NCAA will allow Division I sports additional virtual contact, other nonphysical activities

Texas Longhorns football and other programs just got an offseason bump.

As of April 20, and lasting through May 31, all Division I coaches will be allowed further virtual connection with their teams, the Division I Council Coordination Committee announced Wednesday, following a vote. That means teams will now be able to require up to eight hours a week of virtual meetings and other non-physical activities, like film review.

The committee’s rules say student-athletes are also mandated at least one day off per week.

“This change not only allows coaches to continue to educate their student-athletes but also fosters the connectivity that comes with team-based activities,” said council chair M. Grace Calhoun, athletics director at Penn State, in the NCAA’s news release. “Regular, individual check-ins between student-athletes and coaches remain permissible and are encouraged.”

Naturally, all physical activities are still off the table.

The committee will meet again in May for further evaluation of the new policy.