New NCAA Division II Interpretation: Calculation of the Temporary Certification Period

On August 24, 2011, the academic and membership affairs staff issued an interpretation concerning the temporary certification period. Specifically, the staff confirmed that “the temporary certification period begins with a student-athlete’s participation in any countable athletically related activity and shall be counted as consecutive days.” The interpretation references NCAA Division II Bylaws 12.1.1.1.3.1 (temporary certification); 14.3.5.1 (participation before certification — recruited and nonrecruited student-athlete.); 14.5.4.4.6 (participation before certification — recruited and nonrecruited student-athlete.); 17.02.1 (countable athletically related activities), and 17.1.6.2 (weekly hour limitations — outside of playing season); and a staff interpretation (10/21/94, Item No. b), which has been archived.

In light of this interpretation, the Michael L. Buckner Law Firm recommends institutions’ athletics compliance offices: a) review monitoring procedures for countable athletically related activities; b) include the interpretation in the next scheduled rules-education session for the athletics staff; and c) perform year-round spot-checks on team activities.