COVID-19 & Spring Sports Eligibility Updates
NWAC COVID-19 RESPONSE: 4.3.2020
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Ever since the COVID-19 epidemic first hit in Everett, Washington, and then a week later forced the cancelation of the 2020 Men's and Women's Basketball Championships, NWAC has worked on a variety of levels to provide the best information possible. Whether that is working with our member colleges, peer two-year athletic conferences, four-year athletic conferences, and the offices of NAIA and NCAA, our desire is to keep you updated with as much accurate information as possible.
When it comes to transfer information we have worked with our four-year colleagues via our representative at the NCAA office. During this past week decisions from the NCAA and NAIA regarding eligibility, transferability, and other items has been released regarding 2020 spring sport student-athletes. The following is the most recent information:
Spring Season 2020 (Conference Consistency)
All collegiate conferences (NWAC, CCCAA, NJCAA, NCAA, and NAIA) are honoring the spring 2020 sport seasons the same by not charging spring sport student-athletes with a season of participation. The official position of the NWAC as stated in the middle of March is: Spring sport student-athletes who were enrolled full-time in 2020 (regardless of the number of games played in by the student-athlete) will NOT be charged a season of competition in the NWAC.
Spring Season 2020 (NWAC Eligibility)
A freshman spring sport student-athlete who was certified via winter quarter 2020 eligibility report, is still a freshmen athletically winter quarter 2021. There are no requirements for previous quarter, GPA, or total credits earned.
A sophomore spring 2020 student-athlete who was certified via winter quarter 2020 eligibility report is still a sophomore athletically winter quarter 2021. There is no previous quarter requirement, but the requirements of 2.0 GPA and pass 36 credits still hold true
Freshmen and sophomore spring student-athletes who were not certified via the winter quarter 2020 eligibility report can meet the 10 credit previous quarter requirement by passing 10 credits in the winter 2020, or a total of 10 combined credits between the spring, summer, and fall 2020 quarters to be eligible for winter 2021. Sophomores also need to meet the 2.0 GPA and 36 credits accumulated requirements.
Spring Season 2020 (Academic Standards & Expectations)
Currently all collegiate athletic associations are maintaining their academic standards. NWAC will continue to monitor any academic changes coming from the 4-year associations while reviewing NWAC academic standards to best help advise student-athletes. Each association expects that student-athletes continue their efforts to meet academic progress requirements.
Spring Season 2020 (Transfer Information)
Division I-NWAC student-athletes transferring to a D1 institution will find that it is up to the D1 institution to do a waiver petition for NWAC spring sport 2020 student-athletes, who had their spring season canceled. Please note that all current NCAA academic standards for a NWAC D1 transfer are still in place.
Division II-Confirms that the rules and decisions made by other divisions and organizations (e.g. NAIA and junior colleges) regarding use of a season in spring 2020 would follow the student-athlete upon transfer. All current academic standards for a transfer to D2 are still in place.
Division III-An NWAC student-athlete's season of participation is subject to the legislation that applied at their previous institution. This would include any waivers of participation that were provided by the applicable division or governing body. Therefore, any waiver/decision made by another division or governing organization (e.g. NAIA and junior colleges) regarding use of a season of participation in spring 2020 would follow the student-athlete upon transfer. All current academic standards for a transfer to D2 are still in place.