NCAA DIVISIONS
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a voluntary organization through which the nation's colleges and universities govern their athletics programs. It is comprised of institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals committed to the best interests, education and athletics participation of student-athletes.
The active member schools self-determine which of three divisions they will be classified in and must annually meet membership criteria for that division. The active member institutions and voting conferences are the ultimate voice in all Association decisions.
A lot of people are confused about what the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is. To help reduce that confusion, consider the following terms:
The "membership" or "members" -- The colleges, universities and conferences that make up the NCAA. The members appoint volunteer representatives that serve on committees which introduce and vote on rules called bylaws. The members also establish programs to govern, promote and further the purposes and goals of intercollegiate athletics.
The "national office" -- Approximately 350 paid professionals that implement the rules and programs established by the membership. The national office staff is located primarily at the headquarters office in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The "Association" - The entire organization comprised of members and staff. Many believe the Association rules college athletics; however, it is actually a bottom-up organization in which the members rule the Association.
DIVISION I
Division I member schools are required to sponsor a minimum of seven sports for women and seven for men (or eight for women and six for men). This must include two sports for both men and women. Every separate college season has to be represented by each gender also. There are also scheduling, participant and contest minimums for each sport. Football Bowl Subdivision teams must meet a minimum attendance requirement of an average of 15,000 people in actual or paid attendance for each home game. DI colleges need to meet minimum scholarship awards for their athletics program, and the maximum number of scholarships for each sport is set by NCAA regulation.
Division I is home to many of the country's biggest universities. There are many scholarship opportunities and the competition is cut-throat. This division is seen as the first step towards professional sport.
Volleyball - 12 available scholarships
DIVISION II
Division II member colleges are required to sponsor at minimum of five sports for women and five for men, (or six for women and four for men). This must include two team sports for both women and men. Each college playing season must be represented by each gender as well. There are participant and contest minimums set for each sport and scheduling criteria as well. The NCAA sets maximum financial aid awards for each sport that a Division II institution cannot exceed. D II athletics programs are financed through the college budget like other academic departments on campus.
Division II schools tend to be smaller universities and colleges. There are no age limits at D II schools.
Volleyball - 8 available scholarships; can be divided
DIVISION III
Division III member colleges are required to sponsor a minimum of five sports for women and five for men. There are no athletic scholarships offered by D III institutions. Student-athletes receive no financial aid related to their athletic ability and sports departments are funded and staffed like any other department in the university. Athletics at D III level encourages participation by maximizing the number and variety of athletics opportunities that are available to students. The emphasis is on conference and regional in-season competition.
Division III schools are limited as far as recruiting is concerned and the level of play varies greatly.
Volleyball - does not award athletic scholarships but usually coordinates academic scholarships and aid for athletes.
NAIA
The purpose of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is to promote the education and development of students through intercollegiate athletic participation. Member institutions, although varied and diverse, share a common commitment to high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total educational process.
The NAIA has 50,000 student-athletes participating at nearly 300 member colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. Divided into 25 conferences and the Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.), the NAIA offers 23 championships in 13 sports.
Since 1937, the NAIA has continued a long tradition of pushing the envelope and making a positive difference in the lives of students, coaches and parents. The Champions of Character program is the latest cutting-edge addition to the NAIA's proud history of innovation.
Through Champions of Character, the NAIA seeks to create an environment in which every student-athlete, coach, official and spectator are committed to the true spirit of competition through the five core values: respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership and sportsmanship.
NAIA at a Glance:
* Nearly 300 member colleges and universities
* 23 national championships
* 650,000 students
* First to include black colleges and students in championships
* First to include women in national championships
* First to develop system-wide character initiative with substantive programming