Are Teams Practice Times Regulated?

[SouthPaw_Dad]

My DD has started doing research on the time requirements of certain college programs. Obviously those that play in the major conferences spend more time practicing than those in the mid-majors or NAIA.

While at a "mid-major" camp she asked how often the team practiced pre-season and during the season. The coach made some reference to NCAA rules governing how much and how often teams are allowed to practice. I have failed to find anything on this topic. Does anybody have any knowledge of these rules or any guidance on athletic time requirements at various levels?

[PDad]

The regs vary by NCAA division and are spelled out in each one's manual. The restrictions are for mandatory workouts and many programs highly encourage players to also participate in optional workouts. You can download PDFs versions of the manuals for free from the NCAA publications website - http://www.ncaapublications.com/s-13-Manuals.aspx.

NAIA does not have time restrictions, so they can vary greatly by school. Quite a few have/are moving to NCAA D2 and some had to reduce their workouts as a result.

[Dugout Dad]

You are correct. And yes, 20 hours is the limit (haha)

[SouthPaw_Dad]

Thank you SO much Dads for your quick response.