Mission University

Mission University, in accordance with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the American Midwest Conference, is dedicated to insuring that our student athletes, coaches, and athletic staff have access to proper health and well-being standards.  It is important to allow segments of athletics, such as the student athletes, coaches, and staff, the ability to have time off from activities.  We believe in the value and benefit of providing one day-off per week, during each team’s 24-Week season.  This policy (Article 1, Section H, 7 in the NAIA Handbook) is for all student-athletes, within each team.  As defined by the NAIA, a week is from Monday (12:00am) through Sunday (11:59pm). Mission University shall prohibit all athletically related activities for one (1) calendar day per week.  Mission University has designated Sunday as the “Mandatory Day-Off” for student-athletes, with each head coach given the flexibility to use another day based on competition scheduling.
 
A practice is any activity organized and/or directed by any member of the coaching staff in which either (a) appropriate equipment is used or (b) instruction and/or evaluation of the athlete takes place.
 
The day-off policy requires that every student athlete must have one day off each week from all mandated athletically related team activities (defined as, but not limited to, instructional practice, weight training/conditioning, competition, etc.)   Also, the policy prohibits mandatory team or individual study hall, community service, or fundraising activities on the designated day off unless pre-approved by the athletic administration, then designating a substitute day off in its place. This will be on a limited basis so consistency can be maintained for all parties’ health and welfare.

Travel related to athletics participation may be considered as a day off, provided no countable athletically related activities (as defined above) occur during that day. Treatment for injuries and team attendance at church are also permissible. Please note that when an institution's competition is canceled prior to the start of that competition or canceled prior to the competition being considered a completed event in accordance with the playing rules of that sport, a team may use that day as its required day off, provided the team does not engage in any further mandated countable athletically related activities during that day.

Communication between coaches and student-athletes will still be allowed on mandatory off-days, but will not involve discussion of team strategy or instruction of physical activities. Student-athletes are encouraged to use the day off to rest, focus on academic responsibilities, and for physical and mental health management and recovery.  Any potential infraction can be reported to Dallas Meinders – Assistant Director of Athletics and Compliance at dameinders@mission.edu.