PLAYING AND PRACTICE SEASONS -- FOOTBALL -- FIRST CONTEST -- EXCEPTION FOR INSTITUTIONS THAT COMPETE IN HAWAII -- FBS

Status: Adopted Final

Intent: In bowl subdivision football, to specify that an institution that is scheduled to play a regular-season game in Hawaii may play its first permissible contest with outside competition on the Saturday prior to the Thursday preceding Labor Day; further, to specify that if the institution's first opponent of the season is not a member institution located in Hawaii, the institution's first opponent of the season may also play its first contest (game or scrimmage) with outside competition on the Saturday prior to the Thursday preceding Labor Day.

Bylaws: Amend 17.10.3, as follows:

Source: Mountain West Conference

Effective Date:August 1, 2016

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Playing and Practice Seasons

Rationale: Institutions that play a regular-season game in Hawaii and add a 13th game at home are finding it very difficult to schedule within the 14-week playing season. This situation also negatively impacts the University of Hawaii, as it is increasingly difficult to schedule member institutions that have the opportunity to add a 13th game. Having a bye week during the season is important for the recovery of the student-athletes. The establishment of conference championship games further compacts the regular season to 13 weeks and eliminates the opportunity for a bye week in the schedule. In order to take advantage of the current legislation, the University of Hawaii and institutions that schedule a contest at Hawaii have to schedule 13 straight weeks with the possibility of a conference championship game in week 14. This proposal is consistent with the enduring values set forth in the commitments to the Division I collegiate model and is of national significance. The proposal will not create any additional monitoring responsibilities.

Estimated Budget Impact: None.

Impact on Student-Athlete's Time (Academic and/or Athletics): Allows for a week off in the season for an institution that plays 13 games.

History

Aug 26, 2015:	Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Sep 25, 2015:	Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Dec 1, 2015:	Comment Period; End of Comment Period (Official Comment Totals: Support = 2, Oppose = 0, Abstain = 1)
Apr 8, 2016:	Adopted, Pending Possible Board Review
Apr 28, 2016:	No Action Taken by the Board of Directors
Apr 28, 2016:	Adopted; Final

Legislative References

Division	Number	Title
I	17.10.3	First Contest.