Football Practice to Get Safer in Ivy Leagues

”]In order to reduce the number of injuries–especially brain trauma–in college football players, Ivy League schools announced today that they will be changing the rules for practices. According to an article in The New York Times, the new rules are being implemented because research shows that college players sustain more total hits to the head in practice than during games. And, of course, the more head hits, the greater the risk of brain injury.

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

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