CARA
What does CARA stand for?
CARA is an acronym created by the NCAA that stands for Countable Athletically Related Activities. Countable Athletically Related Activities are ones that include any mandated activity with an athletics purpose involving student-athletes and at the direction of, or supervised by one of more of the institution’s coaching staff (including strength and conditioning coaches) and must be counted within the weekly and daily limitations as outlined by NCAA rules.
Examples of Countable Athletically Related Activities are competition, practice, team meetings, weight training, conditioning film sessions, etc.
In the NCAA’s Divisions I and II, during a team’s regular playing season, CARA activities are limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week, and no more than four-hours in a particular day. CARA activities are prohibited during at least one day during a given week.