The Rules They Are A-Changin'

Change is a necessary part of athletics. Players change equipment or motions to give themselves an edge over the competition. Coaches can their strategy to beat the opponent. General managers change players in an attempt to put the best product on the field as possible. Leagues change the rule of the game to enhance the product for its athletes and fans. This past week, the NCAA made two major changes to the rules of it's athletic programs, changes that will greatly affect the lives of young student-athletes.

This past week, the NCAA voted to changes the rules regarding athlete meals and penalties for drug use, allowing unlimited meals for all Division 1 athletes and reducing the suspension to a half season penalty for positive tests for "non-performance enhancing drugs." Prior to this change in meals, the NCAA regulated all athletes to "3 meals a day or a food stipend." In addition, there were often confusing distinctions between what constituted a meal vs. a snack, such as a bagel with or without cream cheese. Many of these restrictions led to ridiculous sanction scenarios for athletes, such as Oklahoma University self-reporting $5 worth of overeating by some of its players at a banquet. In regards to the drug changes, the NCAA is looking to differentiate penalties for performance enhancing drugs vs. street drugs whose used would not positively affect athlete performance. By reducing the suspension from a full-season to a half season, the NCAA looks to shift its attention to some of the more harmful drugs that affect its product.

A bagel a day keeps the NCAA at bay

In my eyes, this relaxing by the NCAA on some of its more ridiculous and outdated rules displays that the organization is ready to change its image into one more attuned to the needs of its student-athletes. Instead of punishing these young men and women with restrictions and overly harsh penalties, the NCAA now seems to be looking out for the well being and safety of its participants, whether that is by providing them the means to the right nutrition or by putting the focusing on rehabilitation vs. punishment when it comes to drug use. I hope to see more of these changes over the next few years, beyond just drug use and the resulting munchies.

New NCAA sport: Competitive Post Game Eating