17.10.2.3 Five-Day Acclimatization Period. Preseason practice shall begin with a five-day acclimatization period for both first-time participants (e.g., freshmen and transfers) and continuing student-athletes. All student-athletes, including walk-ons who arrive to preseason practice after the first day of practice, are required to undergo a five-day acclimatization period. The five-day acclimatization period shall be conducted as follows: (Adopted: 1/13/03 effective 8/1/03)

(a) Institutions may not conduct conditioning, speed, strength or agility tests prior to the start of the five-day acclimatization period.

(b) Participants shall not engage in more than one on-field practice per day during the five-day acclimatization period. On-field practices shall last no longer than three hours.

(1) Exception -- During the five-day acclimatization period, an institution has the option of conducting one on-field practice per day, not to exceed three hours in length, or one on-field testing session (speed, conditioning, or agility tests) per day, not to exceed one hour in length and one on-field practice, not to exceed two hours in length. In addition, an institution may conduct one one-hour walk-through session per day of the acclimatization period, provided protective equipment (e.g., helmets, shoulder pads) is not worn, equipment related to football (e.g., blocking sleds) is not used and conditioning activities do not occur. However, footballs may be used. Student-athletes must be provided with at least three continuous hours of recovery time between any session occurring that day. During this time, student-athletes may not attend any meetings or engage in other athletically related activities (e.g., weightlifting); however, time spent receiving medical treatment and eating meals may be included as part of the recovery time. (Revised: 1/9/06, 7/23/19)

(c) During the first two days of the acclimatization period, helmets shall be the only piece of protective equipment student-athletes may wear. During the third and fourth days of the acclimatization period, helmets and shoulder pads shall be the only pieces of protective equipment student-athletes may wear. During the final day of the five-day acclimatization period and on days thereafter, student-athletes may practice in full pads.