The greatest risk of injury requiring surgery occurred early in spring practice and in the spring game. Schools that had two initial noncontact practices had a significantly lower injury rate than those that did not. In the 1989-1990 season, Division II spring practices consisted of 12 noncontact practices. The injury rate associated with Division II spring practice that year was cut in half and was similar to that of fall practice. The following fall, the injury rate was only slightly higher than the previous average injury rate recorded for Division II fall practice.
Practices designated as noncontact still involve significant contact.
Although shoulder pads recently have been allowed in noncontact practices as a safety measure, the injury rate for these practices has not decreased. Reduce the number of contact days in spring practice from 10 to five. Better define the activities allowed in contact and noncontact practices to make them more consistent with their designation. While specific modifications for spring practice still need to be agreed upon, the dialogue ultimately is positive for student-athletes. The competitive-safeguards committee hopes that this continuing discussion will lead to productive, safer spring football practices.