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Coach Resource Hub – Frequency of Play, Scrimmages & Exhibitions
Link to NAIA Bylaws Introduction The NAIA establishes clear limits on the number and types of contests student-athletes and teams may participate in each season. These limits ensure fairness, protect student well-being, and maintain consistency across institutions. Every sport has a defined maximum number of varsity games or playing dates listed in the NAIA Handbook,…
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Exhibition vs. Scrimmage: What’s the Difference?
Exhibitions in the NAIA Definition of an Exhibition – link to NAIA bylaws An exhibition is defined as competition against competitors not identified with the institution, provided all of the following apply: Difference Between an Exhibition and a Scrimmage Exhibition Scrimmage Competition against non-NAIA opponents. Competition against competitors not identified with the institution. NAIA teams are…
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Coach Resource Hub – 24-Week Season, Practice & Scheduling
24-Week Season Guidelines Link to NAIA Bylaws Each sport is allowed 24 weeks between August 1st and May 15th of each academic year for practice and competition. Each team is permitted three break periods within this 24-week season, which include scheduled institutional breaks if no practice or competition is conducted. Key Points: Start Here Basics…
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Basics of Practice
Definition of Practice Link to NAIA bylaw Practice is defined as an activity organized and/or directed by a member of the coaching staff in which appropriate equipment is used, or instruction and/or evaluation of the athlete takes place. This includes activities where coaches are present, organizing, or evaluating athletes. Conditioning Approved Ruling: Conditioning and weight-training…
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Basics of Frequency of Play & Scheduling
Link to NAIA Bylaws Game and Contest Limits The maximum number of varsity games, contests or playing dates an institution may schedule is listed in the NAIA handbook. Game & Contest Limits Countable Competition: Holds a specific definition under NAC policy (see back of handbook). Countable competitions count towards the FOP limits and will count towards statistics,…
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Basics of NAIA Scrimmage Rules and Guidelines
Definition of a Scrimmage Link to NAIA Bylaws definition A scrimmage is defined as competition against competitors not identified with the institution when: 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. Scrimmage Limits Link to…
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NAIA 2025-2026 Season Start Dates Practices, Scrimmages, Exhibitions, and Competitions by Sport
Below is a full breakdown by sport, including when teams may begin practices and when official competitions may be held. These dates help ensure fair preparation time and align with academic calendars across member institutions. Sport Practice, Scrimmage & Exhibition Start Date Competition Start Date Baseball Monday, September 1, 2025 or the start of the…
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Football Practice Guidelines: Acclimatization, Activity Limits, and FAQs
FB Acclimatization Period (Article I, Section H, Item 6 – Practice) This simplified guide aims to ensure that both coaches and athletes understand the regulations, ensuring safe and compliant football practice sessions. All student-athletes in football must undergo a five-day acclimatization period at the start of practice: Daily Activity Limits Before First Competition Before the…
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NAIA Day-Off Policy for Student-Athletes
Article I, Section H, Item 7 Each institution must establish a written policy providing every student-athlete with one day off per week from athletic participation. Institutions have the autonomy to determine how such policies are defined, implemented and enforced. Each institution’s policy must be published in its student-athlete handbook and on its athletics webpage, and…
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24-Week Season Exception
24-Week Rule and Postseason Participation Overview: The 24-week rule allows each sport 24 weeks between August 1st and May 15th for practice and competition. Each team can have up to three break periods within this 24-week season. Postseason participation, under certain conditions, does not count against these 24 weeks. Key Definitions: 24-Week Rule Exception: Practices…