By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

AHSAA:  Making Sports Safer.  That is the theme and emphasis at the Alabama High School Athletic Association this year.  And part of making sports safer are the new rules that went into force this year concerning full-speed contact as football practice started around the state and Dekalb County.

The changes actually began as recommendations in 2013.  Study showed that the recommendations were leading to a decrease in injuries, especially with concussions, so the recommendations became by-laws this year meaning that all schools must comply with them.  Full-speed contact is defined as “contact at game speed in which players execute full blocking and tackling at a competitive pace, taking player to the ground”. The rules for full-speed contact are:

Week 1 - Only shorts and helmets are allowed the first two days of fall practice. On the third day, shoulder pads and helmets are allowed for up to 90 minutes. On the fourth day it goes up to 120 minutes.  Then, on the fifth day, full gear and one full-speed contact practice is allowed for 90 minutes.

Week 2 - Full-speed contact is allowed for a combine total of 120 minutes on alternating days.  There can also be one scrimmage played intra-squad during this week.

Week 3 - Full-speed contact is allowed for a combined total of 120 minutes on alternating days.  One scrimmage is allowed with another school.

Week 4 through remainder of season - 90 minutes of full-speed contact practice is allowed each week.