The Big 12 Conference has revised its initial policies after the coronavirus pandemic effected sports.
Schools from the Big 12 were not allowed to partake in virtual meetings, communicate on workout plans or send workout equipment to its football players due to the previously announced all organized team activities whether organized or voluntary, including team and individual practices, meetings, and other organized gatherings being impermissible through March 29. This came to the dismay of Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley, who talked about the uneven playing field across college football on a radio show this week.
On Sunday night, the Big 12 announced that it has since changed its initial stance. The conference posted nine new policies that will be put in place on Monday. Three of which include the use of virtual meetings, sending self-directed workout plans and providing apparel and personal equipment to players who need it:
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All “virtual” group activities, including film study, are limited to two hours per week in all sports. Only countable coaches may conduct virtual film study, technical discussions, tactical sessions and other non-physical activities. These policies will be revisited and adjusted at regular intervals and as circumstances dictate.
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Coaches can recommend written, self-directed workout plans provided they are approved in accordance with proper procedures as outlined by each institution’s appropriate sport performance, medical and/or athletic training personnel (and in accordance with the NCAA Recommendations on Preventing Catastrophic Injury and Death). Taped demonstration videos on respective workout plans are allowed in order to demonstrate proper form and technique. Institutional personnel may not supervise, conduct or monitor workouts on or off campus.
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It is permissible for institutions to provide off-campus student-athletes with apparel and personal equipment that is regularly available to student-athletes when they are on campus for conditioning workouts. The provision of other equipment is not to extend to rental, purchase or arrangement of conditioning or strength training equipment or machines (e.g. stationary bicycles, treadmills, free weights, benches or weight machines) but is intended to allow for reasonable supplies such as stretching band/straps, foam rollers, etc.
Organized, in-person team activities are still not allowed, as well as any other in-person activities such as position workouts, film meetings or voluntary workouts. Oklahoma director of performance Bennie Wylie and other strength and conditioning coaches in the Big 12 will not be allowed to administer any of the workouts he gives to the players, either.
Schools will be allowed to help its student-athletes in regards to recovering from injuries, academic support and mental health and wellness support.
The Big 12 Conference announced that is board and directors of athletics will “will convene regularly to assess changing circumstances and to make shared decisions regarding amendments to the above-listed policies”. They also announced that these policies will remain in place until May 31.
The NCAA has yet to mandate anything new related to sport activities outside of the currently mandated recruiting dead period through April 15.
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