NCAA Approves New Eligibility Rules For Division I Athletes

The change differs from the long standing tenet of college sports that gave athletes five years to complete four seasons of competition.

The NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes.

The Division I Cabinet unanimously approved to allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with the athletes full-time enrolled or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first.

The change differs from the long standing tenet of college sports 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 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 NCAA believes the age-based model will make rules easier to administer and help make roster management more predictable for coaches.