In an unprecedented move at the college ranks, the Ivy League has greatly reduced the number of full-contact practices each team can hold. The main goal is to limit the number of head injuries that are commonplace in the sport.

Recently, a number of studies have been done on the effects of the head impact made when tackling, and how it affects brain function. Researchers from Brown University and Virginia Tech recently conducted a study on this issue.

The in-season limitations were the most dramatic change, with a 60 percent decrease in the amount of full-contact practices teams are allowed. Spring practices were also reduced by 12 percent from the previous Ivy League maximum.

In addition to these reductions, the league has also reduced the number of times pads can be worn during preseason two-a-days from two to one.

Despite the rule change, coaches and players throughout the league say that there should be little to no change in their practice schedules.

Princeton coach Bob Surace spoke with ESPN on the issue, explaining that the rule change is very similar to the practice schedule they previously went by.

Lions Quarterback Sean Brackett reiterated this sentiment: “our practices…they go with the rules already, because that’s what we’ve done in the past, so I’m not sure if that’s really going to change anything with our preparation going into the season,” Brackett said.

Brackett continued to say that the 60 percent in-season change shouldn’t change things too much.

The reactions around the league have been overwhelmingly positive, and the consensus amongst league officials is that the rest of NCAA will follow suit in the near future.

To read more about the rule change, follow this link.