Practice Limitations

Cumberland University athletic teams are subject to the NAIA 24‐week season rule, whereas they are limited to a total of 24‐ weeks during the academic year to conduct practices and competitions.

Summer practices and competitions may only involve students with continuing identification at the institution.

Incoming freshmen and transfers may not practice nor compete with a team prior to the start of the sport’s 24‐week season.

Practice defined

A practice is any activity organized and/or directed by a member of the coaching staff in which either (a) appropriate equipment is used or (b) institution and/or evaluation of the athlete takes place. Here are some activities that are considered a practice.

Film sessions involving a coach and one or more student‐athlete(s)
Walkthrough drills, regardless of the use of equipment
Individual skill workouts (batting practice, putting lessons, etc.) involving a member of the coaching staff
Open gyms that are closed to the public and attended by a member of the coaching staff

*Weight training and conditioning activities that occur during the academic year are not considered practice if the team or individual does not utilize equipment associated with that sport.

“Voluntary” really does mean voluntary.

Student‐athletes must not be required to report back to coaching or athletics department staff any information related to the voluntary activity. The activity must be initiated and requested solely by the student‐athlete. The student‐athlete may not be penalized if they elect not to participate. Countable athletically related activities: includes any meeting, activity or instruction involving sport‐related information and/or having an athletics purpose.