New Division II Interpretation: Contact and Conditioning Activities Outside of the Playing Season

On June 19, 2012, the academic and membership affairs staff issued an interpretation concerning contact and conditioning activities outside of the playing season. Specifically, the staff determined that “required conditioning activities outside the playing season may not include contact-related drills or activities (e.g., wrestling, combative activities, blocking drills).” The staff further determined that “the use of training or resistance sleds in required conditioning activities is permissible, provided such equipment is not related to the sport (e.g., blocking sleds in football).”

This interpretation referenced  NCAA Division II Bylaws 17.1.6.2 (weekly hour limitations — outside the playing season), 17.1.6.2.1 (sports other than football), 17.1.6.2.3 (football) and 17.1.6.2.4 (conditioning activities).

In light of this interpretation, the Michael L. Buckner Law Firm recommends institutions’ athletics compliance include the interpretation in the next scheduled rules-education session for the athletics staff and coaches.