The NCAA News - News and Features

June 30, 1997

Legislative assistance

1997 Column No. 26NCAA Division III football -- Playing and practice seasons -- preseason scrimmage

Division III institutions should note that according to Bylaw 17.11.5.2-(b) (1996-97 NCAA Manual), it is permissible to exempt participation in one preseason football scrimmage against outside competition from the maximum number of football contests, provided the scrimmage is conducted in privacy, without publicity or official scoring, and takes place on a day on which neither team misses class. The exempted preseason scrimmage must occur during the permissible preseason practice period and may not take place after the institution's first regular-season game. In addition, according to Bylaw 17.11.3 (1996-97 Manual), the first permissible date on which a Division III institution is permitted to engage in outside football competition (other than the preseason scrimmage) is the Friday or Saturday 11 weeks before the first round of the NCAA Division III Football Championship. Finally, please note that the preseason scrimmage does not alter the first permissible date for football practice, which is the day that will permit an institution's team a maximum of 27 practice opportunities (see Bylaw 17.02.13) prior to its first regularly scheduled game.

NCAA Division I football -- Preseason contests

Division I institutions that sponsor football should note that according to Bylaw 17.11.5.3 (1996-97 Manual), once every four years it is permissible to exempt one preseason football contest that has been certified by the NCAA Special Events Committee (i.e., in 1997, the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame Benefit Game, the American Football Coaches Retirement Trust Benefit Game and the Black Coaches Association Classic). Additionally, please note that Bylaw 30.10.2 provides the conditions under which the Special Events Committee may approve a request to certify an exempted preseason football contest.

Students with learning disabilities -- Core-course time limitation -- Division I

Division I institutions should note that with the adoption of 1997 Convention Proposal No. 92, a student diagnosed with a learning disability is permitted to use all core courses completed prior to initial full-time enrollment at a collegiate institution, including those courses taken in the summer immediately preceding initial full-time enrollment in the Division I institution. The determination as to whether courses taken at a high school are core courses shall be made on the basis of the 48H confirmation statement issued to the high school where the student completed the classes. Courses taken at a collegiate institution must be approved by the Academic Requirements Committee.

This material was provided by the legislative services staff as an aid to member institutions. If an institution has a question or comment regarding this column, such correspondence should be directed to Richard C. Perko, legislative assistant, at the NCAA national office. This information is available on the Collegiate Sports Network.