What is the New Organized Competition Rule?
This rule determines the number of seasons of competition that a prospective student-athlete, domestic or international, would have remaining at the time of initial full-time collegiate enrollment if the prospect participated in certain types of organized competition before enrollment at a collegiate institution.

According to the new rule, prospects have a "grace period" to participate in organized competition without being charged seasons of competition. The grace period ends one calendar year after high school graduation. If the prospect does not enroll full time in college at the next opportunity to enroll after that one-calendar year period has elapsed, the prospect will be charged with a season of competition for every 12-month period (or partial period) that he or she participates in organized competition.

In addition, once the organized competition rule is triggered, the prospect must fulfill an academic year in residence upon enrollment at any NCAA institution before being able to compete in the specific sport for a Division II institution.

This is the general organized competition rule as stated in Bylaw 14.2.4.2. However, there are many components and several exceptions to the rule. It is also important to keep in mind that once a student enrolls full time at a collegiate institution, he or she is no longer subject to the organized competition rule.

Any questions about the new NCAA Organized Competition Prior to Initial Full-time Enrollment should be directed to the Compliance Office at 603-899-4367.

Athletics Competition shall be considered organized if any of the following conditions exist: (14.2.4.2.1.2)
a) Competition is scheduled in advance;
b) Official Score is kept;
c) Individual or team statistics are maintained;
d) Official timer or game officials are used;
e) Admission is charges;
f) Teams are regularly formed or team rosters are predetermined;
g) Team uniforms are used;
h) An individual or team is privately or commercially sponsored; or
i) The competition is either directly or indirectly sponsored, promoted or administered by an individual, and organization or any other agency.