General | 7/9/2025 10:45:00 AM
The Empire 8 has sponsored legislation to specify that a student-athlete would be charged with a season of eligibility if they compete at any point during the traditional season. Current policy dictates that eligibility is used once a student-athlete practices rather than competes. Under this proposal, student-athletes will continue to have just four seasons of eligibility. The proposal now needs at least one co-sponsor by September 15 with the goal to be voted on and approved at the 2026 NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C.
“?The Division III President’s Council, Management Council and the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement all supported this proposal when we presented it at the 2022 Convention, however it was tabled on the floor,” said Chuck Mitrano, Empire 8 Executive Director. “Since that time, we have seen unprecedented evolution of the NCAA and college athletics with policies that support student-athlete flexibility, voice, and rights. Student-athletes are more than capable of making the decision that is best for their unique needs and should have the right to act accordingly to maximize their college experience the same as the general student.
In that same time span, higher education has faced unprecedented enrollment, retention, and financial challenges. As anyone in higher education will tell you, this is not 2004 anymore (the year the current eligibility policy was adopted). Division III must evolve to serve the best interest of the modern-day student-athlete and institution rather than ignore the signs that are evident on a daily basis. We hope the membership will enthusiastically support this appropriate measure for the student-athlete experience.”
The following is the rationale provided on the official proposal:
This proposal empowers student-athletes to control their collegiate athletic experience by offering flexibility in participation seasons. Transitioning to college is challenging academically and mentally, and this policy supports well-being at a personalized pace. It allows struggling students to acclimate without the pressure of using a season of eligibility while still being engaged with their team which is also important for retention efforts in this challenging time in higher education. This proposal greatly enhances their opportunity to successfully navigate their challenges rather than be compelled to make a decision between the appropriate experience for their needs and leaving the team to save eligibility.
The current policy, adopted in 2004, is outdated and does not reflect the modern college student or the evolution of higher education. Many students now need more than four years to complete their degree, and graduate programs are more common. This proposal does
NOT grant student-athletes five years of competition. They still have four years to compete but the flexibility to determine those years based on their unique circumstances. Student-athletes should have the same opportunity as non-athletes to maximize their collegiate experience, including athletics. It's time for our division to evolve and give student-athletes more control over their experience.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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