About the ICAA

About the Independent College Athletic Association (ICAA)

The Independent College Athletic Association (ICAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that governs independent college athletics in the United States. Its mission is to "provide a pathway to higher education through athletics" and to "promote the personal, academic, and athletic growth of student-athletes," particularly at independent colleges and universities.

The ICAA is committed to providing a positive and supportive environment for student-athletes to succeed both on and off the field. The ICAA believes that athletics can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development, and it is dedicated to helping student-athletes reach their full potential.

The ICAA activities include:

Establishing and enforcing rules and regulations for independent college sports
Conducting championships in various sports
Promoting sportsmanship and ethical conduct in college athletics
Advocating for the interests of college athletes and independent colleges and universities

In addition to these core activities, the ICAA also conducts research on college athletics, provides professional development opportunities for coaches and administrators, and supports diversity and inclusion initiatives in college athletics.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Independent College Athletic Association is to provide a pathway to higher education through athletics and to promote the personal, academic, and athletic growth of student-athletes, particularly at independent colleges and universities.

Values:

Integrity: We believe in honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct.
Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in all that we do.
Inclusivity: We welcome and value all student-athletes, regardless of their background or ability.
Sportsmanship: We believe in competing with respect and dignity.
Education: We believe that athletics is an integral part of the educational experience.

History:

The Independent College Athletic Association was founded in 2022 by a group of independent colleges and universities. The ICAA's founders believed that there was a need for a national governing body that was specifically focused on the needs of independent colleges and universities.

The ICAA has grown steadily since its founding and now includes over 100 member institutions. The ICAA is headquartered in Florida.

Membership:

The ICAA is open to all independent colleges and universities that meet the following criteria:

The institution must be accredited by a regional accrediting agency or licensed by their state to operate as an institution of higher learning.
The institution must offer a two-year or four-year degree program(s).
The institution must have a varsity athletic program that competes in at least one ICAA sport.