Get a clear view of how potential rules violations are reviewed — from investigation through resolution — or jump straight to the data.
Not all rules violations are equal
The NCAA categorizes violations into three levels in Division I and two levels in Division II & Division III based on scope, severity and intent. The level determines how a case is reviewed and what penalties may apply.
Division I
- Seriously undermine or threaten the integrity of college sports.
- Provide or are intended to provide a substantial or extensive recruiting, competitive or other advantage.
- Are a substantial or extensive impermissible benefit
- Provide or are intended to provide more than a minimal but less than a substantial or extensive recruiting, competitive or other advantage.
- Include more than a minimal but less than a substantial or extensive impermissible benefit.
- Involve conduct that may compromise the integrity of college sports.
- Are inadvertent and isolated or limited in nature.
- Provide no more than a minimal recruiting, competitive or other advantage.
- Provide no more than a minimal impermissible benefit.
Division II & Division III
- Include multiple secondary violations and are collectively considered major.
- Provide or are intended to provide an extensive recruiting, competitive or other advantage.
- Include significant impermissible benefits.
- Are inadvertent and isolated or limited in nature.
- Provide or are intended to provide only a minimal recruiting, competitive or other advantage.
- Do not include significant impermissible benefits.
How the infractions process works
Fair. Accurate. Collaborative. Timely.
The NCAA is committed to upholding the rules fairly and consistently across every division. Every decision is guided by our commitment to NCAA values, including protecting student-athletes, supporting school accountability, and preserving the integrity of college sports and member schools. By holding to clear standards and applying them the same way every time, we work to keep competition fair — so student-athletes can succeed on a level playing field.
How each division applies the process
The same fairness principles guide enforcement across every division — but each division has its own committees and process. Select your division below to see the details that apply.
Eligibility Reinstatement vs. Enforcement and Infractions
Eligibility reinstatement decisions focus on the student-athlete; enforcement decisions focus on the school and involved parties.
- Focuses on a student-athlete’s role in a potential violation
- Determines whether they can continue to compete
- Decided case-by-case using established guidelines
- May include conditions for reinstatement
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Sometimes resolved before the broader investigation is complete
- Focuses on school responsibility for violations
- Investigates schools, staff, student-athletes or representatives
- Follows a structured process: investigation, resolution, penalties
- Determines whether violations occurred and what sanctions apply
- Operates separately from eligibility — but can affect it
Academic Integrity in Action
Academic integrity helps protect fair competition and the value of a student-athlete’s education. Learn how academic misconduct can impact eligibility, schools and college sports.
Academic Integrity Cases and Infractions Decisions
Explore recent Level I, Level II and Major academic misconduct cases through the dashboard below. Looking for additional infractions decisions, negotiated resolutions or cases from other violation categories? View the complete NCAA Infractions Decisions Database.
Academic Integrity Resources for NCAA Schools
Looking for guidance on academic misconduct, school responsibilities and academic integrity best practices? Explore division-specific resources for coaches, administrators, faculty and compliance professionals.