nonconference
Not division rivals
Nonconference describes athletic competition between teams from different conferences, as opposed to divisional rivals who play each other regularly: a nonconference game, their nonconference schedule.
In college sports, teams typically play a mix of conference and nonconference opponents each season.
Pre-competition practice period
- scrimmagePractice match with contact
- exhibitionPublic display of items
- invitationalEvent requiring prior selection
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
nonleague · tournament · schedule · opponent · game · rivalry · friendly · fixture
Relaxed and informal
- unofficialNot formally recognized
- off-the-recordNot for attribution
- relaxedFree of stress
- friendlyShowing kindness, warmth
gathering · get-together · unscheduled · impromptu · social · meetup · chat · discussion
preseason
Pre-competition practice period
- scrimmagePractice match with contact
- exhibitionPublic display of items
- invitationalEvent requiring prior selection
matchup · nonleague · tournament · schedule · opponent · game · rivalry · friendly · fixture · meet
casual
Relaxed and informal
- unofficialNot formally recognized
- off-the-recordNot for attribution
- relaxedFree of stress
friendly · gathering · get-together · unscheduled · impromptu · social · meetup · chat · discussion · hangout
nonconferenceconference
Organized meeting for discussion
league · divisional · conference play · league game · conference game
nonconferencerivalry
Ongoing contest between opponents
rivalry game · conference championship · league match · postseason
conference, confer, conferences, conferencing, conferenced, conferral, conferment, preconference