NCAA bylaws define when and how much time a student-athlete may be required to participate in athletically related activities. The limits and type of activities differ based upon the playing season and off-season.
In Season
A student-athlete's participation in countable athletically-related activities shall be limited to a maximum of four hours per day and 20 hours per week. A week is defined as seven consecutive days beginning at the discretion of the institution and once declared, cannot change during the term. All athletically-related activities are prohibited during one day per week. Hourly and weekly limitations do not apply during preseason (before classes begin) and official vacation periods.
| COUNTABLE | NONCOUNTABLE |
| Practice | Compliance & SAAC meetings |
| Competition (& associated activities count as 3 hours) | Study hall, tutoring or academic meetings |
| Field, floor or on-court activity | Meetings with a coach initiated by student-athlete as long as no countable activities occur |
| Athletic meetings with a coach initiated or required by a coach | Training room/medical treatment/rehab & activities |
| Setting up offensive or defensive alignments | Recruiting activities (as student host) |
| Required participation in camps/clinics | Voluntary sport-related activities (initiated by SA, no attendance taken, no coach present) |
| Required weight-training & conditioning activities | Voluntary weight training not conducted by a coach/staff member |
| Participation outside of the regular season in individual skill-related instruction with a member of the coaching staff | Training table, banquets |
| Discussion or review of game film | Fund-raising, community service, promotional or public relations activities including media activities |
Off-Season
A student-athlete's participation is limited to a maximum of eight hours per week. All athletically-related activities are prohibited during two days per week. The off-season period is limited to the following activities:
- Weight training and condition activities.
- Four hours per week of skill instruction.
An athletic coaching staff are required to submit CARA Logs during the in-season and off-season segments. Student-athletes in their respective sports will confirm whether the CARA Logs submitted are correct.
