CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A proposal to extend year-round high school coaching access around the state is set for an official vote from the West Virginia state board of education on Thursday, July 9.
Proposal 127-3-7.2 School-organized out-of-season practices or related activities shall be permitted with principal approval during the year, with the exception of 2 “Dead Periods” per sport, and Saturdays or Sundays.
These periods are during week 52 (Fourth of July week) and one week before the opening of each specific sports season. During the Dead Periods, there will be no coaching, observing, practice, open facilities, leagues, or school sponsored clinics or camps.
The sessions each day should not exceed two hours in length. Participation by students must be open to all students, voluntary, and not required directly or indirectly for membership on a school team. Participation of students during these practices does not meet practice rule 127-2-13.4
1) Saturday or Sunday activities that are part of a camp or league shall be permitted with principal approval.
2) The use of protective equipment, pads, shields or blocking dummies is not permitted during these workouts. Helmets can be used for safety purposes during 7-on-7 competitions or leagues.
The proposal underwent a 30-day public comment period that ended last month, and appeared in the board’s agenda for a vote at its upcoming meeting.
A proposal passed last year by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission would have expanded the practice period for the entire summer. However, the measure never made it on the state board of education’s agenda for a final approval. The new proposal narrowly passed by a 54-53 vote during the SSAC Board of Control meeting earlier this year, prompting the 30-day comment period.
Coaches currently have a three-week summer window in which to work with their athletes. Click here for the complete state board of education agenda.
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