The NCAA National Convention took place in San Antonio this January, and with it came a number of changes to the Division II playing and practice seasons.  Phase Two of the “Life in the Balance” initiative was voted upon, and although there were not as many changes as the previous year, there still are a number of newly adopted pieces of legislation – most of which go into effect August 1, 2011.  The Division II-specific “Life in the Balance” initiative aims to balance academics, athletics and personal welfare for student-athletes, coaches and athletic department staff members.

Most sports, but not all, have a Championship and a Non-championship segment of their playing season.  The Championship segment is what most people consider the “traditional” season and ends with the NCAA or conference tournament.  The Non-championship segment is a shorter season that occurs during the academic term opposite of the Championship segment.  The Non-championship segment allows for regular practice and limited competition; however, there is no season-ending tournament.  A number of the 2011 legislative changes affect the Non-championship segment of the playing and practice season.  For those sports that compete in their Non-championship segment during the Fall (ex – baseball, golf, tennis), weight training, conditioning, skill instruction, practice and competition cannot begin until September 7^th or the fourth day of class, whichever is earlier. This change is in line with the “Life in the Balance” initiative, as its’ intent is to allow student-athletes an acclimation week when they return to school.   In basketball, there is only one segment, which is the Championship segment.  However, there was a similar change made to the basketball season: weight training, conditioning and skill instruction cannot begin until September 7^th or the fourth day of class.  The first permissible practice and competition dates remain the same.

The time-frame in between the Non-championship and Championship segment is commonly referred to as the “off-season.”  During this time-frame, athletically related activity is limited to eight hours per week, with a minimum two days off per week.  Currently, those eight hours can only be spent on weight training, conditioning, and individual skill instruction.  Beginning on August 1, 2011, two of those eight hours can be spent conducting a full-squad scrimmage.