NJCAA introduces new student-athlete health accreditation process for member institutions

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The National Junior College Athletic Association has announced the introduction of a new accreditation process in partnership with the U.S. Council for Athletes' Health (USCAH) aimed at strengthening student-athlete health, safety and wellness standards across member colleges.

This is a first-of-its-kind initiative that reflects the NJCAA's continued commitment to supporting institutions through evidence-based standards, independent evaluation and continuous improvement in athletic health and performance services.

Under the new process, member institutions will participate in a collaborative four-year accreditation cycle that includes annual best practices assessments, required health and safety education, and ongoing program evaluations. Institutions will complete annual self-assessments aligned with nationally-recognized guidance, and will receive feedback reports outlining strengths, recommendations and opportunities for continued development.

"The NJCAA remains committed to creating the safest and healthiest possible environment for our student-athletes," Jeff White, Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President of Internal Affairs, said. "This partnership with USCAH allows our member institutions to further demonstrate their commitment to best practices in student-athlete care, while providing valuable education, accountability and long-term support resources."

The accreditation process begins with an institutional application and eligibility review, before progressing through annual education requirements, best practices assessments and accreditation evaluation.

"USCAH is proud to partner with the NJCAA on an initiative that prioritizes the health, safety and wellbeing of student-athletes across the country," James Borchers, President and CEO of USCAH, said. "We have intentionally designed the accreditation process to be collaborative, straightforward and efficient for member institutions, while still delivering meaningful standards and long-term value."

Although the accreditation program does not officially begin until Aug. 1, member colleges can begin enrolling and completing the process now. Members have until Dec. 31 to complete the requirement. USCAH will conduct a live webinar on Wednesday, June 24 at 1p.m. eastern to discuss the details. It will also be recorded and available for review at NJCAA.org. The two requirements are designed to be quick, user-friendly and completed in under an hour each.

Additional information regarding implementation timelines, application procedures, and institutional resources will be shared directly with NJCAA member colleges in the coming weeks.

About USCAH

The U.S. Council for Athletes' Health (USCAH) was founded upon the need within athletic institutions for trusted, independent partners with the experience and expertise to advise and consult with organizations regarding their healthcare delivery system. That is why USCAH is committed to providing independent and unbiased medical expertise to organizations and individuals dedicated to the optimal health and safety for the athletes they serve.

About NJCAA 

Since 1938, the NJCAA has served as the premier governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes with opportunities to prepare, compete, succeed, and achieve in both their academic and athletic disciplines. The NJCAA is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States, with over 500 member schools, 60,000 athletes and 3,400 teams competing in 28 different sports. Each year, the NJCAA sponsors 57 national championships and invitationals. 

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