Big 12 will allow football programs to meet with players virtually due to coronavirus
The Big 12 will allow its member football programs to meet virtually with players starting Monday, as the conference adjusted its coronavirus pandemic policies.
Earlier this month, the Big 12 suspended all organized team activities, including team and individual practices, meetings and other organized gatherings until March 29. The league, similar to what the SEC is doing, has relaxed its stipulations on meetings after revisiting the policies on Sunday.
Every sport is allowed to conduct “virtual” group activities, including film study, for two hours per week. The two-hour mandate follows NCAA guidelines for the maximum allotted time for film studies for out-of-season sports.
A source said there is a push to try and get the time limit extended to four hours.
Either way, these sessions must be conducted by countable coaches.
This will allow coaches an opportunity to make up for lost time with spring practices being suspended. Most players have returned home and are taking online classes away from campus.
The Big 12 said these policies “will be revisited and adjusted at regular intervals and as circumstances dictate.”
Along with the virtual meetings, the Big 12 is allowing programs to provide off-campus student-athletes with apparel and personal equipment that is regularly available to them on campus for conditioning workouts.
The personal equipment does not include treadmills, free weights, stationary bikes or weight machines. Instead, schools may provide supplies such as stretching bands and foam rollers.
Players who remain on campus may be provided meals and nutritional supplements. Additionally, student-athletes may still obtain sports medicine treatment, physical therapy, rehabilitation, academic support and mental health and wellness support.
Coaches are also able to 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.
“Taped demonstration videos on respective workout plans are allowed in order to demonstrate proper form and technique,” the conference said.
But programs are not allowed to supervise physical workouts and skill instruction virtually.
What else remains off limits?
Any in-person activity, ranging from practices to workouts to meetings, are not permitted. These policies are in place until May 31.
If the May 31 deadline holds up and players are able to return to campus by June 1, there will likely be enough time for programs to get in a proper strength and conditioning program, as well as training camp, to start next season on time.
However, if there is another delay, starting the season on time would seemingly be in jeopardy.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 5:45 AM.
