(KJCCC) October 23, 2020 -- The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Board of Regents approved a blanket waiver on Thursday for all sports in the 2020-21 season, meaning athletes at all 512 member institutions will not lose a year of eligibility regardless of their levels of participation this year.

"The Board of Regents feels this decision is best for the success and well-being of our student-athletes and member colleges at this time," said Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO. "There is no right answer to this challenge and situation, but as an association, we are going to support the eligibility of all our student-athletes to help them succeed in their academic and athletic careers."

The ruling potentially means that freshmen could play this spring and still enter a four-year school with four years of eligibility. Likewise, junior college athletes would be eligible to return for a third season.

Returning student-athletes will be considered "non-counters" for letter of intent and NJCAA eligibility purposes. The NJCAA Eligibility Committee will continue to review and evaluate the impact of the blanket waiver on eligibility requirements.

Current eligibility and academic requirements will still apply in order for student-athletes to compete in 2020-21 regular and postseason competition.