National Collegiate Athletic Association

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The NCAA News -- August 16, 1999

Legislative assistance

1999 Column No. 16NCAA Bylaw 17.1.6.5.2

Preseason Off-Campus Intrasquad Games Prohibition

Division I institutions should note that pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 17.1.6.5.2, preseason off-campus intrasquad games and publicized off-campus practice activities conducted at a site not normally used by the institution for practice shall be prohibited in all sports.

An intrasquad game is any practice activity that includes any one of the following conditions:

An official score is kept;

Official timer or game officials are used;

Admission is charged; or

Official team uniforms are used.

Further, Division II institutions should note that pursuant to Bylaw 17.1.6.5.3, preseason off-campus intrasquad games in all sports shall be prohibited. Additionally, during its January 13, 1998, meeting, the Interpretations Subcommittee of the NCAA Division II Legislation Committee determined that a Division II member institution may not conduct preseason off-campus activities (competition or practice) if such activities meet any of the definitions of organized competition per Bylaw 14.2.4.5.3 (e.g., activities publicized in advance, charged admission).

NCAA Bylaw 17.10.2.5

Orientation Period -- First-Time Participants -- Divisions I-A and I-AA

Divisions I-A and I-AA institutions should note that in accordance with Bylaw 17.10.2.5, Division I-A and I-AA institutions may establish an orientation period to commence three days before the start of preseason football practice for those student-athletes who are beginning their initial season of eligibility for football practice at the institution. Please be advised that pursuant to Bylaw 17.10.2.5.1, one of the three days must be for the sole purpose of academic orientation. Further, during its March 2, 1995, telephone conference, the former Interpretations Committee determined the following:

It is not permissible for an institution to split academic activities over parts of two or three days.

On the day designated for the sole purpose of academic orientation, student-athletes may engage only in academically related activities, which may include compliance-related activities (e.g., reviewing NCAA eligibility requirements, signing the student-athlete statement or the drug-testing consent form). It is not permissible for student-athletes to engage in any athletically related activities (including voluntary activities), and institutions may not conduct medical examinations or issue equipment on that designated day.

Playing and Practice Seasons -- Preseason Scrimmage -- Division III Football

Division III institutions should note that according to Bylaw 17.10.5.2-(i), it is permissible to exempt participation in one informal preseason football scrimmage, which may be conducted during the preseason practice period against outside competition (conducted in privacy, without publicity or official scoring and provided 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, in accordance with Bylaw 17.10.3, a Division III member institution shall not play its first contest (game) in football with outside competition before the Friday or Saturday 11 weeks before the first round of the NCAA Division III Football Championship. Finally, please note that in Division III, a member institution shall not commence official preseason football practice sessions, for the varsity, junior varsity or freshman team, prior to the date that will permit a maximum of 27 practice opportunities (see 17.02.11) before its first scheduled intercollegiate game (see 17.02.11).

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 Kristen L. Davis or Lisa Roesler, membership services representatives, at the NCAA national office. This information is available on the College Sports Network.