The new rules stipulate that teams can only hold two full-contact practices each week during the season (N.C.A.A. guidelines suggest a maximum of five full-contact practices per week). Other practices, then, cannot include contact or live tackles, and players cannot be “taken to the ground.” In pre-season two-a-day practices, only one practice per day can be full-contact.
According to the article in The New York Times:
“Because of the seriousness of the potential consequences, the presidents determined the league needed to take proactive steps in protecting the welfare of our student-athletes,” said Robin Harris, the executive director of the Ivy League.
This is a terrific new set of rules. Anything to help protect the brains of young, active adults is welcome, especially in the super-tough world of college football. After this up-coming football season, statistics will show whether this tactic actually works. If so, no doubt more colleges and universities will adopt similar rules.
To read the full article, click here: Ivy League to Limit Full-Contact Football Practices