2010 NCAA Convention - DII "Life in the Balance Package" passed

I previously reviewed NCAA legislation that was up for a vote in Division II. Well, the legislation passed. I bring this up because the resulting legislation will not only make for a more balanced life for Division II student-athletes, but will also impact athletic trainers in a positive way. The main changes that were passed are: 

• Student-athletes in football, cross country, field hockey, soccer and volleyball report to school a week later. That will reduce the time that only student-athletes occupy campuses and, in turn, lighten the financial burden on the institutions to house and feed them.
• Pre-season practices in Cross Country, Soccer, Field Hockey, Women's Volleyball, will be limited to 6 hours of athletically related activity. (only 5 can be devted to physical activities).  Practices cannot last longer than 3 hours and there must be a 3 hour break in between sessions.
• Student-athletes in soccer and volleyball also will play two fewer contests (a two-game reduction in field hockey begins in 2011), and the Division II Football Championship will be played a week later than in previous years.
• Baseball and softball student-athletes also will spend less time on the diamonds through a six-game reduction for men and no more tournament exceptions for women. Golfers also get a three-contest-date reduction starting next year.
• The Balance package also affected basketball with a one-game cut for men and women. In addition, a seven-day dead period over the winter holidays (12/20 - 12/26) gives student-athletes and staffs alike some strategic down time.

Unrelated to the life in the balance initiative but of interest to AT's is the following:

• Head coaches and other full-time coaches to be certified in first aid, CPR and AED use.

This will make life a little easier at the Division II level.  You may even see AT's leaving town on vacations over Christmas.  A 5 day cruise would not be a bad idea.

Division II is not finished with their "Life in the Balance Initiative".  Phase II will examine the non championship segments and exempted contests.  Also to be considered is a change in the hourly limits (20 / 8 hour rules) for athletically related activities in and out of season.

Division II seems to have the right attitude regarding what makes for the best overall college experience for the student-athlete.  These initiatives also have a positive impact on the support staffs.  Let's hope it continues.