The NCAA on Tuesday approved a new eligibility model for D-I athletes that will “allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first.” The D-I Cabinet approved the change from the longstanding model that “gave athletes five years to complete four seasons of competition with their eligibility clock starting at the time of enrollment, regardless of age.” The move will “all but eliminate waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility except for religious missions, maternity leave or active-duty military service.” No longer will extensions be “considered for athletes who are injured.” The rules are “set to take effect this fall.” Currently enrolled athletes and those who are incoming freshmen this fall can “apply the age-based model or continue under previous eligibility rules” (AP, 6/23).
NCAA adopts new five-year eligibility model for D-I athletes
