2026-2027 WCLO Eligibility Policy Update
Posted: September 22, 2026
The WCLO Board of Directors voted to adopt the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model, now permitting WCLO student-athletes up to five years of eligibility if they enroll in college no later than the academic year after their 19th birthday.
The change provides rules that are simpler to understand for the athletes and easier to administer as well as provides a possible extra season of play. The change aligns athletics eligibility with enrollment and graduation patterns for the general student population. Specifically for the WCLO, we feel that this addresses many concerns we have heard from our student-athletes in the past and will give an opportunity to continue to grow the sport of Women’s Lacrosse at the college club level. We are excited to share this news with our community!
WCLO’s Eligibility Policy:
The WCLO allows student-athletes five total continuous years to compete. Student-athletes may participate in up to five seasons of college lacrosse within a continuous five-year eligibility period. The eligibility period begins upon initial full-time enrollment in college OR at the start of the regular academic year immediately following the athlete’s 19th birthday, whichever comes first.
All other WCLO, institutional and academic eligibility requirements continue to apply.
Full WCLO Eligibility Policy
Effective Beginning with the 2026-2027 Academic Year
Overview
The Women's Collegiate Lacrosse Organization (WCLO) has adopted the NCAA's new age-based eligibility model.
WCLO athletes are now granted five total continuous years to compete instead of four seasons of lacrosse. Eligibility will be based on a student-athlete's age and initial full-time college enrollment, creating one clear standard.
Eligibility Period
The eligibility period begins upon initial full-time enrollment in college OR at the start of the regular academic year immediately following the athlete’s 19th birthday, whichever comes first.
Once the eligibility period begins, it continues without interruption. It does not stop if a student-athlete transfers, changes teams, does not compete during a season, or temporarily leaves competition.
All other WCLO, institutional and academic eligibility requirements continue to apply and can be found in the WCLO’s Operating Procedures.
Exceptions
Exceptions that could delay or pause an individual’s period of eligibility under the age-based rules include pregnancy, active-duty military service and official religious missions. These exceptions will only be available if the student-athlete does not participate in organized competition for the duration of the exception.
Implementation
The WCLO will follow the same implementation timeline adopted by the NCAA:
| Student-athletes | Which eligibility rules apply |
| Student-athletes who used their final season of competition (under previous rules) during 2025-26. | No additional eligibility. |
| Current student-athletes with eligibility remaining (under previous rules) after the 2025-26 academic year. | Either the previous rules OR the new age-based model, whichever is most beneficial to the student-athlete. |
| Prospects who initially enroll full time at any college or university during 2026-27. | Either the previous rules OR the new age-based model, whichever is most beneficial to the student-athlete. |
| Prospects who initially enroll full time at any college or university in fall 2027 or later. | The age-based model only. |
Any questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the WCLO’s Vice President of Eligibility.
