NCAA rule change: USC, college athletes will get more time off

South Carolina students who play sports will soon see changes to their schedule, giving them up at least an additional 21 days away from athletics so they can study, pursue an internship, or get additional rest and recovery.

The changes result from a vote taken Friday at the annual NCAA Convention in Nashville, Tenn., by a group of fellow student representatives and administrators of the Autonomy Five conferences.

The purpose of the reforms is to enhance the student experience so these individuals can spend more time engaging in non-athletic activities on campus.

The changes, known as “Flex 21” will give these students, in most cases, at least an additional 21 days in which they are free from required athletic activities during the academic year. Flex 21 days are in addition to current rules related to time off.

The proposal includes flexibility so coaches, students and athletic directors can develop a student-athlete time management plan that best suits each sport.

This story was originally published January 20, 2017 at 3:13 PM with the headline "NCAA rule change: USC, college athletes will get more time off."