Table of Figures Article 4 Organization Article 17 Playing and Practice Seasons 41 Organizational Structure…… 17-1 Playing and Practice Seasons 4-2 Association Governance Structure.26 4-3 NCAA Board of governors duties Article 20 Division Membership 20-1 Institutional Requirements for Sports Article 5 Legislative Authority and Process Article 21 Committees Article 13 Recruiting 21-1 Committee Membership 13-1 Official and Unofficial Visit Chart Article 31 Executive Regulations Article 14 Eligibility: Academic and 31-1 Summary of the Elements in the General Requirements Administration of Finances for 14-1 Hardship Waiver Calculations Standard Denominators.........107 Article 32 Enforcement policies and Procedures Article 16 Awards, Benefits and Expenses 32-1 Processing of a Typical NCAA Infractions for Enrolled student-Athletes 16-1 Participation Awards..... 126 32-2 Processing of a Typical NCAA Infractions 16-2 Championship Awards... …126 2015-16 Division //-January
vi 2015-16 Division III – January Table of Figures Article 4 Organization 4-1 Organizational Structure.................................25 4-2 Association Governance Structure..............26 4-3 NCAA Board of Governors’ Duties................27 Article 5 Legislative Authority and Process 5-1 Legislative Process.............................................42 Article 13 Recruiting 13-1 Official and Unofficial Visit Chart..................85 Article 14 Eligibility: Academic and General Requirements 14-1 Hardship Waiver Calculations— Standard Denominators..........................107 Article 16 Awards, Benefits and Expenses for Enrolled Student-Athletes 16-1 Participation Awards.....................................126 16-2 Championship Awards..................................126 16-3 Special Achievement Awards.....................127 Article 17 Playing and Practice Seasons 17-1 Playing and Practice Seasons.....................160 Article 20 Division Membership 20-1 Institutional Requirements for Sports Sponsorship.................................................196 Article 21 Committees 21-1 Committee Membership..............................211 Article 31 Executive Regulations 31-1 Summary of the Elements in the Administration of Finanaces for NCAA Championships..............................234 Article 32 Enforcement Policies and Procedures 32-1 Processing of a Typical NCAA Infractions Case ................................................................247 32-2 Processing of a Typical NCAA Infractions Appeals Case ...............................................248
DIVISION III PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT Colleges and universities in Division Ill place highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on he successful completion of all students'academic programs. They seek to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete's athletics activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athlete's educational experience, and in which coaches play a significant role as educators. They also seek to establish and maintain an environment that value cultural diversity and gender equity among their student-athletes and athletics staff. (Revised: 1/10/95, 119/06 effective 8/1106) To achieve this end. Division ill institutions: (a)Expect that institutional presidents and chancellors have the ultimate responsibility and final authority for the conduct of the intercollegiate athletics program at the institutional, conference and national governance levels(Adopted: 1/16/10 effective 8/1/10) (b)Place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on the spectators and place greater emphasis on the internal constituency(.g, students, alumni, institutional personnel)than on the general public and its entertainment needs (c) Shall not award financial aid to any student on the basis of athletics leadership, ability, participation or performance; (Revised: 7/24/07) (d)Primarily focus on intercollegiate athletics as a four-year, undergraduate experience;(Adopted: 1/14/12) (e) Encourage the development of sportsmanship and positive societal attitudes in all constituents, including student- athletes, coaches, administrative personnel and spectators; (f) Encourage participation by maximizing the number and variety of sport offerings for their students through broad- based athletics programs; (Revised: 1/14/12) (g) Assure that the actions of coaches and administrators exhibit fairness, openness and honesty in their relationships with (h)Assure that athletics participants are not treated differently from other members of the student body, (i) Assure that student-athletes are supported in their efforts to meaningfully participate in nonathletic pursuits to enhance their overall educational experience;(Adopted: 1/14/12) G Assure that athletics programs support the institutions educational mission by financing, staffing and controlling the programs through the same general procedures as other departments of the institution. Further, the administration of athletics ompensation, professional development, certification of coaches)should be integrated into the campus culture and educational mission;( Revised: 119/06 effective 8/1106) (k) Assure that athletics recruitment complies with established institutional policies and procedures applicable to the admis sion process;(Adopted: 1/12/04 effective 8/1104) () Exercise institutional and/or conference autonomy in the establishment of initial and continuing eligibility standards for tudent-athletes;(Adopted: 1/14/12) (m) Assure that academic performance of student-athletes is, at a minimum, consistent with that of the general student body:(Adopted: 119/06 effective 8/1106) (n) Assure that admission policies for student-athletes comply with policies and procedures applicable to the general student body;( Adopted: 1/9/06 effective 8/1/06) (o)Provide equitable athletics opportunities for males and females and give equal emphasis to men's and womens sports (p) Support ethnic and gender diversity for all constituents;(Adopted: 1/12/99) (a)Give primary emphasis to regional in-season competition and conference championships; and (r) Support student-athletes in their efforts to reach high levels of athletics performance, which may include opportunities for participation in national championships, by providing all teams with adequate facilities, competent coaching and appropriate competitive opportunities. The purpose of the nCaa is to assist its members in developing the basis for consistent, equitable competition while mini mizing infringement on the freedom of individual institutions to determine their own special objectives and programs. The above statement articulates principles that represent a commitment to Division Ill membership and shall serve as a guide for the preparation of legislation by the division and for planning and implementation of programs by institutions and confer 2015-16 Division /1-January
vii DIVISION III PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT Colleges and universities in Division III place highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all students’ academic programs. They seek to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s athletics activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athlete’s educational experience, and in which coaches play a significant role as educators. They also seek to establish and maintain an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among their student-athletes and athletics staff. (Revised: 1/10/95, 1/9/06 effective 8/1/06) To achieve this end, Division III institutions: (a) Expect that institutional presidents and chancellors have the ultimate responsibility and final authority for the conduct of the intercollegiate athletics program at the institutional, conference and national governance levels; (Adopted: 1/16/10 effective 8/1/10) (b) Place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on the spectators and place greater emphasis on the internal constituency (e.g., students, alumni, institutional personnel) than on the general public and its entertainment needs; (c) Shall not award financial aid to any student on the basis of athletics leadership, ability, participation or performance; (Revised: 7/24/07) (d) Primarily focus on intercollegiate athletics as a four-year, undergraduate experience; (Adopted: 1/14/12) (e) Encourage the development of sportsmanship and positive societal attitudes in all constituents, including studentathletes, coaches, administrative personnel and spectators; (f) Encourage participation by maximizing the number and variety of sport offerings for their students through broadbased athletics programs; (Revised: 1/14/12) (g) Assure that the actions of coaches and administrators exhibit fairness, openness and honesty in their relationships with student-athletes; (h) Assure that athletics participants are not treated differently from other members of the student body; (i) Assure that student-athletes are supported in their efforts to meaningfully participate in nonathletic pursuits to enhance their overall educational experience; (Adopted: 1/14/12) (j) Assure that athletics programs support the institution’s educational mission by financing, staffing and controlling the programs through the same general procedures as other departments of the institution. Further, the administration of an institution’s athletics program (e.g., hiring, compensation, professional development, certification of coaches) should be integrated into the campus culture and educational mission; (Revised: 1/9/06 effective 8/1/06) (k) Assure that athletics recruitment complies with established institutional policies and procedures applicable to the admission process; (Adopted: 1/12/04 effective 8/1/04) (l) Exercise institutional and/or conference autonomy in the establishment of initial and continuing eligibility standards for student-athletes; (Adopted: 1/14/12) (m) Assure that academic performance of student-athletes is, at a minimum, consistent with that of the general student body; (Adopted: 1/9/06 effective 8/1/06) (n) Assure that admission policies for student-athletes comply with policies and procedures applicable to the general student body; (Adopted: 1/9/06 effective 8/1/06) (o) Provide equitable athletics opportunities for males and females and give equal emphasis to men’s and women’s sports; (p) Support ethnic and gender diversity for all constituents; (Adopted: 1/12/99) (q) Give primary emphasis to regional in-season competition and conference championships; and (r) Support student-athletes in their efforts to reach high levels of athletics performance, which may include opportunities for participation in national championships, by providing all teams with adequate facilities, competent coaching and appropriate competitive opportunities. The purpose of the NCAA is to assist its members in developing the basis for consistent, equitable competition while minimizing infringement on the freedom of individual institutions to determine their own special objectives and programs. The above statement articulates principles that represent a commitment to Division III membership and shall serve as a guide for the preparation of legislation by the division and for planning and implementation of programs by institutions and conferences. 2015-16 Division III – January
User's Guide . MANUAL FORMAT LARGE PAGE/LARGE TYPE The 81 11-inch page size and large type size facilitate effective and efficient use of the manual ARTICLE TABLE OF CONTENTS abbreviated table of contents assists the user in locating specific information NoTE: The pdf version of this manual will hyperlink directly to the displayed Organization page number. ure shall include an Executive Commitee GENERAL PRINCIPLES General principles that are considered of par and egulations for operating ticular importance in helping the user under- stand the rationale for the detailed regulations that follow are presented at the beginning of appropriate articles. as used in this settion, shall induding revenue from contracs for 4.01.2.2 Championships['l Members are guranteed acca to na DEFINITIONS AND APPLICATIONS 1hm时山1用时h Following the general principles in most articles is a section in which definitions 然础 in memb pre ae gs comed and applications are provided for a num- adopten of this legislation. ber of the more important words or terms 4.02 Definitions and Applications 4.02.2 Faculty Athl/ics nber of an institu- 则sCA出 DECIMAL NUMBERING che staff, as it applies ao indivi WITH TOPIC HEADINGS */ ant ef ce norma we fo antaios知面2 The decimal numbering system provides /m呼知四2mm efficiency and flexibility. Section headings, at least the fourth subsection level, and for further subsections where appropr ate, assist the user in identifying the sec- tion content, thus facilitating ready access to pertinent regulations. This system also facilitates a"hanging indention"presen- tion, which helps the reader relate the subsections to the basic section VOTING REQUIREMENTS Symbols for voting requirements app BLEED TABS each regulation. See page x for a complete a"bleed tab"on each page helps explanation of all symbols. he user turn to the desired article 2015-16 Division /1-January
viii 4ORGANIZATION 19 CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 4 Organization 4.01 General Principles. 4.01.1 Structure. [*] e Association’s administrative structure shall include an Executive Committee comprised of institutional presidents or chancellors that oversees Association-wide issues and shall ensure that each division operates consistent with the basic purposes, fundamental policies and general principles of the Association (see Constitution 1 and 2). In addition, the administrative structure of each division shall empower a body of institutional presidents or chancellors to set forth the policies, rules and regulations for operating the division. Further, the administrative structure of each division shall empower a body of athletics administrators and faculty athletics representatives (and, in Division III, institutional presidents or chancellors) to make recommendations to the division’s body of institutional presidents or chancellors and to handle responsibilities delegated to it. (Adopted: 1/9/96 e ective 8/1/97, Revised: 10/3/05) 4.01.2 Guarantees. [*] e Association’s overall governance structure guarantees its members the following: (Adopted: 1/9/96 e ective 8/1/97) 4.01.2.1 Budget Allocations. [*] Members are guaranteed revenue through allocations made to each division from the Association’s general operating revenue. Division II shall receive at least 4.37 percent of the Association’s annual general operating revenue. Division III shall receive at least 3.18 percent of the Association’s annual general operating revenue. (Adopted: 1/9/96 e ective 8/1/97) 4.01.2.1.1 General Operating Revenue. [*] General operating revenue, as used in this section, shall include at least all sources of revenue existing as of January 9, 1996, including revenue from contracts for these existing sources and revenue from any modi ed, extended or successor contract for such sources. (Adopted: 1/9/96 e ective 8/1/97) 4.01.2.2 Championships. [*] Members are guaranteed access to national championships. (Adopted: 1/9/96 e ective 8/1/97) 4.01.2.3 Membership Services. [*] Members are guaranteed services provided through the Association’s national o ce at least at the level provided as of January 9, 1996 (e.g., membership services, statistics, research). (Adopted: 1/9/96 e ective 8/1/97) 4.01.2.4 Special Programs. [*] Members are guaranteed the continuation of Association programs operating at the time of the adoption of this legislation (e.g., the catastrophic-injury insurance program, the drugtesting program). In addition, members are guaranteed the continuation of Association programs that were considered by the NCAA Council or Presidents Commission by the spring of 1995 and began operating after the adoption of this legislation. (Adopted: 1/9/96 e ective 8/1/97) 4.02 Denitions and Applications. 4.02.1 Association. [*] e “Association,” as used in this Manual, refers to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, a diverse, voluntary, unincorporated Association of four-year colleges and universities, conferences, a liated associations and other educational institutions. (Adopted: 1/9/96 e ective 8/1/97) 4.02.2 Faculty Athletics Representative. A faculty athletics representative is a member of an institution’s faculty or administrative sta who is designated by the institution’s president or chancellor or other appropriate entity to represent the institution and its faculty in the institution’s relationships with the NCAA and its conference(s), if any (see Constitution 6.1.3). (Revised: 10/3/05) 4.02.3 On the Sta. On the sta , as it applies to individuals from member institutions or conferences who are eligible to serve on committees or as o cers or representatives of the Association, is dened as those individuals who receive a regular salary from a member institution or organization for the performance of a regular sta function representing at least 50 percent of the normal workload for a sta member at that institution or conference. An individual on sabbatical or other temporary leave for a period not exceeding 12 consecutive months may be 4.01 General Principles ............................................................19 4.02 Definitions and Applications .......................................19 4.1 Executive Committee .....................................................20 4.4 Presidents Council............................................................21 4.8 Management Council .....................................................22 4.9 Committees/Cabinets ....................................................23 4.11 Administrative Committee ...........................................23 4.13 Geographical Regions ....................................................23 2013-14 Division III – July 4ORGANIZATION User’s Guide I. MANUAL FORMAT BLEED TABS A “bleed tab” on each page helps the user turn to the desired article quickly. DECIMAL NUMBERING WITH TOPIC HEADINGS The decimal numbering system provides efficiency and flexibility. Section headings, to at least the fourth subsection level, and for further subsections where appropriate, assist the user in identifying the section content, thus facilitating ready access to pertinent regulations. This system also facilitates a “hanging indention” presentation, which helps the reader relate the subsections to the basic section. DEFINITIONS AND APPLICATIONS Following the general principles in most articles is a section in which definitions and applications are provided for a number of the more important words or terms used in that article. GENERAL PRINCIPLES General principles that are considered of particular importance in helping the user understand the rationale for the detailed regulations that follow are presented at the beginning of appropriate articles. LARGE PAGE/LARGE TYPE The 81/2 x 11-inch page size and large type size facilitate effective and efficient use of the Manual. VOTING REQUIREMENTS Symbols for voting requirements appear after each regulation. See page x for a complete explanation of all symbols. ARTICLE TABLE OF CONTENTS At the beginning of each article an abbreviated table of contents assists the user in locating specific information. NOTE: The PDF version of this Manual will hyperlink directly to the displayed page number. 2015-16 Division III – January
IL ORGANIZATION OF ARTICLES IN THREE DISTINCT CATEGORIES All regulations governing the administration of intercollegiate athletics appear in the bylaws. The constitution contains only prin- ciples for the conduct of intercollegiate athletics and other basic information Constitution Articles I through 6 are the constitution, which consists of information relevant to the purposes of the Association, its structure, its membership and legislative-process information, and the more important principles for the conduct of intercollegiate athletics. Article 1 Name, Purposes and Fundamental Policy Article 2 Principles for Conduct of Intercollegiate Athletics Article 3 NCAA Membersh Article 4 Organization Article 5 Legislative Authority and process Article 6 Institutional Control Operating Bylaws Articles 10 through 21 are the operating bylaws, which consist of legislation adopted by the membership to promote the principles enunciated in the constitution and to achieve the Associations purposes. Article 10 Ethical Conduct Article 11 Conduct and Employment of Athletics Personnel Article 12 Amateurism Article 13 Recruiting Article 14 Eligibility: Academic and General Requirements Article 15 Financial Aid Article 16 Awards, Benefits and Expenses for Enrolled Student-Athletes Article 17 Playing and Practice Seasons Article 18 Championship Article 19 Infractions Program Article 20 Division Membership Article 21 Committees Administrative Bylaws Articles 31 and 32 are administrative bylaws, which set forth policies and procedures for the implementation of (a)the NCAA championships and the business of the Association and(b) the Associations enforcement program. These administrative bylaws may be adopted or modified by the Division III Presidents Council or Management Council (on recommendation of the Committee on Infractions, enforcement policies and procedures; and executive regulations) for the efficient administration of the activities that they govern These same bylaws also may be amended by a majority vote of the membership at NCAA Conventions. Article 31 Executive Article 32 Enforcement policies and procedures 2015-16 Division /1-January
ix II. ORGANIZATION OF ARTICLES IN THREE DISTINCT CATEGORIES All regulations governing the administration of intercollegiate athletics appear in the bylaws. The constitution contains only principles for the conduct of intercollegiate athletics and other basic information. Constitution Articles 1 through 6 are the constitution, which consists of information relevant to the purposes of the Association, its structure, its membership and legislative-process information, and the more important principles for the conduct of intercollegiate athletics. Article 1 Name, Purposes and Fundamental Policy Article 2 Principles for Conduct of Intercollegiate Athletics Article 3 NCAA Membership Article 4 Organization Article 5 Legislative Authority and Process Article 6 Institutional Control Operating Bylaws Articles 10 through 21 are the operating bylaws, which consist of legislation adopted by the membership to promote the principles enunciated in the constitution and to achieve the Association’s purposes. Article 10 Ethical Conduct Article 11 Conduct and Employment of Athletics Personnel Article 12 Amateurism Article 13 Recruiting Article 14 Eligibility: Academic and General Requirements Article 15 Financial Aid Article 16 Awards, Benefits and Expenses for Enrolled Student-Athletes Article 17 Playing and Practice Seasons Article 18 Championships Article 19 Infractions Program Article 20 Division Membership Article 21 Committees Administrative Bylaws Articles 31 and 32 are administrative bylaws, which set forth policies and procedures for the implementation of (a) the NCAA championships and the business of the Association and (b) the Association’s enforcement program. These administrative bylaws may be adopted or modified by the Division III Presidents Council or Management Council (on recommendation of the Committee on Infractions, enforcement policies and procedures; and executive regulations) for the efficient administration of the activities that they govern. These same bylaws also may be amended by a majority vote of the membership at NCAA Conventions. Article 31 Executive Regulations Article 32 Enforcement Policies and Procedures 2015-16 Division III – January
III VOTING REQUIREMENTS FOR MANUAL tions in the y carry differepresent all regulations on a given subject in logical order. As a result, different paragraphs in the same The Manual attempts sections rent voting requirements. The following terms designate voting requirements currently in effect for sec- Dominant provision- Legislation that is derived from the constitution in the 1988-89 Manual (the Manual format that was employed until the membership approved the revised format at the 1989 Convention). All such legislation is identified by an asterisk [* and requires a two-thirds majority vote of the total membership(present and voting) for adoption or Common provision- Legislation that is derived from the common bylaws(9, 10, 12 and 13)in the 1988-89 Manual. All such legislation is identified by a pound sign [# and requires a majority vote of each of the three divisions, voting separately for adoption or amendment General provision- Legislation that applies to all three divisions and that requires a simple majority vote of all divisions, voting jointly, for adoption or amendment(e. g, enforcement procedures, some executive regulations). Such legislation is identified by a plus sign [+1 Division dominant- A division dominant provision is one that applies to all members of a division and is of sufficient or portance to the division that it requires a two-thirds majority vote of all delegates present and voting at a divisions annual or special Convention. Division dominant provisions are identified by a diamond symbol [-1 Note: The authorization for adoption and amendment of each of the administrative bylaws(31 and 32) is set forth in a note at ing of each of those bylaws, as provided in Constitution 5.2.3.1, 5.2.3.2 and 5.2.3.3 Amendments to existing sections of the Manual have the sar rement as the section does now The Executive Committee is authorized to establish the voting requirement for any new section when the content or context does not clearly it. The authorization for this is set forth in Constitution 5.3.8.1 Symbols Designating Voting Requirements Provision Common 米#+ Division dominant 2015-16 Division /1-January
x III. VOTING REQUIREMENTS FOR MANUAL The Manual attempts to present all regulations on a given subject in logical order. As a result, different paragraphs in the same sections may carry different voting requirements. The following terms designate voting requirements currently in effect for sections in the Manual: • Dominant provision — Legislation that is derived from the constitution in the 1988-89 Manual (the Manual format that was employed until the membership approved the revised format at the 1989 Convention). All such legislation is identified by an asterisk [*] and requires a two-thirds majority vote of the total membership (present and voting) for adoption or amendment. • Common provision — Legislation that is derived from the common bylaws (9, 10, 12 and 13) in the 1988-89 Manual. All such legislation is identified by a pound sign [#] and requires a majority vote of each of the three divisions, voting separately, for adoption or amendment. • General provision — Legislation that applies to all three divisions and that requires a simple majority vote of all divisions, voting jointly, for adoption or amendment (e.g., enforcement procedures, some executive regulations). Such legislation is identified by a plus sign [+]. • Division dominant — A division dominant provision is one that applies to all members of a division and is of sufficient importance to the division that it requires a two-thirds majority vote of all delegates present and voting at a division’s annual or special Convention. Division dominant provisions are identified by a diamond symbol [◆]. Note: The authorization for adoption and amendment of each of the administrative bylaws (31 and 32) is set forth in a note at the beginning of each of those bylaws, as provided in Constitution 5.2.3.1, 5.2.3.2 and 5.2.3.3. Amendments to existing sections of the Manual have the same voting requirement as the section does now. The Executive Committee is authorized to establish the voting requirement for any new section when the content or context does not clearly determine it. The authorization for this is set forth in Constitution 5.3.8.1. Symbols Designating Voting Requirements Provision Symbol Dominant * Common # General + Division dominant ◆ 2015-16 Division III – January