The major changes include the addition of a dead period during the school year and a cutback on the use of open facilities. "We want to restore a better balance for our athletes, coaches, and their families," says TSSAA Executive Director Ronnie Carter. "There is too much pressure on our kids right now. We're also seeing coaches burn out in their 30s, and schools are having trouble finding replacements because not many people want to give up the rest of their lives to take over a team."

Tennessee already has a two-week summer dead period, but the TSSAA has added six more dead weeks during the school year for each sport (although football will only have three extra weeks). Carter says that's more time off than required by most other states, but necessary to give athletes and coaches a break.

The TSSAA is also mandating that spring sports not use school facilities in the fall semester until Jan. 1. Carter says many fall softball and baseball league teams have the same rosters as high school teams--the only difference being that a parent would take over for the high school coach.

Other changes the TSSAA approved are:

• A limit of 15 practice days for fall and winter sports over the summer. Previously, there was no limit.

• A 10 percent reduction in the number of contest dates for every sport except football, soccer, and volleyball.

• The elimination of spring practice for basketball. Previously, 10 days of spring practice were allowed.

• The addition of a 50 percent rule for basketball, baseball, and softball (no more than three athletes in basketball and five in baseball and softball may play on the same team during the summer off-season).

• A limit of four preseason scrimmages in each sport. Previously, there was no limit.