Yes. The basic penalty may be eliminated by asking for and receiving an NLI complete release. If the institution does not grant a complete release from the NLI, you may appeal for a release to the NLI Committee, which may grant a level of relief if extenuating circumstances warrant. There are two NLI penalty exceptions:

1. HEAD COACH DEPARTURE: If the head coach leaves the institution or the sports program (e.g., not retained, resigns) before you trigger attendance (full-time enrollment attending classes in a regular academic term) at the signing institution or participate in preseason practice, whichever is earlier, you are no longer bound by the provisions of the NLI. You would need to formally submit an NLI release request if you no longer want to attend the institution due to the head coach departure and the institution must grant you a complete release.
2. ONE-TERM OF ATTENDANCE: If you attend the signing institution for one full-time academic term (e.g., semester or quarter), you can submit an NLI release request and the signing institution must grant the NLI complete release.

An academic year in residence is the two semesters or three quarters while enrolled full time that a student-athlete is required to sit out from competition. The NLI program requires student-athletes who do not attend the institution with which they signed, or who attend that school for less than one academic year, to serve one year in residence at the next NLI member institution before being able to represent the second school in intercollegiate athletics competition.

Yes. The NLI basic penalty is the loss of one season of competition in all sports and a required one year in residence at the next NLI institution. During your academic year in residence, you are permitted to receive athletics financial aid and practice with a team if the institution allows you to.

No. If you sign an NLI you may attend any institution that does not subscribe to the NLI program without incurring any NLI penalties while at the non-participating school. Please note, though, if you would later transfer to an institution participating in the NLI program, the NLI penalties would be applied at your next NLI institution.