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Legislative assistance

1996 Column No. 24

NCAA Bylaw 17.1.5.2.1
Summer workout sessions

NCAA Division I institutions should note that according to Bylaw 17.1.5.2.1, participation by student-athletes in individual skill-related instruction in sports other than football is permitted outside the institution's declared playing season, provided not more than three student-athletes from the same team are involved in skill-related instruction with their coaches at any one time in any facility and the student-athlete requests the instruction. Student-athletes are limited to two hours per week of skill-related instruction under this regulation. Please note that this rule only applies during the academic year outside of the playing season. This rule does not apply during any institution's vacation period, either during the summer or the academic year.

Divisions I and II institutions should note that in individual sports, a coach may participate during the summer in individual workout sessions with student-athletes from the coach's team, provided the request for such assistance is initiated by the student-athlete. It is not permissible for the institution to pay fees for the use of the facility. This regulation does not apply to team-sport participants. Accordingly, team-sport participants (other than those who participate in water polo) are not permitted to be involved in any countable athletically related activities during the summer. In water polo (as well as those individual sports listed in 17.02.1.2.1), a coach may be present during the summer in voluntary individual workouts in the institution's regular practice facility, and the coach may spot or provide safety or skill instruction but cannot conduct the workout.

In the summer workout sessions in individual sports described above, it is permissible for the student-athlete to use equipment in the sport, and there are no limitations on the amount of time during which these instructional sessions occur, provided the student-athlete determines the duration of the practice sessions.

Finally, it is permissible for an institution's coach to reserve a facility for use by a student-athlete during summer workout sessions in individual sports. It is not permissible, however, for the institution to pay fees for the use of such a facility. For example, it is permissible for an institution's coach to reserve a golf tee time for the student-athlete and the student-athlete's coach, provided the student-athlete pays for the green fees associated with the practice session.

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.