In a “loosening” of the NCAA rules, the NCAA Legislative Council approved a handful of reforms to address the needs of Division I student-athletes on Tuesday, according to a statement by the NCAA.
Among the new legislation, both scholarship and walk-on student-athletes will be allowed unlimited meals and snacks from their respective schools. Previously, student-athletes were limited to three meals a day or a food stipend.
The change occurs in light of recent scrutiny of the NCAA’s meal policy. Earlier this year, The Oklahoman reported that as a result of a secondary NCAA violation, three athletes who were fed more than “the allowable portion” at a graduation banquet were forced to contribute just under $4 each to charity in order to be reinstated. Just this month, UConn men’s basketball guard Shabazz Napier described having to “play up to (his) capabilities” despite experiencing “hungry nights.”
In continuing the slackening of the reins, the NCAA reduced the penalty for testing positive for street drugs, including marijuana, during championships from a full season to half a season, explaining that these drugs are not performance-enhancing in nature.
Other changes addressed athlete safety. The councilmembers’ decision would call for strength and conditioning trainers to be certified and require the presence of a school staff member certified in CPR, first aid and arterial external defibrillation at every “physical, countable” activity. Additionally, football players would be assigned a mandatory three hours of rest between preseason practices.
If finalized by the Division I Board of Directors on April 24, the proposals would take effect Aug. 1, save for the certification requirement, which would be delayed until Aug. 1, 2015.
“@SportsCenter: Call it the Shabazz Effect: NCAA will now allow Division I student-athletes to receive unlimited meals and snacks.” HUAHHH�
— Caleb Benenoch (@UCLA_CB74) April 15, 2014
Unlimited snacks & meals for all D1 student athletes! Great news. Just goes to show that the NCAA can change its stubborn ways. #progress
— Joseph Fauria (@BigJoeFauria) April 15, 2014
I need my reparations from the NCAA. Unlimited meal plan. Were have yall been all these yrs.
— Datone Jones (@IAM_Dat_One) April 15, 2014
Compiled by Sari Zureiqat, Bruin Sports senior staff.