Playing and Practice Seasons
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NAIA Article I, Section H - Frequency of Play
Item 1: The maximum number of varsity games, contests or playing dates an institution may schedule is listed below. 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. Further, no student may compete in a sport in an academic year in more than the number of games, contests or playing dates listed below (this includes varsity, junior varsity, freshman, etc.), excluding NAIA-approved postseason participation.
| Sport | Maximum Games / Contests / Playing Dates | Notes / Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 50 contests | – |
| Basketball (men’s & women’s) | 28 games | If a student participates in both varsity and JV on the same day/location, it counts as 1 game (max 10 uses/year) |
| Competitive cheer | 10 contests | Max combined with competitive dance = 10 |
| Flag Football (women's) | 18 contests | - |
| Football | 11 games | Max 15 contests including varsity, JV, freshman, and scrimmages |
| Golf (men’s & women’s) | 12 matches/tournaments | – |
| Lacrosse (men’s) | 18 games | – |
| Soccer (men’s & women’s) | 18 games (+3 additional dates after fall term) | Student-athletes may not miss class for the 3 additional dates |
| Softball | 50 contests | – |
| Volleyball (women’s) | 26 dates | – |
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.
| Sport | Number of Scrimmage Dates | Notes / Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 2 | Plus 3 additional scrimmage dates before the end of the fall term; student-athletes may not miss class for these additional dates |
| Basketball (men’s & women’s) | 2 | – |
| Competitive cheer | 1 | – |
| Flag Football (women's) | 2 | - |
| Football | 1 | – |
| Golf (men’s & women’s) | 0 | – |
| Lacrosse (men’s only) | 2 | Plus 3 additional scrimmage dates before the end of the fall term; student-athletes may not miss class for these additional dates |
| Soccer (men’s & women’s) | 2 | – |
| Softball | 2 | Plus 3 additional scrimmage dates before the end of the fall term; student-athletes may not miss class for these additional dates |
| Volleyball (women’s) | 2 | Plus 3 additional scrimmage dates after the end of the fall term; student-athletes may not miss class for these additional dates |
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 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 H of the NAIA Bylaws.
Item 5: Each sport shall have a maximum 24-week practice and competition season established by each member institution. Frequency of play, practice and scheduling policies shall be applied only during the period of August 1 to May 15, pursuant to the following specifications. The start date specified is the earliest possible date on which any activity meeting the definition of a practice or competition may occur, though teams are free to choose a later date. Scrimmages and exhibitions are excluded and not subject to the start date for competitions.
| Sport | Start Date for Practices, Scrimmages & Exhibitions | Start Date for Competitions |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | September 1 or the start of the institution’s fall term, whichever is earlier | Thursday of last full weekend in January for games after winter break; Fall games are permissible anytime beginning September 1 |
| Basketball (men’s & women’s) | 38 days prior to first allowable competition date | 4th Thursday in October |
| Competitive cheer | September 1 | September 1 |
| Flag Football (women's) | September 1 or the strt of the institution's fall term, whichever is earlier | Thursday of the last full weekend in January for games occurring after winter break. Fall contests are permissable anytime beginning September 1 |
| Football | 24 days prior to first allowable game, not to precede August 1 | 4th Thursday in August |
| Golf (men’s & women’s) | 2nd Monday in August | 4th Monday in August |
| Lacrosse (men’s) | September 1 | September 1 |
| Soccer (men’s & women’s) | 17 days prior to first allowable game, not to precede August 1 | 3rd Thursday in August |
| Softball | September 1 or the start of the institution’s fall term, whichever is earlier | Thursday of last full weekend in January for games after winter break; Fall games are permissible anytime beginning September 1 |
| Volleyball (women’s) | 17 days prior to first allowable competition date, not to precede August 1 | 13 weeks prior to the sport’s conference qualification deadline; if on a Saturday, the immediately preceding Friday is included |