Athlete safety is becoming a primary concern in the sports realm, and a new rule in Georgia will make sure it remains important during football season.

Last Monday, the Georgia High School Association executive committee unanimously voted to shorten the amount of time a football team in Georgia can practice full contact hitting during the week.

The new rule goes into effect this fall. It will limit teams to no more than 45 minutes of contact practice per day and no more than 135 minutes per week during spring practice and the preseason. Teams cannot practice full-contact drills over three consecutive days.

During the regular season and postseason, the time for contact drills is reduced to 30 minutes per day and 90 minutes per week. A detailed practice plan must be kept by coaches for each day.

Schools who are found to be violation the rules will be fined anywhere between $500 to $2,500. A second offense results in  probation and a ban during the postseason