COMPLIANCE • NCAA RULES

NCAA rules reference

Direct NCAA sources + short callouts. Built to support program-first compliance.

Actionable insight

Defensible compliance

Official links

How we stay aligned Info Hub

CARA / VARA / RARA Banned substances Voluntary guidance

Educational use only. CheckPeak does not replace official rules, team policy, or medical/legal advice.

How to use this page

Start with NCAA sources (links below)
Use callouts to explain the “why”
If it’s unclear: don't hesitate to ask

Reminder

Voluntary rules apply to voluntary activity (VARA). Required or countable activities are seperate.

Compliance

How we stay NCAA-aligned

We link directly to NCAA sources and design CheckPeak to support program-first compliance workflows.

Voluntary activity must be athlete-initiated

Must be initiated by the student-athlete.

Why this matters

Programs can label items as optional, and athletes aren’t penalized for opting out of voluntary activity. This is the key guardrail for responsible compliance.

VoluntaryNon-coercion

Voluntary means attendance can’t be required

Student-athletes may not be required to attend.

Why this matters

CheckPeak is designed for alignment, not punishment. Programs control what is required; optional check-ins should remain optional.

VoluntaryOffseason

Voluntary means no reward or punishment

Student-athletes may not be rewarded or punished for participating.

Why this matters

We avoid building “gotcha” surveillance. CheckPeak focuses on clear expectations, documented check-ins, and staff feedback - not coercive incentives.

VoluntaryNon-surveillance

To be voluntary, activity can’t be reported back to coaches

Voluntary on-campus athletic activity must be initiated by the student-athlete…

Why this matters

This applies to activities treated as voluntary (VARA) - not required/countable activities. CheckPeak supports both: programs can mark required or optional so voluntary stays voluntary.

VoluntaryVisibility controls

Coach presence can be allowed only for safety (not coaching)

In sports with a safety exception, a coach may be present for voluntary activities to provide safety instruction

Why this matters

This matters for how teams structure optional sessions. CheckPeak is designed to document expectations clearly so optional stays optional.

VoluntarySafety exception

RARA has special rules (where applicable)

RARA is applicable to autonomy schools and schools that opt into autonomy legislation…

Why this matters

CheckPeak supports program-controlled labeling (required vs optional) and keeps documentation consistent with how your compliance office structures time demands.

RARARequired

Outside the playing season: time limits still apply

Weekly max: 8 hours. Minimum weekly days off: Two.

Why this matters

CheckPeak supports offseason consistency without creating extra required activity. Programs define requirements; the workflow stays transparent, trackable, and most importantly compliant.

OffseasonTime demands

Out-of-season skill instruction is limited

Sports other than football: Max 4 of 8 hours can be skill instruction.

Why this matters

CheckPeak’s workout check-ins can be configured around program-defined requirements (e.g., S&C) without implying athletes are required to do more than permitted.

OffseasonSkill instruction

Football out-of-season hour types are restricted

Football: Hours may only include strength and conditioning, film review and walkthroughs…

Why this matters

CheckPeak’s workout check-ins can be configured around program-defined requirements (e.g., S&C) without implying athletes are required to do more than permitted.

FootballOffseason

Are there “NCAA-approved” supplements

There are no NCAA-approved nutritional or dietary supplements.

Why this matters

CheckPeak doesn’t endorse products. We surface risk within a product and route athletes back to staff and official sources.

SupplementsPositioning

Supplements are not well regulated and can lead to a positive test

Nutritional/dietary supplements… are not well regulated and may cause a positive drug test.

Why this matters

CheckPeak treats screening as a first pass and reinforces staff confirmation. We encourage athletes to understand what’s in their supplements and route questions to staff.

RiskDrug testing

Contamination risk is explicitly warned by the NCAA

Many nutritional/dietary supplements are contaminated with banned drugs not listed on the label.

Why this matters

A “clean” scan isn’t a guarantee. Supplements can be cross-contaminated or mislabeled — leading to a positive drug test. Always confirm with staff.

RiskReality check

Banned substances are organized by class

The NCAA bans drugs by class.

Why this matters

CheckPeak flags class-level risk and aliases so staff can review faster.

Banned substancesScreening

Responsible monitoring requires a written plan

Schools should establish a written plan that addresses the responsible use of performance technologies…

Why this matters

CheckPeak supports this approach: clear settings, clear access, documentation, and program-owned policy — without “always-on” surveillance. Evidence requirements are set by the program.

MonitoringPolicy

Data protection is part of responsible monitoring

…how the school will manage and protect student-athlete performance technology data.

Why this matters

This aligns with how we position privacy: programs decide what’s needed, athletes share only what’s required, and staff access should be explicit.

Data protectionPrivacy

Reference backbone

Official NCAA resources

Direct links to NCAA pages and resources referenced by CheckPeak.

CARA / VARA / RARA Explained (Division I) — Time Demands

NCAA educational resource explaining countable vs voluntary activities, offseason hour limits, and conditions for truly voluntary participation.

NCAA Banned Substances

Official banned substance classes + supplement warnings.

NCAA Drug-Testing Program

Program overview and education context.

Performance technology guidance (responsible monitoring)

NCAA guidance on responsible use of performance technologies, including education and protecting student-athlete data.

NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) Resources

Official NIL hub (always verify your institution and state requirements).

Disclaimer

CheckPeak is informational support and does not replace medical advice, team policy, or official NCAA guidance. Always confirm with your athletics health care staff and compliance office, especially if you are tested.