Page 325 - 2019-20 NJCAA Handbook - May, 2020

NOTE: The number of scrimmages for some sports is limited. Refer to the NJCAA Sport Procedures for the allowed number of
scrimmages per sport.

Case 8
Scrimmages and Media Coverage
SITUATION:
Community College A conducts fall baseball practice. Included in their practice schedule are some scrimmages with four-
year institutions. If the four-year institution newspaper prints an article about the scrimmage, is Community College A in
violation of the scrimmage rule?
ANSWER:
No. The bylaw that prohibited media coverage of scrimmages has been eliminated.

Case 9
Varsity Game Uniforms in Scrimmages
SITUATION:
May current varsity game uniforms be used in scrimmage contest?
ANSWER:
Yes. Member colleges may use official game uniforms in scrimmages if they so choose.

Case 10
Pre-Season Scrimmages
SITUATION:
Community College A attends a pre-season basketball scrimmage attended by many NJCAA basketball programs.
Student-Athlete R participates in the scrimmage under the scrimmage definition of the NJCAA, then Student-Athlete R does not
participate in any regular season games for Community College A. Did Student-Athlete R utilize a season of NJCAA eligibility?
ANSWER:
No. The bylaws of the NJCAA only charge a season of participation for participation in a regular season contest or
postseason play. However, it should be noted that both the NCAA and the NAIA may charge a season of participation for any
competition against an outside opponent. This includes exhibition, scrimmage or regular contest. Therefore, Student-Athlete R
may be jeopardizing a season of eligibility at the four-year level by taking part in the pre-season scrimmage.

Case 11
Spring Volleyball Scrimmages – Participation of High School Athletes

The NJCAA has received numerous calls regarding high school athletes participating with NJCAA colleges during the spring
volleyball season. Based upon those questions, the following rulings were developed using current NJCAA guidelines:
1. Anytime the participation of a high school athlete is concerned, the respective state high school activities association
should be contacted and presented with the situation. Participation with a NJCAA college could jeopardize players
remaining high school eligibility in volleyball and/or in another sport at the high school level.

2. Anyone can participate in an open gym as governed by the individual institution. All expenses, however, must be incurred
by the participants. The college cannot pay for or reimburse a high school athlete for any expenses.

3. To be eligible to participate in practice sessions and scrimmages, the student must be currently enrolled at the member
college and have a valid physical on file at the member college.
4. Participation must be conducted within the guidelines of a scrimmage. (Please refer to items #2 and #3 above.)

5. A high school athlete representing a NJCAA member college will be considered to have used a year of eligibility at the
NCAA level, whether charged with a year of eligibility by the NJCAA or not. As an example, wearing a t-shirt with the
NJCAA colleges name is considered representing that school. Please be extremely cautious when inviting a high school
athlete to participate with your program in the spring season.

Case 12
Scrimmaging Prior to or During Postseason Play
SITUATION:
Community College A has qualified through the region to participate in National Championship play in the sport of
basketball. During the season, Community College A only utilized three of their allowable four scrimmage dates. May
Community College A participate in a scrimmage following regional play, and before the National Championship?
ANSWER:
Yes. Community College A can utilize their final scrimmage date in preparation for National Championship play. A college
that has not qualified for further postseason competition, however, may not participate in a scrimmage once their season is
completed even though they may have scrimmage dates still available.

Case 13
Scrimmages – Spring Soccer
SITUATION:
Community College A plays 18 soccer games in the fall. How many games and scrimmages can Community College
A play in the spring season?
ANSWER: