Standardize Practice and Playing Seasons

Intent: In cross country, to specify that an institution shall not commence practice sessions prior to the Friday 15-weeks before the weekend of the NCAA Division I National Cross Country Final Championship (the weekend prior to Thanksgiving). Further, to specify the first date of competition for Cross Country be the Friday 12-weeks before the NCAA Division I National Cross Country Final Championships (the weekend prior to Thanksgiving).

Bylaws: Amend 17.6, as follows:
17.6.2 Preseason Practice. An institution shall not commence practice sessions in cross country prior to the Friday the date that permits a maximum of 21 units (see Bylaw 17.02.13) prior to the first scheduled intercollegiate contest. 15-weeks before the weekend of the NCAA Division I National Cross Country Final Championship (the weekend prior to Thanksgiving).

17.6.3 First Date of Competition. An institution shall not engage in its first date of competition (game or scrimmage) with outside competition in cross country prior to the Friday September 1 or the preceding Friday if September 1 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday (see Figure 17-2) 12-weeks before the NCAA Division I National Cross Country Final Championships (the weekend prior to Thanksgiving).