In the wake of claims against Rich Rodriguez that state he forced an NCAA violating extra hours of practice against his players; it’s been raising eyebrows and raising questions. Speaking from experience, being a collegiate athlete is more than a hobby, more than a sport, it’s your job and responsibility to devote your time, effort, and energy towards being the best you can be for your university. Most of the time, you’re even being paid in the form of scholarship to do so.While the NCAA rules and regulations do implement a 20-hour practice limit, I’m sure it is treated merely as a suggestion by collegiate coaches nationwide—regardless of sport. In fact, according to the Associated Press, “Football players in major college programs estimated they spent 44.8 hours per week on athletic activities.” These hours could be a combination of mandatory practice hours, voluntary film watching, time in the weight room, or any other type of activity devoted to improving their mental or physical sharpness.
Many collegiate football programs are so highly regarded that they somewhat resemble an NFL style program, with school on top of the athletic load. For instance, take schools such as Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, LSU, and others that generate millions, even billions, in revenue through their football program alone. That is a responsibility, a commitment, and a business—that is a job.
I understand limiting practice hours so students have time for their studies; it is a crucial and valid argument. Limits help ensure passing grades and maintaining healthy bodies and balance. But… these college athletes are adults who have a passion for perfection and victory, and must simultaneously accept responsibility for their studies and their athletics.
To the NCAA- your limits are vastly ignored, but coaches are not taking practice to the extreme. Let each coach determine their own practice schedule and demands, for the performance of their players and their team will be reflective of the time spent.
In your opinion, are these types of practice limitations best kept to developing young adults through high school athletics or should they be more obeyed by collegiate coaches? Does “over-practicing” really even exist at the college level?
For a good laugh (and in case you don't understand my title), watch this:
Although I understand the limitation, like you discussed, there is so much more to college sports than practice... it makes the limitation seem pretty pointless.
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