Heart of America Conference Backs NAIA Five-Season Eligibility Proposal

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KQTV) -- The Heart of America Athletic Conference office will vote in support of the NAIA's proposal to expand student-athlete eligibility from four to five seasons of competition when the association's membership votes Nov. 4.

"We believe this is common-sense legislation that expands student-athlete opportunity and gives the NAIA a competitive advantage in recruiting," said Commissioner Nik Rule.

"Five seasons of competition, paired with the flexibility of a model without an age-based eligibility clock, strengthens what our institutions can offer prospective student-athletes, said Rule.

The proposal would allow eligible student-athletes to compete for five seasons within the existing limit of 10 semesters or 15 quarters of attendance, which need not be consecutive.

Before a fifth season, student-athletes would need at least 96 semester or 144 quarter institutional credit hours, including at least 64 semester or 96 quarter hours in general education and/or their major field of study.

The legislation would also eliminate the 20% participation exception and medical hardship exceptions, meaning participation in one or more intercollegiate contests would count as a season.

Each NAIA member institution and affiliated conference receives one vote. The Heart's position pertains solely to the conference vote; member institutions may vote independently.

If approved, the legislation would take effect May 1, 2027, for eligibility decisions involving NAIA competition beginning in August 2027 or later.