I received a BA in 2013 and was looking to going back for an MBA. I wanted to play a sport if I go back (I never played any as an undergrad) but apparently there’s a 5 year window from when you originally enroll in school, making me ineligible. This makes no sense. I could understand if it was an age thing, but by their logic a 40 year old who never enrolled in college could enroll for the first time and go out for a sport. Can anyone explain why this is? Is there really no way for me to play sports? Even in NAIA? I appreciate any help.
Perhaps MBAs are different, but I don’t know anyone in my graduate school who would have time to devote to a collegiate sport! My graduate school does, however, offer intramural sports through the rec center. Maybe you could look into something similar?
No idea about NAIA but the NCAA definitely has a 5 year rule with rare waivers for a 6th.
The 5 year rule is to prevent college athletes from staying in school forever so they can continue to play college sports, particularly if they have no chance at a professional career (or, conversely, if they do have a chance at a professional career but could use 1-2 more years to improve, or to wait to get drafted). I could absolutely see big sports universities keeping on good players for 6, 7, 8 years of college so they can continue to win for the team.
You could probably play club sports. But as a graduate student, you will be unlikely to have enough time to play a sport anyway (beyond club sports or maybe intramurals). You should be focusing on networking and career preparation, and spending your summer at an internship. Also, unless you are very, very good, I’d be that few coaches would want to take you on anyway.