NCAA Division II adopts five-season, age-based eligibility model

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — NCAA Division II will move to the age-based eligibility model that has prompted athlete lawsuits across the country since it was adopted in Division I. The Division II executive board voted to have athletes’ eligibility begin upon initial full-time enrollment or the regular academic year immediately following the athlete’s 19th birthday, whichever occurs earlier.

Athletes will be allowed five seasons of competition over five years.

Division II athletes previously were allowed four seasons of competition to be completed within their first 10 semesters or 15 quarters of full-time enrollment.