The NAIA is reducing the number of maximum contests allowed this fall. This came in a letter to members that outlined the organization’s steps to return to play, including a threshold goal, start dates and the schedule reduction.

The NAIA Council Of Presidents Executive Committee approved a threshold goal of nearly half the participating institutions in each sport to receive clearance from local authorities to return to competition before the season can begin. For example, NAIA football has 95 participating institutions. When half (47) of these programs gain clearance from authorities to play, the NAIA football season will be authorized to begin.

The practice start date for all NAIA sports, will be Saturday, August 15. Competition start dates are September 5th for all fall sports except football and September 12th for football.

With the later start to practices, the NAIA reduced the maximum number of contests. Here is what’s allowed:
Cross Country: 7 meets, down from 8
Football: 9 games, down from 11
Men’s and Women’s Soccer: 14 games, down from 18
Women’s Volleyball: 22 dates, down from 28

The NAIA intends to host all fall national championship events as currently scheduled.