Athletes may soon be on the clock

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Imagine coaches having to worry about being in violation of CIF rules if their practices run longer than three hours a day or their athletes play and practice more than a combined 18 hours per week.

That scenario could be a reality if a proposed state bylaw that is in the preliminary discussion stage is approved next school year. The proposal distributed today during the Southern Section council meeting at The Grand in Long Beach aims to protect athletes ‘from overzealous coaches who require inordinate amounts of time for practice.’ There are similar rules on the books for college athletes.

Activities that would count against the time limit would include practices, games, film study sessions, play review, weight lifting and conditioning.

Under the proposal, a practice round of golf may exceed the daily limitation, though the weekly limit of 18 hours would remain in effect.

This is a proposal that is sure to generate plenty of discussion before facing a vote next fall.

--Ben Bolch