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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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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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Additional Scrimmage Dates & New Bylaw Amendment
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.” Additional Scrimmage Dates Effective Fall 2024: Sport Number of Scrimmage Dates Baseball
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Soccer Games and Additional Soccer Dates
Bylaw: Article I, Section H, Item 1 For the sport of soccer, the frequency of play limits state: “18 games played at any time during the sport season. Three additional dates to be played only after the fall term has concluded. The three additional dates may be played only during weekends and other nonscheduled class
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Contest Limits: Scheduling More Scrimmages
Bylaw: Article I, Section H, Item 3 “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 up to the NAIA limits. In no case can the combined number of scheduled contests and scrimmages
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Additional Scrimmages for JV Teams
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 Article I, Section H, Item 2 allows varsity programs to schedule