The NCAA rule book designates four different forms of events in which teams may participate:

• Practices – may be held with outside competition; the score is not kept and the event displays only the skills of the sport rather than competition between participants. These are exempt from the playing rules.

• Scrimmages – limited to participation by appropriate institutional personnel (students in that school only) and no outside competitors* participate other than those allowed under the alumni exception of the bylaws. These are exempt from the playing rules. The most recent interpretation of outside competitors includes international teams, travel ball teams, and any teams from other college associations (Community College, NAIA, etc.).

• Games during Non-Championship Segment – competition between two teams representing their respective institutions. These must be played under the playing rules with the exceptions and additions listed in the NCAA rule book.

• Games during Championship Segment – competition between two teams representing their respective institutions. These must be played under the playing rules without any exceptions or additions.

It is important that umpires know the differences between these designations. There could be liability issues if you confuse them and the proper rules are not enforced at the appropriate time.