Page 289 - 2019-20 NJCAA Handbook - May, 2020

Case 10
Second Season Application of the Hardship Rule
SITUATION:
While enrolled at Community College A, Student-Athlete R participates in volleyball in the fall term. She becomes ill in the
spring term and withdraws completely from college prior to the completion of the term. The following fall will be the students
second season of volleyball. Will Student-Athlete R be granted a hardship waiving the second season requirements, so she can
participate in her second season of volleyball?
ANSWER:
No. Student-Athlete R will not be eligible to participate in her second season of volleyball as she has not met the second
season academic accumulation requirements. It should be noted that the NJCAA does not exempt any student from meeting
the accumulation requirements for a second season of participation.

Case 11
Application of the Hardship Rule
SITUATION:
Student-Athlete R initially enrolls in Community College A and participates in football. Student-Athlete R is injured during
the second game and as a result is incapacitated for the remainder of the college's intercollegiate football season. If approved,
how many contests must Student-Athlete R sit out during the next season?
ANSWER:
If approved, the student will be granted their entire season back in the case of a hardship. Beginning in the 1996-1997
academic year, the NJCAA no longer grants a partial season in the case of a hardship. If approved the entire season would be
granted back to the student-athlete.

Case 12
Application of the Hardship Rule – Baseball Example
SITUATION:
Student-Athlete R is a pitcher for Community College A’s baseball team and pitches in the first 8 games of a 56-game
th
schedule. In the 40 game, he pitches in 3 innings then has a season ending injury. Will a medical hardship be approved for
Student-Athlete R?
ANSWER:
No. Although Student-Athlete R has played under 30% of the season, he has played past the halfway point during the
season. The halfway point of the season was game 28. Participation in any fraction of any regularly scheduled contest shall
constitute as one contest. In this case, pitching in one inning constitutes as playing in one game.

Case 13
Hardship from a Four-Year Institution
SITUATION:
Student-Athlete R attends a four-year institution as a first year student-athlete and is injured in the first soccer match of the
season. What process should be followed to regain that season of eligibility if the student-athlete transfers to a NJCAA member
institution?
ANSWER:
The four-year institution must first apply for hardship status with the association/athletic conference that governs athletics
at their level. If Student-Athlete R gains hardship approval from the NCAA or the NAIA, a copy of that approval must be
forwarded to the NJCAA with a cover letter from the member college Athletic Director for adoption. Approval from the four-year
governing body must be granted prior to review by the NJCAA. The NJCAA cannot rule on hardships of an academic or athletic
nature that occurred at a non-member institution.

Case 14
Definition of a “Red-Shirt”
SITUATION:
Student-Athlete R participates in two baseball games early in the season, and then does not participate for the remainder
of the season. There is no injury or illness situation present that causes Student-Athlete R to cease participation. May Student-
Athlete R regain this season of NJCAA baseball?
ANSWER:
No. Once a student-athlete participates in one contest, the only avenue to regain a season of eligibility is through the
injury/illness provisions of Article V, Section 5.B. Within the NJCAA, the term red-shirt would only refer to a student-athlete that
is not submitted on eligibility and does not participate in any game or contest during the season. During this red-shirt season,
the student-athlete may not participate in open competition using college expenses, equipment, etc.

Case 15
Required in the Medical Documentation
SITUATION:
When applying for a NJCAA Medical Hardship what is the minimum information that is required from the doctor?
ANSWER:
At a minimum, the information from the Medical Doctor must include the following for hardship consideration.
1. Name of patient.
2. Date patient was seen by doctor.
3. Detailed diagnosis of the injury.
4. Plan of treatment for the injury.
5. Projected recovery time.