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SEC schools have new rules for digital meetings with athletes
SEC football programs gained some clarity Friday with respect to conducting football-related meetings, a source told 247Sports. The memo sent to the member schools is
247sports.com
SEC football programs gained some clarity Friday with respect to conducting athletic-related meetings, a source told 247Sports. The SEC continues to prohibit in-person meetings, but is allowing some instruction via digital meetings. Inclusion of recruits in the meetings with current student athletes is prohibited. And coaches may not review a student athlete working out or practicing live, though it is commonly known that schools are reviewing workout videos posted by athletes, including those on social media.
Other leagues have varying rules and guidance for their schools, increasing the likelihood that the NCAA could push for uniformity if the current period of empty campuses is extended.
The memo is copied in full, below.
This memorandum is to provide institutions with direction on the Southeastern Conference policy regarding athletically related activities for all sports beginning March 30, 2020. This policy will clarify and modify the policy approved by the SEC Presidents & Chancellors on March 13, 2020 and remain in effect until, at least, April 15. As a reminder, the March 13, 2020 policy stated:
"It was MOVED and SECONDED to cease all athletics activities, voluntary or required, including practices, individual and team workouts effective at the end of the day on Friday, March 13 and continuing through Wednesday, April 15. Team meetings shall conclude no later than 5 pm local time on Monday, March 16.”
The March 13, 2020 policy is clarified and modified as follows:
1. All required physical athletic activities (e.g., strength and conditioning workouts, sport- specific workouts) shall be prohibited. This prohibition includes both in-person involvement, and any virtual involvement by institutional staff such as remotely watching, directing, or reviewing physical workouts.
2. Required virtual film review, chalk talk, etc. that does not include physical activity shall be permissible. Any required activity of this nature shall be limited to two (2) hours of activity per week in all sports, shall be scheduled in accordance with the institution’s established Time Management Policy, and shall not interfere with required class time for online instruction. These activities may not include a review by or live monitoring of film/video of a student-athlete engaging in workouts or physical activity occurring after March 13, 2020. Institutions may not suggest or require a student-athlete to make film/video of his/her workouts or physical activity available by other means (such as social media).
3. Prospective student-athletes may not be involved in any way in such required, countable activities conducted by the institution.
4. Only countable coaching staff members may be involved in providing technical or tactical instruction to student-athletes as part of such virtual activity.
5. Student-athletes may continue to be provided strength and conditioning workouts and/or sport-specific drills; however, coaches and other athletics staff may not observe the activity (virtually or in-person). Student-athletes may not be required to workouts and/or drills, nor may they be required to report back on such activity to any athletics staff member.
6. These modifications shall be effective as of 12:00 pm Central/1:00 pm Eastern on Monday, March 30.
7. Further assessment of off-season and/or summer activities will occur in the coming weeks.
8. Athletics programs are expected to comply with public health directives governing workplace activity and limitations on gatherings.
This policy does not impact the Conference’s earlier statement that you may continue to “provide student-athletes with care and support in the areas of academics; medical care; mental health and wellness; and housing, as needed.” Consistent with normal practice, violations of this SEC policy are to be reported to the Conference office and will be subject to penalties at the discretion of the Commissioner. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
