ONU Athletics is committed to the holistic well-being of our students, and we believe in the importance of observing the Sabbath each week. All ONU athletics teams will implement one day off per week, with Sunday being the default. Additionally, coaches are altogether prohibited from scheduling competitions on a Sunday unless prior approval is granted by the Athletic Director.
The NAIA defines a week as Monday (12:00am) through Sunday (11:59pm). Coaches are responsible for communicating this policy to their student athletes and planning their schedules according to this policy.
Athletic-related activities are any required activity that involves student athletes, is directed and/or supervised by a member of the coaching staff and has an athletic purpose. Examples of athletic-related activities include competitions, practices, team or individual weight training or conditioning that is directed or supervised by an institutional staff member, skill development, team meetings, film studies, required participation with recruit visits, activities using equipment related to the sport, and any other use of a school facility when directed or supervised by a member of the coaching staff.
Examples of activities that are not considered athletic related include community service, fundraising, medical examinations, injury treatments, meetings for non-athletic matters, dinners and/or banquets, and team travel where no additional athletic-related activities occur.
This policy is in effect year-round, and exceptions may be granted by the Athletic Director for weather or other extenuating circumstances (e.g. preseason practices, holiday breaks, postseason competitions, etc.). No plans can be adjusted unless the Athletic Director provides approval first. If an exception to this policy is granted, the head coach must implement a new day off within five days of the originally planned day of rest.
If an individual believes ONU is in violation of this policy, notification must be sent to Athletic Director, Justin Glenn (jglenn2@olivet.edu).