Freshmen can work with strength coaches

The NCAA has changed its rules to give incoming freshmen players more access to the strength and conditioning coach. The move comes on the heels of a pair of training-related deaths prior to the 2001 season. The new rule is thought of as a no-brainer by most coaches because of the disadvantages freshmen can sometimes face going against upperclassmen who have been working out all summer according to the school’s program. Under the new rule, as long as an incoming freshman is enrolled in summer school, the player is allowed to train with the team’s strength and conditioning coach. The rule is advantageous for both player and school. Previously, incoming freshmen would work out in “unofficial” workouts with upperclassmen from the team. Strength and conditioning coaches have long contended that these workouts don’t adequately prepare incoming freshmen for the rigors of the