Definition of a Scrimmage
Link to NAIA Bylaws definition
A scrimmage is defined as competition against competitors not identified with the institution when:
- The competition is not listed or (if listed) is noted as a scrimmage on the institutional schedule; and
- No scores or statistics are reported by the NAIA institution(s).
Scrimmages shall not be allowed in the following intercollegiate sports: competitive cheer, competitive dance, cross country, golf, swimming and diving, indoor and outdoor track and field, and wrestling.
- Students must be certified as eligible prior to participating in a scrimmage.
- Seasons of competition will not be charged to students who participate only in scrimmages.
- Transfer students are governed by the association under which they competed.
Did You Know?
- A contest only counts as a scrimmage if scores and statistics are not reported publicly—this includes websites, social media, newspapers, and stat sites.
- Even a mention in an article can disqualify it from being a scrimmage.
- A student who only competes in a true scrimmage will not be charged a season of competition.
- Competing in a non-intercollegiate scrimmage (e.g., against a club team or alumni) also does not trigger a season of competition, provided it meets the NAIA definition of a scrimmage and does not exceed the sport’s limit.
Scrimmage Limits
Link to NAIA Bylaws Article I, Section H, Item 2
Institutions may schedule a certain number of scrimmages in addition to the maximum number of varsity games, contests, or playing dates as listed in the NAIA Handbook.
- Two additional scrimmages are allowed beyond the frequency of play limits for varsity programs.
- Junior varsity programs cannot schedule additional scrimmages beyond standard limits unless they are not scheduling the maximum allowable competitions.
Example: If a women’s varsity volleyball team schedules 26 dates out of 28, the junior varsity team can compete in a maximum of 26 dates, including scrimmages.
New Bylaw Amendment (Effective August 2024)
- Additional scrimmages may now be played on any day of the week, provided no student-athlete misses class to participate.
Additional Scrimmage Dates:
- Soccer, baseball, lacrosse, softball, and volleyball may schedule three additional scrimmage dates in their “off-season.”
- These three off-season scrimmages are in addition to the two standard extra scrimmages allowed during the 24-week season.
- Scrimmages may occur:
- Anytime during the 24-week season (standard two dates).
- Only after the fall term has concluded (three additional dates).
Key Distinction:
The wording draws a difference between the two “anytime” scrimmages and the three “after fall term” scrimmages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if some student-athletes have class during a scheduled scrimmage?
A: Only student-athletes who do not miss class (for travel, preparation, or competition) may participate.
Q: What if early travel causes a student to miss class?
A: Not permitted. Students cannot miss class for any reason related to scrimmages.
Q: Can teams hold more scrimmages if they don’t schedule the full number of contests?
A: Yes. Teams may conduct additional scrimmages up to NAIA limits, as long as the combined total of contests and scrimmages does not exceed the maximum listed in Article I, Section H.
Q: Do multiple scrimmages on the same day count separately?
A: No. Multiple scrimmages on a single date count as one scrimmage date.
Q: Do pre-class scrimmages count? (May 16 – July 31)
A: No. Scrimmages conducted before the academic year (between May 16–July 31) do not count towards frequency of play limits.
Q: How do quarter/trimester schools handle the “additional scrimmages” rule?
A: Additional scrimmages must be used during the fall term.
