Student Athlete Outside Competition Info

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According to Big Ten Conference rules, all outside competition by a student-athlete requires written permission in advance from the institution's Faculty Athletics Representative. This permission is secured through the Outside Competition Form process available in JumpForward. This form must be completed and submitted at least 7 days prior to participation in any outside competition. Failure to meet this deadline will render you ineligible to represent Northwestern in intercollegiate athletics competition.

General Rule - A student-athlete in any sport other than basketball who participates during the academic year as a member of any outside team in any non-collegiate, amateur competition becomes ineligible for intercollegiate competition unless eligibility is restored by the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. However, a student-athlete is permitted to practice on such a team.

During Official Vacation Period - A student-athlete may compete outside of the institution's declared playing and practice season as a member of an outside team in any non-collegiate, amateur competition during any official vacation period published in Northwestern's catalog. You cannot compete wearing a Northwestern uniform or any other apparel that you have received from Northwestern. However, you may use equipment that you have been issued by Northwestern. The number of student-athletes from Northwestern shall not exceed the following limits:

Team Sports
Baseball (4) 
Basketball (2)
Football (5) 
Lacrosse (5) 
Soccer (5)
Softball (4)
Volleyball (2)		 Individual Sports
Cross Country (2)
Golf (2)
Swimming and Diving (5)
Tennis (2)
Track and Field (7)
 
 

Soccer, Women's Volleyball and Field Hockey Exception: In these sports, a student-athlete may compete outside of the institution's declared playing and practice season as a member of an outside team in any non-collegiate, amateur competition, provided:

  1. Such participation occurs no earlier than May 1;
  2. The number of student-athletes does not exceed the limits stated above;
  3. The competition is approved by the Director of Athletics;
  4. No class time is missed for practice activities or for competition; and
  5. In women's volleyball, all practice and competition is confined to doubles tournaments in outdoor volleyball, either sand or grass.

Competition as an Individual: It is permissible for a student-athlete to participate in outside competition as an individual during the academic year in the student-athlete's sport, as long as the student-athlete does not represent Northwestern in the competition and does not engage in any competition as a member of or receive expenses from an outside team.

***Prior to competing in outside competition, please discuss the details with your coach to ensure that your involvement does not jeopardize your eligibility to compete for Northwestern.