The William Woods University Athletics Department, in accordance with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), adheres to a mandatory “day off” policy. All athletically related activities shall be prohibited one day per week during each academic semester, exceptions to this policy are listed below.
A week is defined as Monday (12:00am) to Sunday (11:59pm). The mandatory day off will be designated by the Head Coach of the respective sport. Teams can choose to have all team members off on the same day or different days based on positions (ex. throwers off on Mondays, sprinters off on Wednesdays). Head Coaches of dual-sport student-athletes are responsible for designating that student-athletes day off to occur on the same day.
Restricted Activities
- Practice (sport specific or conditioning)
- Weight training
- Competition
- Team or individual sports specific meetings
- Discussions of strategy
- Breaking down game film
Communication between coaches, student-athletes, athletic department, and athletic training is allowed. Student-athletes are also allowed to train on an individual basis (weight training and their individual sport) on this day.
Exceptions
- Team Study Halls – Mandatory study hall hours for student-athletes may be conducted on days off, provided no countable athletically related activities occur during that day.
- Travel Day – A travel day related to athletics participation may be considered as a day off, provided no countable athletically related activities occur during that day.
- Cancelled Competition – When a competition is cancelled prior to the start of competition a team may use that day as its required day off, provided the team does not engage in any further countable athletically related activities during that day.
- Missed Day Off – If a day off is missed during a week due to extenuating circumstances, the Head Coach of the respective team is required to make-up the day off the following week, the earliest day possible.
- Practice Periods Before Classes Start/After Classes End – A day off is not required during periods of time when classes are not in session (ex. pre-season, before semester begins, after semester ends).
- Post-season Competition – A day off is not required while participating in post-season competition (conference championship or NAIA championships).
If a head coach finds their team has violated the Day Off Policy, the violation must be reported to the Athletic Director and Conference Commissioner within 48 hours.
If at any time it is believed a coach or team is not adhering to the day off policy, student-athletes can contact:
Will Wolper
American Midwest Conference Commissioner
wwolper@amcsportsonline.com
O: 636.231.5452
