NAIA expands eligibility to five seasons

By Alexis Taylor Today at 12:04 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? DICKINSON — Dickinson State student-athletes could have another year to compete at the collegiate level beginning in fall 2027 after the NAIA approved a new five-season eligibility model. The change moves the association away from its current four-season limit and gives athletes another opportunity to compete without extending the 10-semester attendance window. The revision also provides more flexibility for athletes whose collegiate careers extend beyond four years while maintaining the NAIA's attendance-based eligibility structure. ADVERTISEMENT The five seasons do not have to be consecutive, allowing athletes to leave school or take time away from competition before returning to use their remaining eligibility. Along with a fifth season comes academic requirements. Athletes must complete at least 96 institutional credit hours, including 64 hours in general education requirements or their major field of study, while maintaining a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. The legislation also eliminates the previous 20% participation exception and medical hardship exceptions. Under the new model, participating in even one intercollegiate contest will count as a season of competition. Athletes with eligibility remaining entering the transition period can take advantage of the expanded model if they meet NAIA requirements. However, the change will not restore eligibility for those who exhausted their four seasons before the 2026-27 academic year. The NAIA developed the proposal through its Path Forward Task Force, gathering feedback from member institutions and student-athletes before the membership vote. Read more local news and sports Clock strikes midnight for DSU in loss to Montana Tech 52m ago From the Hawk's Nest: Listening, observing keys for leadership 1h ago The Dickinson Press - Area Athletics, Nov 6, 2026 2d ago Women Empowering Women launches annual holiday drive for elderly women, pursues community programs 2d ago Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags DICKINSON LOCAL SPORTS DICKINSON STATE BLUE HAWKS NAIA By Alexis Taylor Alexis is a sports reporter for the Dickinson Press. Hailing from Adams, Massachusetts, she graduated from High Point University in 2026 with a degree in Sports Media. Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Subscribers Only UND Hockey NCHC to review Adam Benák's slash on Cody Croal 1d ago · By Brad Elliott Schlossman Subscribers Only UND Hockey UND beats No. 5 Western Michigan to complete unbeaten weekend 1d ago · By Brad Elliott Schlossman Subscribers Only UND Hockey 5 things you might have missed from UND's 2-2 tie with Western Michigan 2d ago · By Brad Elliott Schlossman ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Prep Blue Hawks look to turn late-season surge into postseason berth 3d ago · By Carter Dooner Local Dickinson City Commission reviews EMS update and 2024 audit report 3d ago · By Dorvall Bedford Local Police Blotter: Criminal mischief, stolen vehicle, sexual assault 3d ago · By Press Staff Prep Mavericks face undefeated Kindred with Dakota Bowl berth on the line 3d ago · By Carter Dooner