The increasing use and evolving nature of performance technologies, as well as ongoing discussion by the membership and student-athletes, prompted the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports to develop Performance Technologies Recommendations: Responsible Use in Collegiate Athletics. The guidance provides evidence- and consensus-based recommendations to member schools on the responsible use of performance technologies in collegiate athletics in the form of foundational statements, recommendation statements and strategy statements.

Having awareness of and implementing recommendations for the responsible use of performance technologies can support and promote NCAA student-athlete mental and physical health, safety and performance. A summary of the recommendations is below.

1. Policy

It is recommended that schools establish a written plan that addresses the responsible use of performance technologies. Having a written plan for the responsible use of performance technologies can help establish common standards and procedures, increase transparency and address school-specific needs and resources. 

2. Education

It is recommended that schools routinely provide education about the responsible use of performance technologies to those involved with their use. Education is foundational for informed consent and it aids in ensuring schools use performance technologies in a way that maximizes benefits and minimizes harm to student-athletes.

3. Data Management

It is recommended that schools establish who owns data from performance technologies, where and how data is stored, who has the authority to access data and how data is permitted to be used. Performance technologies have different use-case scenarios and produce different types of data and the interpretation and communication of data may benefit from a multi-disciplinary approach. Schools may consider using existing campus resources for data management in collaboration with legal and risk-management personnel. 

4. Selecting and Implementing New Technologies

It is recommended that schools establish a structured process for making decisions about selecting and implementing new performance technologies. A structured process that considers how to use performance technologies in a way that maximizes benefits and minimizes harm is important to ensure student-athlete well-being is prioritized when a school makes decisions regarding use of performance technologies.

5. Continuous Improvement

It is recommended that schools routinely get feedback from those using performance technologies about how these technologies are being used and how they are working. This feedback can be used to inform changes to the school’s written plan to reflect current needs, available resources and evolving technological developments.