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Division II Proposal - 2027-6

PLAYING AND PRACTICE SEASONS -- BASKETBALL -- FIRST PERMISSIBLE CONTEST

Convention Year: 2027

Date Submitted: June 8, 2026

Status: Official Notice

Effective Date: August 1, 2027

Official Notice Number: 2027-6

Source: Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Proposal Category: Membership Proposal

Topical Area: Playing and Practice Seasons

Intent: In basketball, to specify that a member institution shall not play its first contest (game or scrimmage) with outside competition before the Friday preceding the Monday that is 17 weeks before the Division II men's and women's championship selection dates.

Bylaws: Amend 17.4.3, as follows:

17.4.3 First Contest. A member institution shall not play its first contest (game or scrimmage) with outside competition in basketball before the Friday preceding the Monday that is 17 weeks before the Division II men's and women's championship selection dates, except as provided under Bylaw 17.4.3.1.

[17.4.3.1 through 17.4.3.2 unchanged.]

Rationale: Under current legislation an institution shall not play its first contest (game or scrimmage) with outside competition in basketball before the Monday that is 17 weeks before the Division II men's and women's championship selection date, with a few exceptions. This change will provide institutions with the opportunity to start the basketball season on Friday in order to participate in region challenge events which are typically played that first week (Friday - Saturday - Sunday).

Primary Contact Person:
Amber Feldman , Deputy Commissioner
Email: feldman@themiaa.com

Co-sponsorship - Conference:
Great Lakes Valley Conference

Co-sponsorship - Institution:
None

Position Statement(s):

NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Basketball Committees.

The committees agreed to support this proposal. The committees noted that the proposal aims to prevent multiple competitions within a single week. Additionally, the committees believe this approach serves the best interests of student-athletes and aligns with the Division II Life in the Balance philosophy. Further, this proposal provides flexibility in allowing Division II basketball programs to schedule contests over the first weekend, which in turn spreads out scheduling opportunities and potentially reduces missed class time for student-athletes.

NCAA Division II Management Council.

The council agreed to oppose this proposal. The council noted that this change would create additional demands on sports medicine staff and noted concerns with facilities and staff availability, given the overlap with fall sports that are still in season and utilizing the same facilities for practice and competition (e.g., volleyball). The council also expressed additional concerns regarding the impact this change may have on the Life in the Balance philosophy in Division II, specifically highlighting an increase in the number of proposals that amend the basketball playing and practice season to start earlier.

NCAA Division II Legislation Committee.

The committee agreed to take no position on this proposal.

Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport

The committee agreed to take no position on this proposal. The CSMAS Prevention and Performance Subcommittee was unaware of any evidence suggesting that the proposed change is necessary to better support student-athlete health and safety; however, it noted no known health and safety rationale to oppose the proposal. Additionally, the subcommittee noted that this change would likely increase the demands on the sports medicine staff (e.g., athletic trainers, team physicians, licensed mental health providers) with the biggest burden placed on athletic trainers.

Review History:
None

Convention Vote:
No Convention Record

Legislative References

Division	Number	Title
II	17.4.3	First Contest.

References