Page 318 - 2019-20 NJCAA Handbook - May, 2020

Case 4
Physical Education Classes
SITUATION:
NJCAA Member College A utilizes a physical education class to practice for the upcoming season. The class is only open
to the members of the varsity basketball team, is a mandatory class for those basketball players to take and is taught by the
basketball coach. Is this a violation of the NJCAA practice definition?
ANSWER:
Yes. Enrollment in a physical education class must be voluntary in nature, open to any student at the college and not
consisting of only varsity team members. Such course must be listed in the college catalog and/or schedule of courses for the
term.

Case 5
Team Meetings
SITUATION:
On the first day of the fall term (August), the basketball coach holds a team meeting to discuss team rules, goals and
academic strategies. Is this a violation of the NJCAA practice definition?

ANSWER:
No. This is not a violation of the practice definition. The coach may hold a team meeting to discuss team rules, goals and
review academic information. However, the coach may not use the meeting to diagram plays or otherwise detail game/practice
strategies.

Case 6
Reporting Before First Day of Practice
SITUATION:
The volleyball coach at Community College A requires each student-athlete to report the day prior to the allowed practice
date for physical exams and equipment checkout. Is this a violation?
ANSWER:
No. This would not be a violation of the practice definition. The coach may distribute equipment, discuss team rules, etc.,
prior to the beginning date for practice. However, the coach may not utilize this time to view film, diagram plays, etc., prior to
the date for practice.

Practice – In Season

Case 1
Off Campus Locations While in Season
SITUATION:
Community College A would like to practice off of campus in preparation for the region tournament in baseball. Is
Community College A permitted to practice off campus while in season without special permission from the NJCAA?
ANSWER:
While in season, a college program may practice at the site of their choosing without special approval from the NJCAA
National Office. This allowance exists regardless if they have their own on campus facility or not.

Case 2
Male Practice Players in a Women’s Sport

SITUATION:
The women’s basketball team at Community College A would like to use male practice players in some of their practice
sessions. Is this permissible and under what parameters must this take place to be within the allowances of the NJCAA?
ANSWER:
It is permissible for a women’s team to use male practice players. The male practice players must be currently enrolled at
the college and have a valid physical on file. If the athletic contact takes place and the male practice players are not students
and or do not have a valid physical on file, the athletic contact must be counted as a scrimmage and is subject to the limitations
associated to scrimmages.

Practice – Off Season

Case 1
Activities Considered Under the Eight-Hour Rule Weekly Limitation
SITUATION:
Do any of the following off-season activities fall under the eight-hour weekly limitation rule: weight lifting, study halls,
running, plyometrics and or conditioning activities?
ANSWER:
Weight lifting, running, plyometrics, and conditioning activities all fall under the eight-hour off season weekly limitation rule
because all of these activities are specifically related to sport participation and conditioning. Study halls would not be included
within the eight-hour per week limit as long as these do not fall under “chalk talks”.