University of Georgia Athletics
Outside Competition
July 19, 2006 | General
Student-athletes may not compete for any non-collegiate, amateur team during the academic year. Participation for a non-collegiate, amateur team would result in the student-athlete forfeiting his/her eligibility for the remainder of the year, as well as the next academic year. However, student-athletes are allowed to practice for these teams.
Student-athletes who are representing their country in competition, on a national team or in Olympic Games, Official World championships, World University Games or World Cup competitions should check with the Compliance Office before participating in any competitions to see if there is an exception to the outside competition rules that may be applicable to the student-athlete’s situation.
Exceptions
Student-athletes may compete outside of the institution's declared playing and practice season as a member of an outside team in any noncollegiate, amateur competition during any official vacation period published in the institution's catalog.
In the sports of soccer and women's volleyball, a student-athlete may compete outside of the institution's declared playing season and practice season as a member of an outside team in any non-collegiate, amateur competition, provided:
a. Such participation occurs no earlier than May 1;
b. In the sports of soccer, women's volleyball, and field hockey, the number of student-athletes from any one institution does not exceed the applicable limits set forth in Bylaw 17.30.2.
c. The competition is approved by the institution's director of athletics
d. No class time is missed for practice activities or for competition; and
e. In the sport of women's volleyball, all practice and competition is confined to doubles tournaments in outdoor volleyball, either on sand or grass.
It is permissible for a student-athlete to participate in outside competition as an individual during the academic year in the student-athlete's sport, as long as the student-athlete represents only himself or herself in the competition and does not engage in such competition as a member of or receive expenses from an outside team. In individual sports, such units as "pro-am" golf teams, doubles tennis teams, and relay teams in track and field are not considered to be outside teams.
Sport-Specific Information
Baseball: No more than four (4) players from the UGA baseball team may play on the same outside team. Competition on an outside amateur baseball team may only occur during the summer months or during vacation periods which are outside of UGA's declared playing or practice season. Competition on an outside team during any other part of the academic year will render the student-athlete ineligible for the remainder of that academic year and the following academic year.
Basketball: Competition on an outside team may only occur between June 15th and August 31st and only in NCAA approved summer leagues. A team shall include no more than one player with collegiate basketball eligibility remaining from any one college and must limit their competition to one team in one league. The summer league must be within 100 air miles of the UGA campus or within 100 air miles of the student-athlete's official residence at the end of the academic year. Each student-athlete must have prior written approval of the athletic director prior to participating in any summer league. A student-athlete who participates in any organized competition, except while representing the institution or in an NCAA approved summer league, will be ineligible for any further collegiate competition in the sport of basketball.
Soccer: No more than six (6) players from the UGA team may play on the same outside soccer team. Competition on an outside amateur soccer team may occur no earlier than May 1 and continuing through the summer or during vacation periods which are outside UGA’s declared playing and practice season. Competition on an outside team during any other part of the academic year will render you ineligible for the remainder of that academic year and the following academic year.
Volleyball: No more than two (2) players from the UGA team may play on the same outside volleyball team. Competition on an outside amateur volleyball team may occur no earlier than May 1 and continuing through the summer or during vacation periods which are outside UGA’s declared playing and practice season. Competition on an outside team during any other part of the academic year will render you ineligible for the remainder of that academic year and the following academic year.
All Other Sports: Limitations on the number of student-athletes only apply to representing an outside team during the academic year vacation periods that are outside the declared playing and practice season. Competition on an outside team may only occur during the summer months or during vacation periods that are outside UGA 's declared playing and practice season for your sport. Competition on an outside team during any other part of the academic year will render you ineligible for the remainder of that academic year and the following academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Outside Competition
Q: May a student-athlete compete in an alumni contest at his or her high school?
A: Yes, as long as occurs during the institution's official vacation period.
Q: May a student-athlete compete on a club team if he or she is taking off this term?
A: Yes, that is considered a vacation period.
Q: May a student-athlete accept prizes?
A: Prizes (but never cash) may be accepted during summer or anytime not enrolled. During the regular academic year (first day of fall classes through the end of spring final exams), a student-athlete who is enrolled full time may not accept any prizes for competing in an event.
Q: May a student-athlete compete in intramural competition during the academic year?
A: Yes, intramural competition is not considered outside competition (as long as there are no competitions against intramural teams at other institutions).
