debate within Division III following Division I's landmark shift toward a continuous, age-based eligibility framework. Introducing this proposal ensures our division can evaluate how this model aligns with or challenges our distinct divisional philosophy before risking long-term misalignment. Proponents highlight significant operational benefits. A standardized, time-bound framework would drastically reduce administrative burdens on compliance staff by eliminating the tracking of athletic redshirts, delayed enrollment, and complex competition variables. It replaces unpredictable, case-by-case waiver pipelines, such as medical hardships and extensions, with clear, predefined rules that offer upfront transparency for student-athletes. However, a shift of this magnitude introduces challenges that run counter to traditional Division III values. Moving away from a flexible, enrollment-driven framework provides less flexibility for student-athletes who pause their participation to focus on rigorous academics, study abroad opportunities, or financial constraints. Consequently, a continuous "clock" could negatively impact non-traditional, older, or transfer student-athletes whose journeys do not follow a rigid timeline. Given our membership's diverse institutional missions, proactive engagement is essential. This proposal utilizes the legislative comment and amendment periods to provide a structured platform to thoroughly evaluate this model's intersection with the student-athlete experience and the core values of Division III.

Budget Impact:

Primary Contact Person:
  Marie Stroman , Commissioner
  Email: mstroman@rollrivers.com

Alternate Co-sponsorship Minimums:
  No

Co-sponsorship - Conference:
  Ohio Athletic Conference

Co-sponsorship - Institution:
  None

Position Statement(s):
  None

Review History:
  None

Convention Vote:
  No Convention Record

Legislative References

Division	Number	Title