National Collegiate Athletic Association

The NCAA News - News and Features

January 26, 1998

Legislative assistance

1998 Column No. 4NCAA Bylaws 13.02.4.4, 30.11.5-(d)

and 30.11.6

Coaching staff member speaking at banquet

or meeting during the dead period

Division I institutions should note that in accordance with Bylaw 30.11.5-(d), a dead period exists in the sport of football from February 2, 1998, through February 5, 1998. Additionally, Division II institutions should note that in accordance with Bylaw 30.11.6, a dead period exists in the sport of football from February 2, 1998, through February 4, 1998. Thus, it is not permissible to make in-person recruiting contacts or evaluations on or off the member institution's campus or to permit official or unofficial visits by prospects to the institution's campus. Further, pursuant to Bylaw 13.02.4.4, during a dead period a coaching staff member may not visit a prospect's educational institution nor serve as a speaker or attend a meeting or banquet (at which prospects are in attendance).

1998 Convention Proposal No. 7

Playing and practice seasons -- spring practice --

Division II football

Division II institutions should note that with the adoption of Proposal No. 7 (effective immediately) in Division II football, only 12 of the 15 sessions may involve contact, and such contact shall not occur prior to the third practice session. The noncontact practice sessions may involve head gear as the only piece of protective equipment. Further, of the 12 permissible contact sessions, only eight sessions may involve tackling and no more than three of the eight tackling sessions may be devoted primarily to "1-on-1" scrimmages. Finally, tackling shall be prohibited.

1998 Convention Proposal No. 16

Tryouts -- enrolled students

Division II institutions should note that with the adoption of Proposal No. 16 (effective August 1, 1998), an NCAA Division II member institution may conduct a tryout of a full-time student currently enrolled at the institution only on its campus or at a site in which the institution normally conducts practice or competition during the regular academic year. If such a tryout occurs prior to the beginning of the playing and practice season, the following conditions must be met:

  • No more than one tryout per student shall be permitted during any academic year;

  • The student must not have been recruited;

  • The student must be in good academic standing;

  • A medical examination of the student conducted by an institution's regular team physician or other designated physician shall be permitted as part of the tryout;

  • The time of the tryout activities (other than the physical examination) shall be limited to the length of the institution's normal practice period in the sport, but in no event shall it be longer than two hours; and

  • No more than three dates may be used to conduct tryouts in each sport.

    This material was provided by the membership 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 or Kristen L. Davis, membership services representatives, at the NCAA national office. This information is available on the Collegiate Sports Network.