Know the rules.
Each athlete is responsible for understanding their association's rules to remain eligible. The pages below summarize key rules pulled directly from the governing handbooks. Always confirm with your school's compliance office.
Use this page before registering, playing, or accepting outside-team opportunities.
The Portal League gives athletes and families a plain-English starting point, but eligibility decisions remain with each school, association, and compliance office. When a rule mentions approval, certification, transfer status, NIL, or outside competition, get the answer in writing before participating.
Quick Check
- Current school and next school may have different requirements.
- Summer league rules vary by division and association.
- Transfer, NIL, and outside competition questions should go through compliance.
NCAA Division I
All rules presented are directly from the NCAA Manual and Handbook for all student-athletes to follow to remain eligible to participate in athletics. Rules posted are pulled from the general handbook, not institution specific — please also reach out to your school's compliance office for clarification.
NCAA Division II
All rules presented are directly from the NCAA Manual and Handbook for all D2 student-athletes. Rules posted are pulled from the general handbook, not institution specific — please also reach out to your school's compliance office for clarification.
NCAA Division III
All rules presented are directly from the NCAA Manual and Handbook for all D3 student-athletes. Rules posted are pulled from the general handbook, not institution specific — please also reach out to your school's compliance office for clarification.
NAIA
All rules presented are directly from the NAIA Manual and Handbook for all NAIA student-athletes. Rules posted are pulled from the general handbook, not institution specific — please also reach out to your school's compliance office for clarification.
NJCAA
All rules presented are directly from the NJCAA Manual and Handbook. Note: these rules apply for all NJCAA divisions (I, II, III) and tend to follow NCAA on summer rules and eligibility.
High School Graduates
Please read through all eligibility pages (NCAA Division 1, 2, and 3, NAIA, NJCAA) to understand what your next association/division will require. For additional clarification, please reach out to your school compliance.