Effective August 1, 2008 at least one individual employed by the institution (including part time, volunteer or graduate assistant coaches, but not including student employees who are not members of the athletics training staff) certified in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external defibrillator (AED) use and familiar with the institution's emergency plan activation policies shall be present at each athletically related activity involving student-athletes.

Prior to this new legislation only the Athletic Trainer was required to be certified for practices and competitive events. Under the new guidelines more people must be trained. Now the requirement is for a greater range of activities.

An individual certified in first aid, CPR and AED must be present at any athletically related activity that is physical in nature and required by the institution (e.g., practice, competition, strength and conditioning training, weightlifting sessions).

This will also effect the non contact sports as well. An individual certified in first aid, CPR and AED must be present in practice situations like cross country runners practicing on a road course, rowers on the water or golfers on the golf course?

An individual must be present on site at each required athletically related activity to ensure adequate health and safety monitoring is being provided. Planned access to a qualified individual, such as a certified individual three to five minutes away from the court or field would not satisfy the intent. If a team splits its members into more than one group in order to conduct separate practice and conditioning activities in separate facilities, an individual employed by the institution and certified in first aid, CPR and AED must be present at each group's activities. The proposal's intent is to have certified individuals present at each athletically related activity site to ensure adequate presence for all student-athletes. It is not permissible for one person to split time between two different group‟s activities. The certified individual must be present the entire time the physical athletically related activity is conducted. For example, any practice should not start until the certified individual is present.

I commend the NCAA for doing this. They are creating a safer enviroment for all student athletes under all circumstances.  Kudos to the NCAA!