Bylaw: Article I, Section H, Item 2
“The following number of scrimmage dates per sport will be allowed in addition to the maximum number of varsity games, contests, or playing dates which an institution may schedule or in/on which a student may compete.”
Interpretation
The bylaw of Article I, Section H, Item 2 specifically speaks to the ability for varsity programs to schedule two additional scrimmages above and beyond the frequency of play limits outlined in Article I, Section G, Item 1. This bylaw does not allow for junior varsity programs to compete in any additional scrimmage dates beyond the standard limits in Item 1; unless the program does not schedule the maximum number of allowable competitions listed in the sport’s frequency of play limits. Article I, Section H, Item 3 states, “in those sports where scrimmages are allowed, an institution that does not schedule or participate in the maximum number of allowable varsity games, meets or playing dates may conduct additional scrimmages of up to the NAIA limits. In no case can the combined number of scheduled contests and scrimmages exceed the maximum number listed in Article I, Section G of the NAIA Bylaws.”
If an institution does schedule the maximum number of competitions listed in the sport’s frequency of play limits, then only the varsity program may add additional scrimmages as listed in Article I, Section H, Item 2.
Application
The number of junior varsity or freshman games, contests, or playing dates scheduled during the academic year cannot exceed the number of varsity games, contests or playing dates scheduled during that academic year. If the women’s varsity volleyball team chooses to schedule only 26 dates out of the 28 dates allowed per Article I, Section H, Item 1, then the junior varsity team can only compete in a maximum number of 26 dates, including scrimmages. For the varisty volleyball team, the additional scrimmage dates allowed for in Item 2 only become relevant if the team exhausts its entire frequency of play allotment listed in Item 1, so in this scenario the two additional scrimmage dates found in Item 2 are not applicable.
Related Bylaws
Article I, Section H, Item 1: Frequency of Play
Article I, Section H, Item 3: Scrimmages & Frequency of Play
Article I, Section H, Item 5: 24-Week Season
Related Interpretations
Split Squad Team Sports
Contest Limits: Scheduling More Scrimmages
NEC Interp – Originated: March 2015. Current as of: December 2017
