Policy: More than a Mandate

The Foundation of Policy: Why NCAA Bylaw 2.2.3 Is More Than a Mandate

The Line That Should Guide Every Decision

NCAA Bylaw 2.2.3 Health and Safety. It is the responsibility of each member institution to protect the health of, and provide a safe environment for, each of its participating student-athletes

This single sentence isn’t just a rule, it’s a compass. It’s the foundation upon which every sports medicine policy, emergency protocol, and institutional decision should be built.

From Policy to Practice: The Institutional Gap

In my decades of experience—from Olympic-level athlete care to leading collegiate sports medicine programs—I’ve seen firsthand how institutions struggle to translate this bylaw into operational reality. The gaps are clear:

•             Medical autonomy is undermined by coach influence and lack of coaching staff policy awareness

•             Emergency action plans exist on paper but not in practice

•             Assumptions of staff readiness and student athlete responsibilities

•             Risk management is siloed from sports medicine leadership

These deficiencies elevate risk exposure.

Reframing the Bylaw: A Governance-First Approach

NCAA Bylaw 2.2.3 demands more than good intentions. It requires a governance model that embeds athlete health into the conversation of institutional operations.

That’s why I advocate for:

•             Medical Autonomy Protocols: Policies that protect independent decision-making by athletic trainers and physicians activated with coach and administration education

•             Integrated Risk Dashboards: Systems that connect sports medicine to institutional compliance and legal oversight

•             Emergency Action Standardization: Sport-specific, venue specific, rehearsed protocols

•             Stakeholder Education: Training coaches, ADs, and staff on their role in student athlete safety

Why This Matters Now

With increasing discussions on athlete welfare, mental health, and institutional accountability, the stakes have never been higher. Bylaw 2.2.3 isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a leadership opportunity. Institutions that embrace it will not only protect their student athletes, but they’ll also elevate their reputation and brand, reduce liability, and lead the national conversation on collegiate healthcare.

Through Reiff Executive Performance Solutions, I’m helping athletic departments move from policy awareness to policy excellence. Whether it’s building audit-ready compliance checklists, training staff on medical autonomy, or designing integrated governance models, I’m here to ensure Bylaw 2.2.3 is more than a footnote. It’s a foundation.