Due to unique circ*mstances with the pandemic, 2020-21 Fall/Winter and 2020 Spring Sport athletes at all levels will not be charged the use of a season of competition. In addition, many of these athletes have been granted an additional year or semesters on their eligibility “clock.”
For NCAA Division I, those benefits have not been extended to spring sports for this 2021 spring season and I don’t expect them to be. I believe the NCAA doesn’t want to overcrowd spring rosters even further by granting D1 spring sport athletes yet another “free” season of competition.
For that reason, let’s review the requirements for a Division I athlete to receive a Medical Hardship Waiver if a situation arises that your athlete becomes injured or ill to the point that they aren’t able to complete their season.
To qualify for a Division I Medical Hardship Waiver:
- The athlete can’t have participated in more than 30% of the number of games or dates of competition in their sport.
- The athlete also must not appear in a contest after the midpoint of the season.
- The athlete must have contemporaneous documentation from a medical professional that their injury or illness prevents them from being able to continue participating in their season.
If you have questions about the Medical Hardship Waiver,schedule a confidential Waivers and Appeals consultation online, send an email to rick@informedathlete.com or call 913-766-1235.
