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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 DOI
Declaration of Intent to Participate in NAIA Postseason Competition Link to NAIA Bylaws Annual Declaration of Intent (DOI) What is it? Bylaws Amendment 25-B-05 | Effective April 7, 2025To undeclare a team without penalty, institutions must now act at least four weeks before the sport’s conference qualification deadline — not the postseason start date. What is the
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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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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
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Basics of 24-Week Season
24-Week Season Guidelines Full bylaw language found here. A 24-week season during which the institution’s teams (varsity, junior varsity, or freshman) may conduct practices and competitions. Here are a few key points for coaches when establishing the 24-week season: Summer vs. Academic Year Any practices or competitions during the academic year (August 1st through May 15th)
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International Travel and Mission Trips – FAQs
International competition and mission trips offer valuable experiences for institutions and student-athletes, expanding exposure and providing new perspectives. Here are answers to common questions about international travel and mission trips. Team Travel: Q: Does the NAIA restrict when a team can travel and compete internationally?A: No. Teams can compete internationally anytime during the calendar year.