Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA has announced the addition of Division II competition in the sports of men's and women's cross country and men's and women's soccer.
Following a member declaration process throughout the association, competition at the Division II level for each sport will begin in the fall of 2020. Both sports currently offer competition at the Division I and Division III level only.
"We are excited about the addition of Division II competition in these two sports," said Director of Championships Rod Lovett. "After surveying the membership, it was clear that there was both an interest and a need to make this addition. I truly think this will help schools maintain their programs and create growth in their respective sports in the future."
The addition of a new division is the first for an NJCAA sport since the association added Division II volleyball and softball in the 1999-2000 academic year. Cross country hosted Division I, II, and III competition from 1991-2003 before dropping the Division II status. Men's soccer added Division III competition in 1994 while the women's side split between Division I and Division III in 2003.
Cross country and soccer will join baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's golf, softball, and volleyball to offer competition across all three NJCAA divisions.
The divisional structure of the NJCAA operates under three tiers – Division I, II, and III. Member colleges associated with Division I may grant full athletic scholarships (tuition, books, fees, room and board), up to $250 in course required supplies and transportation costs one time per academic year to and from the college by direct route. Division II members may grant athletic scholarships, but scholarships are limited to tuition, books, fees and up to $250 in course required supplies. The Division III level does not permit member colleges to offer any athletic scholarships.
To view more information on the NJCAA's divisional structure: NJCAA Divisional Structure