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The NCAA announced its decision to stop testing Division I athletes for cannabis products before championships. This decision follows a vote by the Division I Council, which concluded that cannabis doesn’t offer a competitive edge in sports. Current penalties for athletes who tested positive for cannabinoids will be lifted. Historically, the NCAA conducted random cannabis tests primarily before major events like bowl games, but performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) testing will continue.
A notable shift involves the NCAA allowing all Division I football coaching staff members to instruct players during games and practices. Previously, only head coaches and ten assistants held this authority. Teams often circumvented this restriction by creating analyst or quality-control positions. Now, these staff members can coach players directly during games and practices, though recruitment limits for off-campus activities remain.
Josh Whitman, University of Illinois athletic director, highlighted the NCAA’s intent to prioritize student-athlete health and skill development. By removing limitations on coaching during games and maintaining recruitment caps, the NCAA aims to enhance on-field performance while ensuring competitive balance.
