Navigating Cell Phone Bans In Schools: How to Keep Volt Training Running Smoothly

This article from the Volt Athletics team discusses:

How cell phone bans and restriction policies implemented in your school system won’t affect your programs training on Volt athletics.  Volt gives you multiple ways to keep training consistent even if phones aren’t present in the weight room.

• Clarify policies: Confirm if your school’s ban allows educational exceptions for Volt in the weight room.

• Shared devices: Use Volt’s Training Mode on a single tablet or laptop for group sessions.

• Printouts: Generate workouts from the coach platform when devices aren’t available.

• Plan ahead: Test alternatives early, communicate with athletes, and stay flexible as rules evolve.

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Across the country, states and school districts are implementing cell phone restriction policies during the school day. For athletic departments, PE programs, and strength coaches who rely on Volt to deliver training, this shift can feel like a big hurdle. But the good news? You’ve got options. With a little planning, your athletes can keep training consistently, even if their phones are out of reach.

Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Always confirm the specific policies that apply to your school or district.

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Step 1: Clarify the Restrictions

Not all cell phone policies are created equal. Some states or districts enforce “bell-to-bell” bans, meaning students can’t use their phones from the first to the last bell. Others allow exceptions for educational purposes, or may permit use before and after school hours, which often includes the weight room.

Pro tips:

• Talk with your school administration to fully understand the scope of the ban.

• Clarify whether using Volt in the weight room counts as an educational exception.

• If in doubt, ask for written guidance so you and your athletes are on the same page.

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Step 2: Use Training Mode on Shared Devices

If phones are restricted but tablets or laptops are allowed in the weight room, Volt’s Training Mode is your best friend.

With Training Mode, you can:

• Log in via the Volt for Coaches app or at app3.voltathletics.com with your coach account.

• Set up a single device that multiple athletes can use to complete their workouts.

• Keep the training session flowing smoothly without needing every athlete to have a phone in hand.

This option works especially well in team training environments where athletes move through stations or racks together.

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Step 3: Go Old School with Printouts

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Volt makes it easy to generate printouts of your team’s workouts directly from the coach platform. Athletes can take a paper copy with them, mark their progress, and turn it in at the end of the session. Athletes can also log their workouts after school as a homework assignment.

Check out this guide to learn more: How do I print my team’s workout?

Printouts are especially useful when:

• Devices aren’t available.

• You’re running a large group session.

• You need a reliable backup option in case of tech issues.

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Bonus Best Practices

• Plan ahead: Don’t wait until the first day of enforcement to figure out your approach. Try out Training Mode or printouts in advance.

• Communicate clearly: Let athletes know what tools they’ll be using to access Volt, and train them on the process.

• Stay flexible: Policies may evolve. Having multiple ways to deliver workouts ensures your program isn’t disrupted.

• Lean on your Volt CSM: Your Volt Customer Success Manager is here to help strategize around your unique setup.

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Keep Training Consistent

Cell phone bans don’t have to slow your athletes down. Whether it’s clarifying policy exceptions, starting to use Training Mode, or providing printed workouts, there are plenty of ways to keep Volt training alive and thriving in your program.

With the right plan in place, you can stay compliant with school rules AND keep your athletes on track toward their goals.

Bo Pearson, CSCS, is a Strength Coach Consultant at Volt Athletics. With an extensive background in sport performance and team operations, he has consulted with 800+ high school, college, and professional teams worldwide. Bo earned his BS in Exercise Science and Sport Psychology at Pacific Lutheran University, where he was a captain on the baseball team. He is also an Athletic Performance Coach at Force10 Performance. Follow Bo on Twitter @pearson_bronson.