Page 320 - 2019-20 NJCAA Handbook - May, 2020

Yes. This would be a violation because the practices are mandatory. From the NJCAA member college standpoint, the
practices and/or participation cannot be mandatory. If the participation were on a voluntary basis, on campus, and only eight-
hours a week during the summer (off season) then the coach can hold practices. If the practices were off campus then a
violation would have occurred with the coaches and players together off campus conducting athletic activities.

Case 8
Viewing Film
SITUATION:
Prior to the first legal date of wrestling practice, the wrestling coach calls a mandatory meeting to view film. Is this a
violation of the NJCAA practice definition?
ANSWER:
Yes. This would be a violation of the practice definition because the meeting was mandatory, and the viewing of game film
was directly related to athletic preparation.

Case 9
Workouts Off Campus in the Off Season
SITUATION:
In basketball, can an entire team attend an aquatic workout either with or without the coach present during September?

ANSWER:
The bylaws allow for off season contact with student-athletes for a maximum of eight-hours per week on campus.
Therefore, if the aquatic workout is held on campus, it would be allowable, and the coach could be present within the eight-hour
parameter.
If the aquatic workout is not held on campus, then the college could not expend funds specifically to allow the basketball
team access to the aquatic center and the coaches could not be present if this is occurring in the off season prior to the start of
the season.

Case 10
Registered for Summer Term and Participating in Off Season Activities
SITUATION:
The practice definition mandates student-athletes to be registered in that term for off season activities. If a student-athlete
is taking one course in the first summer session, can he/she continue to participate under the off-season definition following the
end of the first summer session?

ANSWER:
Yes, as long as the student-athlete was registered in that term at the host college and have a valid physical on file at the
college. The summer session/term is defined by the college catalog.

Case 11
Practicing in the Off-Season Prior to the Start of the Summer Term
SITUATION:
Community College A’s spring term ends on May 1 and the summer term does not start until June 1. Are student-athletes
allowed to practice during the time between the end of the spring term and the beginning of the summer term which is
considered as the off season?
ANSWER:
The student-athletes in this case must be enrolled/registered for the summer term in order to practice at this time since for
that time of the year, spring classes have ended and the summer term has not begun. There is not a limit to the number of
credit hours these student-athletes must be enrolled in for the summer term. In addition to being enrolled for the summer term,
participation must be on campus and voluntary. Athletic activity contact may not exceed a maximum of eight hours per week
with anyone on the coaching staff and all participants must have a valid physical on file at the college.
Those participants who have been practicing during this time and have not yet enrolled/registered for the summer term
must immediately cease practice and all other athletic activities.

Case 12
Off Season Activity Limitations – College Paying for Greens Fees during the Off Season
SITUATION:
Community College A wants to hold practices for their golf team during the off season can Community College A pay for
the greens fees for their golfers at golf courses on or off campus during the off season
ANSWER:
No. As per NJCAA bylaws, Community College A may not use college funds (including paying for greens fees) or
equipment for any current or prospective student-athlete off campus during the off season. Even if the college receives
approval from the National Office granting a golf course as their “home facility”, the college may not expend any funds, including
paying for greens fees, for any student-athlete during the off season.
Other conditions involving greens fees:
- The college may pay for greens fees for current student-athletes ONLY during the in season if there is a contract in place
between the college and the golf course.
- The college may not pay for greens fees at any time for prospective student-athletes (recruits) who are on official or
unofficial recruiting visits at the college.
- The coaches may not pay for greens fees at any time for prospective student-athletes (recruits) if the coaches are off
campus recruiting athletes.