NAIA vs NCAA

Why is there an NAIA?

What does NAIA cover that isn't met by the three NCAA divisions? No age limits??

First and foremost, entry into NCAA is limited. It’s not like one would say “we [NAIA school] want to join the NCAA now” and it’s a foregone conclusion.

“What does the NAIA cover that isn’t met by the three NCAA divisions.”

My point exactly, there isn’t enough differentiating itself to validate existence. It’s just a crappy copycat that has been losing relevance for years. I’m arguing exactly that, the NAIA needs to do MORE to differentiate the product from the NCAA.

NAIA should change their name to NCAAA but make the last A white text on all the documents so it looks like NCAA and then trick cable networks and high school kids into joining their schools. I have a degree from Princeton.

Got to bed wrote:

NAIA should change their name to NCAAA but make the last A white text on all the documents so it looks like NCAA and then trick cable networks and high school kids into joining their schools. I have a degree from Princeton.

Don't you mean Princeton ?

There are 249 NAIA schools. Just letting everyone know.

Alan

In the 90’s top end talent was always as good or better than D1. Life University had a pipeline to Kenya. Those guys were unreal. NAIA never had the depth though.

In the NAIA, Flag Football is now a women's varsity sport with 15 teams........

Alan

middlingNAIAcoach wrote:

“What does the NAIA cover that isn’t met by the three NCAA divisions.”

My point exactly, there isn’t enough differentiating itself to validate existence. It’s just a crappy copycat that has been losing relevance for years. I’m arguing exactly that, the NAIA needs to do MORE to differentiate the product from the NCAA.

Well it contests race walking in its national indoor and outdoor meets.

As well as the marathon.

And the little NAIA school where I coach is adding a men's track program next season, while just down the road, "mighty" Clemson is eliminating its.

And the NAIA was around long before NCAA D2 and D3, so who's the copycat?

Valid points. Both events are in the Olympic Games and NAIA has thought outside the box to include those.

Just wish the drain of quality programs from NAIA to D2 would eventually stop. Makes me nervous and think we ought to do something more to make NAIA more enticing.

I prefer to coach in NAIA so we don’t have to deal with the ridiculous recruiting rules designed to protect bigtime college football and basketball players but in place for all sports. Maybe you’re right and reality is hitting NCAA T&F/XC where NAIA sustainably survives. Still makes me cringe every time I look at past national champions (teams) and so so so many moves on from NAIA to D2.

I agree that there is not a lot of differentiation. But a few are:

-Less required programs.

-Less required administrative (unproductive) staff.

-More opportunity to interact with student athletes.

-Generally more focus on academics.

-Stackable financial aid.

-Athletics are structured as a part of the university, rather than separately.

-Like minded members, categorically regional, student focused (for the most part).

-Less fixed cost, funding levels based on university goals.

-Coaches prefer coaching at the NAIA level because of the less regulation, less administrative oversight, and basically with effort and a little money you can be successful rather quickly.

-Contests are generally closer than D2 so family can attend away games.

-More opportunity to participate on the national level.

-And if you ever attend a high level NAIA even, you will notice that while maintaining its high level of competitiveness, it is also very respectful among participants. Which is very different from the NCAA.

It has been my opinion, that the NAIA should further provide distinction by adopting not NCAA rule book, but adopt International rule books, and pursue more international members in Canada and Caribbean.

Did you say academics? You lost all credibility there. NAIA and D2 are both at the bottom of the list.

Smarter than a 5th grader wrote:

Did you say academics? You lost all credibility there. NAIA and D2 are both at the bottom of the list.

Yes, most NAIA athletes are students first. I'm not staying all are good at academics, but the institution cares more about academics than playing at a high level in athletics. Which is a big difference from D1 and many D2, in which academics is only an obstacle to athletics. Very rarely do you find NAIA athletes that don't attend class regularly, even during season, which isn't always the case in D2.

NAIA schools also focus on sports but they are just plain worse academically and athletically than NCAA D1 schools. If you put athletics aside and research the academics of NAIA schools as compared to NCAA D1 schools, you will find just as large of a disparity as you will find in athletics. Don't confuse their poor athletics with complacency.

middlingNAIAcoach wrote:

Just wish the drain of quality programs from NAIA to D2 would eventually stop. Makes me nervous and think we ought to do something more to make NAIA more enticing.

I think, it has stopped for the most part. I think many programs are taking note of what happened to the Ohio conference, OBU and Azusa Pacific since moving. Most of the Ohio conference have struggled in one of the worst D2 areas. And the ones that went D3 didn't want to go there anyway.

Azusa just dropped football, and are struggling financially. They could regularly compete with anyone in most sports. OBU just dropped a swimming programs that had multiple national championships.

In general, most "converts" to D2 are struggling to find levels of success while being financially stable. The cream of the crop are moving to D1, because at least there they can share in broadcast revenue. Meanwhile, the NAIA has been picking up returning members nearly every year (although some it was too late for them to benefit financially).

Smarter than a 5th grader wrote:

NAIA schools also focus on sports but they are just plain worse academically and athletically than NCAA D1 schools. If you put athletics aside and research the academics of NAIA schools as compared to NCAA D1 schools, you will find just as large of a disparity as you will find in athletics. Don't confuse their poor athletics with complacency.

That's ridiculous. And, exactly how are you going to research the academics?

Are you kidding? Do you think applicants to St. Francis think that it is equivalent to Princeton? US News does a good job of ranking colleges. You can also just search the acceptance rates and test scores and graduation rates of any college. You can search the average starting salary and lifetime earnings. Those are all things that help categorize colleges.

I say this as an NAIA Coach and former NAIA National Champion--

The NAIA is an extension of the high school model, meaning sports are one aspect of the overall educational experience--and for most people that's not a bad thing. NAIA teams aren't always super competitive when compared to D1 or D2, but they don't need to be. This is a place where anyone can come to compete and is likely have a positive experience. I've lost plenty of athletes to D1 Mid-Majors who end up quitting after a year or two because they didn't realize what they were in for. NAIA is a much more accommodating place for so many athletes--I just wish more high school students realized this. Most people are average--that's the definition of the word. NAIA is a great place for these athletes. Plus I wouldn't go low profile D1 or 2 right now-- way too many programs getting cut. NAIA cuts less frequently from what I have seen, as the sports programs are instrumental to getting students to the school.

You are describing D3. My friend coaches at the local NAIA college. He has a few scholarships to work with and he has limited rosters spots. He typically seems to have about 30 men and 40 women on the track team. Some D3 teams allow unlimited participation but not all do. Overall NAIA schools are terrible academically and athletically. I would not recommend any kid attend one unless the deal is too good to pass up.