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Important Rules Update for the 2026-27 Season
Just like any other winter, the start of this season brings several key policy and registration updates for our membership. As our central governing document, the Competition and Administrative Rules (CAR) Manual has been updated, complete with a detailed change log to help you track every revision. Additionally, important updates are now in effect for NCAA Division II eligibility standards and the registration process for guest athletes.
Please review the summary below and visit our site for full details before competition begins.
Competition & Rules Manual Update
The Competition and Administrative Rules (CAR) Manual outlines all rules for USCSA events.
Key updates for the 2026-27 season:
Reorganization and clarification throughout sections 5 and 6 (snowboard and freeski)
Alpine ski associate team athlete participation at Nationals
Nordic associate team participate in-season and postseason
Elimination of the 4-way qualification for Nationals
A comprehensive change log is provided for full transparency, with archived versions available upon request from the National Office.
NCAA Division II Rules Update
The USCSA follows the NCAA Division II rules for eligibility. and these rules have changed for the 2026-27 season.
The NCAA changed the Division II rules for eligibility to an age-based model, effective this season. The NCAA's website explains what is changing, how the new model works, rules and waivers being eliminated, exceptions, and who is affected.
New and returning athletes should be aware of these updates. Read more on our eligibility webpage.
Guest Athlete Registration Update
New for 2026-27: Guest athletes must follow a different registration process.
The new USCSA guest athlete registration is for student-athletes whose institution does not have an established USCSA team in their discipline but would like to participate in an event this season.
This pilot policy is in effect for the 2026-2027 season to expand access to USCSA events. All student-athletes who fall under this category should not fill out the student-athlete registration. The guest athlete registration will open later this fall.