In recent player safety squabbles with the governing body that is the NCAA, the Big 12 has taken into responsibility the task of limiting live contact during practices. This news comes weeks later after the NCAA instituted an independent medical practitioner to diagnose and determine a player’s eligibility following an injury.
Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby on limiting contact (via NBC Sports):
“The Big 12 Conference continues to take the lead in the area of player safety as the first conference to enact more restrictive contact policies than currently permitted”.
“Our policy is a 33-percent reduction in the number of contact opportunities allowed under NCAA guidelines. Limiting the number of live contact practices and giving medical practitioners unchallengeable authority on return to play decisions unequivocally demonstrates the commitment of our membership to the health and safety of Big 12 student-athletes. I applaud our athletics directors on implementing an industry leading approach.”
In accordance to NCAA guidelines, a team will be restricted to two live practices per week – the same week a game is scheduled. The player is also effected in terms on participation, where if the athlete takes part in multiple contact in rehearsal mode, then the individual is prohibited from playing on game day.
Also mandated by the Big 12’s commissioner are post-game celebrations as units – from 52-man rosters to the fans – stampede into the center of the field. Continuing to comment, Bowlsby reassured rushing the field will be permitted, but in a “controlled environment.”
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
