CIF-SS ASSOCIATION RULE ELIMINATED

For the first time in 32 years the CIF Southern Section eliminated the out-of-season restrictions on coaches working with their student-athletes. In a 41-37 vote of the CIF Southern Section Council, Rule 313 of the CIF Southern Section Constitution and By-Laws (otherwise known as the “Bluebook”) was eliminated from the by-laws July 1, 2008.

Rule 313, otherwise referred to as the “Association Rule” read:
During the school year, prior to the established date for authorized before and after-school practice in a particular sport and following an individual’s or team’s last authorized competition, a student may receive athletic instruction in a CIF Southern Section approved sport only during one regularly scheduled physical education period in which the student is enrolled and earning credit for that particular sport. (Note: Before and after-school practice is authorized in all sports from May 12, 2008 until the close of school, maximum 15 days.)

The rule, in effect, eliminated any type of contact between an individual sports coach and a student-athlete in that sport during the school year and outside of the season of sport except for one hour. The responsibility will now rest with," individual schools," on how much contact a coach and student-athlete can have during the school year.

How much contact is healthy? When should a school say, "You program is too demanding in the off season. You need to cut it back." Is burn out a possibility? Only time will tell.