Divisional Structure

Competitive sport divisions were launched by the NJCAA in the early 1990's due to the growth and popularity of several sports. In order for a sport to be granted divisional status, member college participation in the sport must meet the divisional structure guidelines published in the NJCAA bylaws.

Member colleges of the NJCAA are permitted to participate in any division of a sponsored sport of the association. A member college is permitted to participate across multiple divisions in various sports should it feel it is in the best interest of the institution. Every four years member colleges are required to declare the sports it will sponsor and what division they intend to participate in. During the four-year commitment period, member colleges are locked into the divisions they declared.  Schools may appeal their declaration during the cycle by following the process described in Article 1, Section 1D of the NJCAA Bylaws. Appeals for change in division for the upcoming school year must be submitted no later than August 1 of that year.

Competing within a specific division of an NJCAA sponsored sport comes with specific policies and guidelines published in the NJCAA Bylaws. Member colleges are responsible for following and abiding by these guidelines. 

Division Scholarship Guidelines
Division I Colleges may grant full athletic scholarships (tuition, books, fees, room & board), up to $250 in course required supplies, and transportation costs one time per academic year to and from the college by direct route. Each sport has limits on the number of scholarships that can be granted. 
Division II Colleges may grant athletic scholarships, but scholarships are limited to tuition, books, fees, and up to $250 in course required supplies. Each sport has limits on the number of scholarships that can be granted. 
Division III Colleges are not permitted to offer any athletic scholarships

 

NOTE: If a sport does not have the numbers to break into separate divisions, it operates under the Division I scholarship guidelines.