This brief explanation is to expand on the recent media release by the University and NAIA. It also is to alleviate any concerns regarding the season for both the Women and Men for the upcoming fall 2016 season.

On Friday, May 20, 2016, NAIA notified our Athletic Director of a violation of NAIA Bylaws related to not fielding a full team of five runners at the Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) Regional Women's Qualifier at Denver, Colorado, during the November, 2015 event. The letter stated we would be suspended from "post-season" competition for the 2016/17 season or the next season in which the sport is sponsored by Haskell.  Haskell can appeal to the NAIA National Administrative Council while a determination about post-season play will be made by the Association of Independent Institutions.   

The NAIA rules are explicit – once an institution declares they will participate as a "team", they must compete or four weeks prior send a letter to notify they withdraw the intent to participate.  Unfortunately in our circumstance, we were unable to compete with a full women's cross-country team. 

This decision does not impact the Men's Cross Country Program and the Women's Cross Country Team will be still be able to compete in the upcoming 2016 Fall season.