In accordance with the NAIA Bylaws Article I, Section H-7, Freed-Hardeman University Athletics has implemented the following day-off policy:
All athletically related activities shall be prohibited during one calendar day per week, except during participation in conference, or post-season championships. The calendar week is seven consecutive days from Monday-Sunday. This requirement is intended to give student-athletes one calendar day off per week during the sport season or other approved time periods.
- Travel Day - A travel day related to athletic participation may be considered as a day off, provided no countable athletically related activities occur during that day.
- Canceled competition - When an institution's competition is canceled prior to the start of competition or canceled prior to the competition being considered a completed event in accordance with the playing rules of that sport, an institution may use that as its required day off, provided the institution does not engage in any further countable athletically related activities during that day.
- Preseason practice - Teams are not required to provide student-athletes with one day off per week during preseason practice that occurs prior to the first day of classes, or the first scheduled contest, whichever is earlier.
- Athletically related activities include games, practices, conditioning or strength work, team meetings, or video work.
What constitutes a practice?
Practice is any activity organized and/or directed by any member of the coaching staff in which either (a) appropriate equipment is used or (b) instruction 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.
- Walkthrough drills, regardless of the use of equipment.
- Individual skills 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.
- Sport-specific activity classes only available to invited students.
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.
If a student-athlete or other individual believes their institutional day-off policy is being violated, the point of contact is Athletic Director
Jonathan Estes.
