NCAA passes eligibility waiver rule for D-III athletes

Division III athletes can compete this school year without it costing them a year of eligibility.

October 30, 2020 at 12:14PM
From left: Maddie Wolkow, Kaitlin Langer and Paige Gernes pose with the MIAC Championship trophy and banner following the women's basketball MIAC Championship game versus Gustavus Adolphus College February 26, 2017 in Schoenecker Arena. The Tommies beat the Knights 66-49.
St. Thomas celebrated the 2017 MIAC women’s basketball championship win over Gustavus. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The NCAA announced Thursday that Division III athletes can compete during the 2020-21 academic year without it counting toward their eligibility, acknowledging that several sports will have their seasons postponed, canceled or shortened because of the pandemic.

The "blanket waiver" covers all D-III sports. It essentially stops the eligibility clock during the 2020-21 school year, allowing athletes to compete in the maximum number of games permitted by the NCAA without spending a year of eligibility. Athletes also will not be charged with a term of attendance, extending the five-year timeline to complete their four seasons of eligibility.

The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, which has postponed all competitions until Jan. 1, is expected to announce more details soon about its winter sports schedule. Carleton already has canceled in-person winter sports competition through March 15. The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, which includes several Minnesota schools, also has postponed conference competition through the end of 2020.

The D-III Presidents Council unanimously approved the waiver, which the NCAA said was supported by about 75% of D-III conferences. The NCAA previously granted an extra year of eligibility and an additional year to complete it to D-I and D-II athletes competing in fall and winter sports during 2020-21.

Hamline's Miller chosen

Hamline President Fayneese Miller has been elected as chair of the D-III Presidents Council. She will begin her term in January.

about the writer

about the writer

Rachel Blount

Reporter/Columnist

Rachel Blount is a sports reporter for the Star Tribune who covers a variety of topics, including the Olympics, Wild, college sports and horse racing. She has written extensively about Minnesota's Olympic athletes and has covered pro and college hockey since joining the staff in 1990. 

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