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2025-2026 Union Commonwealth University Department of Athletics

NAIA Required Day Off Policy:

 

Definition of a Day Off

Union Commonwealth University student athletes shall be given a minimum of one day off from athletically related activities each calendar week (Sunday-Saturday) during both the Fall and Spring semesters. Both the Fall and Spring semester dates are determined and published in the Union Commonwealth University Academic Calendar. Exceptions to the day off policy are permitted and are defined below.

 

Definition of Athletic Related Activities

Athletically related activities are defined as ANY directed/supervised events led by the Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or other member of the Union Commonwealth University coaching staff. These athletically related activities include the following:

  • Athletic Competitions
  • Practice
  • Skill Instruction
  • Strength Training
  • Conditioning
  • Film Study
  • Any supervised or observed physical activity that occurs either “On” or “Off” campus.

 

Definition of Non-Athletic Related Activities

Non-athletic related activities are events that may occur on a scheduled day off during the calendar week. These events may be directed/supervised by the Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or other coaching staff members associated with the student-athlete’s respective team.  Permitted non-athletic related events include the following:

  • Academic Study Sessions/Team Study Hall Sessions
  • Academic Tutoring Sessions
  • Community Service Projects
  • Champions of Character Activities
  • Team Fundraising Activities
  • Medical examinations, treatment, rehabilitation, and/or other medical requirements, as necessary
  • Team travel that occurs with NO athletically related activities taking place either prior to, during or after travel is completed on the scheduled day off during the calendar week.

 

Exceptions to the Day-Off Policy

While Union Commonwealth University strongly supports providing student athletes with a minimum of one day off per calendar week from athletically related activities, there are certain periods during the athletic/academic year when exceptions can/shall be permitted. Exceptions to this Union Commonwealth University Day Off policy include:

  • Any weeks that contain a Holiday/Break Period that occur and are listed on the Union Commonwealth University Academic Calendar
  • Preseason practice that occurs prior to the first day of classes. (Fall Preseason: August 1 – first day of class for Fall Semester; Spring Preseason: January 1 – first day of class for Spring Semester.)
  • Any teams that qualify for Conference and/or NAIA Post-Season participation as a day off may not be possible due to team preparation, team and/or NAIA scheduled practice and/or conference/NAIA competition schedules.

 

Athletic Department Contacts

If you have questions regarding the Union Commonwealth University Student-Athlete Day-Off Policy or would like to report a potential policy violation, please contact one of the following:

 

Updated: 5-30-25