LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS FORWARDED AFTER
SECOND REVIEW
FROM
THE APRIL 10-11, 2006, NCAA MANAGEMENT COUNCIL MEETING
2005-49-B ELIGIBILITY --
PROGRESS TOWARD DEGREE -- NONTRADITIONAL COURSES
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: To permit the use of up to six semester or nine quarter credits
of nontraditional courses (e.g., distance-learning, correspondence, extension
and credit-by-examination courses) per year completed at an institution other
than a student-athlete's certifying institution to meet 24/36 credit-hour
and/or percentage-of-degree requirements, provided the courses satisfy the
current legislation on distance-learning courses, receive prior approval by the
appropriate academic officials from the certifying institution and are accepted
by the certifying institution for degree credit.
A. Bylaws: Amend 14.4.3.4.5, page 169, as follows:
"14.4.3.4.5 Correspondence and Extension Nontraditional
Coursed from Another Institution. Nontraditional courses (e.g.,
distance-learning, Ccorrespondence, extension and
credit-by-examination courses) taken from an institution other than the one in
which a student-athlete is enrolled as a full-time student shall not may
only be used in determining a student's academic standing or progress
toward degree by a student-athlete to fulfill the 24-semester/36-quarter
hour requirement [see Bylaw 14.4.3.1-(a)] and the percentage-of-degree
requirement (see Bylaw 14.4.3.2), provided the following conditions are met:
"(a) Evaluation of student's work is conducted by
the appropriate academic authorities in accordance with the institution's
established academic policies;
"(b) The course is available to any student at the
certifying institution and is reflected on the certifying institution's
transcript;
"(c) Prior approval by the appropriate academic
officials of the certifying institution and the courses are accepted for degree
credit by the certifying institution; and
"(d) The credits used from such courses shall not
exceed six semester or nine quarter hours per academic year (including summer).
[14.4.3.4.5.1 unchanged.]
"14.4.3.4.5.2 Centralized Correspondence-Course
Exception. In a state that centralizes the offering of correspondence courses
through one state institution, a student enrolled in another of the state's
institutions may use a correspondence course from the institution authorized to
offer such courses in determining the student's academic standing or progress
toward degree."
B. Bylaws: Amend 14.4.3.4.5, page 163, as follows:
"14.4.3.4.5 Correspondence and Extension Nontraditional
Courses from Another Institution. Nontraditional courses (e.g.,
distance-learning, Ccorrespondence, extension and
credit-by-examination Nontraditional courses) taken from an institution
other than the one in which a student-athlete is enrolled as a full-time
student shall not may only be used in determining a student's
academic standing or progress toward degree by a student-athlete
to fulfill the applicable percentage-of-degree requirements (see Bylaw
14.4.3.2), provided the following conditions are met:
"(a) Evaluation of student's work is conducted by
the appropriate academic authorities in accordance with the institution's
established academic policies;
"(b) The course is available to any student at the
certifying institution and is reflected on the certifying institution's
transcript;
"(c) Prior approval by the appropriate academic
officials of the certifying institution is obtained and the courses are
accepted for degree credit by the certifying institution; and
"(d) The credits used from such courses shall not
exceed six semester or nine quarter hours per academic year (including summer).
[14.4.3.4.5.1 unchanged.]
"14.4.3.4.5.2 Centralized Correspondence-Course
Exception. In a state that centralizes the offering of correspondence courses
through one state institution, a student enrolled in another of the state's
institutions may use a correspondence course from the institution authorized to
offer such courses in determining the student's academic standing or progress
toward degree."
C. Bylaws: Amend 14.4.3.4.10, page 170, as follows:
"14.4.3.4.10 Distance-Learning Courses at
Certifying Institution. Credit hours earned via distance learning may be
used to meet all progress-toward-degree requirements provided:"
[Remainder of 14.4.3.4.10 unchanged.]
D. Bylaws: Amend 14.4.3.4.11, page 164, as follows:
"14.4.3.4.11 Distance-Learning Courses at
Certifying Institution. Credit hours earned via distance learning may be
used to meet all progress toward degree requirements provided:"
[Remainder of 14.4.3.4.11 unchanged.]
Source: NCAA Division I
Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Continuing
Eligibility) (Big Ten Conference).
Effective Date:
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Eligibility
Rationale: A student-athlete should be permitted to use nontraditional
courses that are accepted by the institution and satisfy graduation
requirements for all students. Further, this proposal will eliminate the need
for institutions to determine whether these hours are earned during a
particular term or during the regular academic year. Because the annual and
term credit-hour requirements are intended to ensure that a student-athlete is
earning academic credit during the regular academic year at the certifying
institution, such courses cannot be used to satisfy the 18/27 and six
credit-hour requirements. This proposal will not change the current legislation
for nontraditional courses completed at the certifying institution.
Estimated Budget Impact: None.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.
Position Statement(s)
Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet: The cabinet unanimously supports Proposal No. 2005-49-B.
2005-109 ELIGIBILITY --
TRANSFER -- ONE-TIME TRANSFER EXCEPTION -- DIVISION I-AA FOOTBALL
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: To specify that a football student-athlete who transfers from a
Division I-A institution to a Division I-AA institution may qualify for the
one-time transfer exception only if the student-athlete has two or more seasons
of competition remaining.
Bylaws: Amend 14.5.5.2.10, page 179, as follows:
[Division I-AA Only]
"14.5.5.2.10 One-Time Transfer Exception. The student transfers to the certifying institution
from another four-year collegiate institution, and all of the following
conditions are met (for graduate students, see also Bylaw 14.1.9.1):
"(a) The student is a participant in a sport other
than basketball, Division I-A football or men's ice hockey at the institution
to which the student is transferring. A participant in Division I-AA football
at the institution to which the student is transferring may utilize this
exception only if the participant transferred to the certifying institution
from an institution that sponsors Division I-A football and has two or more
seasons of competition remaining in football or the participant transfers
from a Division I-AA institution that offers athletically related financial aid
in the sport of football to a Division I-AA institution that does not offer
athletically related financial aid in football;"
[14.5.5.2.10-(b) through 14.5.5.2.10-(d) unchanged.]
Source: NCAA Division I Management Council [Football Issues
Committee (
Effective Date:
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Eligibility
Rationale: Under current legislation, a football student-athlete at a
Division I-A institution who satisfies the requirements of the one-time
transfer exception may transfer to a Division I-AA institution and compete
immediately regardless of the number of seasons of competition the
student-athlete has remaining in football. Consequently, a student-athlete who
has only an athletic interest in attending a Division I-AA institution may
transfer to the Division I-AA institution for his final season of football
competition and, on completion of that season of competition, return to the
Division I-A institution from which he transferred in order to complete his
academic requirements and graduate. The result has been the creation of a
"market" of Division I-A football transfers for those Division I-AA
institutions seeking immediate assistance in achieving athletic success in
football. This proposal will require a football student-athlete at a Division
I-A institution who transfers to a Division I-AA institution to demonstrate
both an academic as well as an athletic commitment to the Division I-AA
institution to which he transfers by having at least two seasons of competition
remaining in football in order to qualify for the exception.
Estimated Budget Impact: None.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.
Position Statement(s)
Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet: The cabinet opposes Proposal
No. 2005-109. The cabinet believes there is no compelling reason to create an
additional transfer restriction in Division I-AA football.
Football Issues Committee: The I-AA members of the committee expressed
support for a proposal to require I-AA transfer student-athletes using the
one-time transfer exception to have two or more seasons of competition
remaining upon transfer. The committee noted that this proposal impedes the use
of "hired guns" from I-A institutions for one year, many of whom do
not earn their degrees at the I-AA institutions. The committee was not
supportive, however, of the portion of the proposal which would permit football
student-athletes to use the one-time transfer exception when transferring from
a I-AA institution that provides athletics aid to a I-AA institution that does
not provide athletics aid, noting that many nonscholarship I-AA institutions
are very competitive and would gain a competitive advantage under such
circumstances.
2003-24 FINANCIAL AID -- TERMS AND CONDITIONS -- PERIOD OF AWARD
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: To require an institution to award athletically related
financial aid for a period of one academic year, except as specified; further,
to require an institution to offer full year awards in equal amounts for each
term of the academic year.
Bylaws: Amend 15.3.3.1, pages 207-208, as follows:
"15.3.3.1 One-Year Limit Period. Where
a student's athletics ability is considered in any degree in awarding financial
aid, such aid shall not neither be awarded for a period in
excess of one academic year nor for a period of less than one academic year
(see Bylaw 15.01.5).
"15.3.3.1.1 Exceptions. An institution may award
athletically related financial aid to a student-athlete for a period of less
than one academic year only under the following circumstances:
"(a) Midyear enrollment. A student athlete who
initially enrolls as a full-time student at the certifying institution at
midyear (e.g., the beginning of the second semester or second or third quarter
of an academic year) may receive a financial aid award for the remainder of
that academic year.
"(b) Final Semester/Quarter. A student-athlete may
receive athletically related financial aid for less than one academic year,
provided the student is in the final semester or final two quarters his or her
degree program and the institution certifies that the student is carrying (for
credit) the courses necessary to complete the degree requirements.
"(c) One-time exception. One time during a
student-athlete's enrollment at the certifying institution he or she may be
awarded athletics aid for less than a full academic year, provided the
student-athlete has not previously received athletically related financial aid
from the certifying institution.
[15.3.3.1.1 and 15.3.3.1.2 renumbered as 15.3.3.1.2 and
15.3.3.1.3, unchanged.]
"15.3.3.2 Regular Term Academic Year vs.
Summer Term. An institution may award financial aid to a student-athlete for an
academic year or, pursuant to the exceptions set forth in Bylaw
15.3.3.1.1, part thereof. An institution also may award financial aid for a
summer term or summer-orientation period, provided the conditions of Bylaw
15.2.7 have been met. Such financial aid shall be awarded (as set forth in
the written statement per Bylaw 15.3.2.3) in equal amounts for each term of the
academic year."
[15.3.3.2.1 unchanged.]
Source: NCAA Division I Management Council
[Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Financial Aid)
(Committee on Academic Performance)].
Effective Date:
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Financial Aid
Rationale: Under current legislation, there is no requirement that an
institution notify student-athletes of its decision to reduce or not renew aid
for winter or spring terms when athletics aid is awarded on a term-by-term
basis. The Subcommittee on Financial Aid considered establishing mid-year
notice requirements for aid awarded on a term-by-term basis, but believed that
due to academic calendars, appropriate notice to student-athletes and an appeal
hearing may not occur on a schedule such that a student-athlete would be able
to make an informed decision regarding enrollment in the subsequent term. The
proposal includes an exception to address the use of a term-by-term award to
re-award aid previously provided to a student-athlete who discontinues
enrollment after midyear graduation. Institutions would have the option to
award the remaining aid to a student-athlete who has not previously received
athletics aid. Further, the proposal recognizing the need for flexibility when
an institution may have unused athletics aid available. Awards provided
pursuant to the proposed exceptions are subject to all other regulations
regarding the provision of athletics aid (e.g., subject to renewal notification
requirements, within institutional team limits, etc.). Existing regulations
will continue to allow institutions to reduce or cancel athletics aid during
the term of an award. Moreover, this proposal will eliminate the practice of
attaching athletic performance to the offer or amount of aid in a subsequent
term of an academic year. Finally, the Committee on Academic Performance has
expressed support for the elimination of term-by-term awards of athletically
related financial aid. This proposal is consistent with the intent of the
Academic Performance Program, in that it would prevent an institution from
diminishing the impact of contemporaneous penalties by offering term-by-term
financial aid awards.
Estimated Budget Impact: Possible increase in financial aid costs.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.
Position Statement(s)
Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet: The cabinet unanimously agreed
to revise the proposal to include two additional exceptions to the proposed
prohibition on term-by-term financial aid awards. The first exception permits
an institution to award the balance of an athletics scholarship initially
awarded to student-athlete who graduates midyear and leaves the institution to
another student-athlete(s) for less than a full-academic year provided the recipient
receiving the remaining aid has not previously received athletics aid from the
certifying institution. The second exception specifies that one time during a
student-athlete's enrollment at the institution, the institution may award that
student-athlete athletics aid for less than a full-academic year provided the
recipient has not previously received such aid from the certifying institution.
Awards provided pursuant to the proposed exceptions are subject to all other
regulations regarding the provision of athletics aid (e.g., subject to renewal
notification requirements, within institutional team limits, etc.).
Committee on Academic Performance: The committee reviewed Proposal No.
2003-24 and supports the proposal. The group believes the proposal is
consistent with the intent of the APP, in that it would prevent institutions
from diminishing the impact of contemporaneous penalties by offering
term-by-term financial aid awards. The committee also supports amending the
proposal to exempt student-athletes who the institution can document are in the
last semester of enrollment prior to graduation.
2005-48 FINANCIAL AID --
ELEMENTS OF FINANCIAL AID -- DETERMINATION OF OFF-CAMPUS ROOM AND BOARD COSTS
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: To permit an institution to calculate off-campus room and board
costs based on its policies and procedures for calculating the cost of
attendance for all students.
Bylaws: Amend 15.2.2.1, pages 201-202, as follows:
"15.2.2.1 Off-Campus Room and Board Stipend. If a
student-athlete lives and eats in noninstitutional facilities, the institution
may pay the student-athlete an amount equal to the institution's official
on-campus room allowance as listed in its catalog, or the average of the
room costs of all of its students living on campus or the cost of room as
calculated based on its policies and procedures for calculating the cost of
attendance for all students. The institution also may pay the
student-athlete an amount that is equivalent to an on-campus 7-day or 21-meal
board plan or the cost of meals as calculated based on its policies and
procedures for calculating the cost of attendance for all students,
excluding those meals provided as part of the training table. Meals provided on
the training table shall be deducted at the regular cost figure from such a
student-athlete's board allowance.
"15.2.2.1.1 Determination of Off-Campus Room Costs.
An institution with several official on-campus room rates listed in its catalog
must may use the average of the room cost for all students living
on campus (based on a weighted average for all students who reside in on-campus
facilities) or the cost of room as calculated based on its policies and
procedures for calculating the cost of attendance for all students.
"15.2.2.1.2 Determination of Off-Campus Board Costs.
An institution with several on-campus board plans (e.g., 5-day, 7-day, 14-meal,
17-meal or 21-meal plans) may provide a student-athlete living in
noninstitutional facilities with the equivalent of a 7-day or 21-meal plan at
that institution or the cost of meals as calculated based on its policies
and procedures for calculating the cost of attendance for all students.
[15.2.2.1.3 through 15.2.2.1.4 unchanged.]
"15.2.2.1.5 Cost-Free Apartment. It is permissible for
the institution to arrange for a cost-free, off-campus apartment rather than to
give a student-athlete an amount equal to the institution's official room
allowance (as listed in its catalog) or the cost of a room as calculated
based on its policies and procedures for calculating the cost of attendance for
all students, provided the apartment is not rented by the institution at a
reduced rate. However, if the actual rental rate is more than the institutional
room allowance, the student-athlete shall pay the additional amount from the
student-athlete's own resources."
[15.2.2.1.6 through 15.2.2.1.7 unchanged.]
Source: NCAA Division I Management Council
[Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Financial Aid)].
Effective Date:
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Financial Aid
Rationale: Currently, to determine the off-campus room costs for
student-athletes, an institution must use either its official on-campus room
allowance or the average of the room costs for all students living on campus
(based on a weighted average for all students who reside in on-campus
facilities). To determine off-campus board costs, the institution may provide a
student-athlete who eats in noninstitutional facilities with the equivalent of
a 7-day or 21-meal plan at that institution. This proposal allows an
institution to continue to use the current methods or to use the calculation
for the cost of attendance figure for students generally. In instances in which
off-campus room and board costs may be higher than on-campus costs, this
proposal will allow flexibility to alleviate the room and board financial
burden of student-athletes who reside off campus.
Estimated Budget Impact: Varies by institution and may increase amount
of off-campus room and board awarded by the institution.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.
2005-77-B PERSONNEL -- COACHING LIMITATIONS -- SPORTS OTHER THAN
FOOTBALL -- RECRUITING FUNCTIONS
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: In sports other than football, to specify that all recruiting
coordination functions shall be performed by head or assistant coaches.
A. Bylaws: Amend 11.7.1, page 60, as follows:
"11.7.1 General Provisions Applicable to All Sports
with Numerical Coaching Limits
[11.7.1.1 through 11.7.1.1.1 unchanged.]
11.7.1.1.1.1 Noncoaching Activities. Institutional staff
members involved in noncoaching activities (e.g., administrative assistants, recruiting
coordinators in sports other than football, academic counselors) do not
count in the institution's coaching limitations, provided such individuals are
not identified as coaches, do not engage in any on- or off-field coaching
activities (e.g., attending meetings involving coaching activities, analyzing
videotape or film involving the institution's or an opponent's team), and are
not involved in any off-campus recruitment of prospects or scouting of
opponents.
[11.7.1.1.1.2 through 11.7.1.1.2 unchanged.]
"11.7.1.2 Recruiting Coordination Functions. All
recruiting coordination functions (except routine clerical tasks) must be
performed by the head coach or one or more of the full-time assistant coaches.
Such functions include:
"(a) Activities involving athletics evaluation
and/or selection of prospects.
"(b) Telephone calls to prospects (or prospects'
parents or legal guardians or the prospect's coach).
"(c) Preparation of general recruiting
correspondence to prospects (or prospects' parent or legal guardians).
"11.7.1.2.1 Division I-A Football
Graduate-Assistant Coach Exception. In Division I-A football, a
graduate-assistant coach may perform the functions set forth in Bylaw
11.7.1.2-(a) on campus only (if the coach has successfully completed the
coaches certification examination per Bylaw 11.5.1.1) and 11.7.1.2-(b), but not
those functions set forth in Bylaw 11.7.1.2-(c). [See also 11.01.3-(g)]"
B. Bylaws: Amend 11.7.2.3, page 61, as follows:
"11.7.2.3 Football Recruiting Coordination
Functions. All football recruiting coordination functions (except routine
clerical tasks) must be performed by the head coach or one or more of the
full-time assistant coaches. Such functions include:
"(a) Activities involving athletics evaluation
and/or selection of prospects.
"(b) Telephone calls to prospects (or prospects?
parents or legal guardians or the prospects' coach).
"(c) Preparation of general recruiting
correspondence to prospects (or prospects? parents or legal guardians).
"11.7.2.3.1 Graduate-Assistant Coach Exception. A
graduate-assistant coach may perform the functions set forth in Bylaw
11.7.2.3-(a) on campus only (if the coach has successfully completed the
coaches certification examination per Bylaws 11.5.1.1) and 117.2.3.-(b), but
not those functions set forth in Bylaw 11.7.2.3-(c). [See also 11.01.3-(g)]"
C. Bylaws: Amend 11.7.3.3, page 62, as follows:
"11.7.3.3 Football Recruiting Coordination
Functions. All football recruiting coordination functions (except routine
clerical tasks) must be performed by the head coach or one or more of the
full-time assistant coaches. Such functions include:
"(a) Activities involving athletics evaluation
and/or selection of prospects.
"(b) Telephone calls to prospects (or prospects'
parents or legal guardians or the prospects' high-school coach).
"(c) Preparation of general recruiting
correspondence to prospects (or prospects' parents or legal guardians)."
Source: NCAA Division I Management Council
(Pacific-10 Conference).
Effective Date:
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Coaching Limitations/Personnel
Rationale: This proposal would require that all recruiting coordinating
functions be performed by head or assistant coaches and would not permit
volunteer coaches to engage in recruiting coordination functions.
Estimated Budget Impact: None.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.
2005-125 PLAYING AND
PRACTICE SEASONS -- GENERAL PLAYING SEASON REGULATIONS -- REQUIRED DAY OFF --
BASKETBALL EXCEPTION
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: In basketball, to provide an exception to the required day off
when the institution participates in three contests in a given week, provided
the student-athletes do not engage in any countable athletically related
activities for two days during either the preceding week or the following week.
Bylaws: Amend 17.1.5.4 by adding new 17.1.5.4.7, page 244, as follows:
"17.1.5.4.7 Exception -- Basketball. If an
institution's team participates in three contests in a given week, an
institution is not subject to the one-day-off-per-week requirement, provided
the student-athletes do not engage in any countable athletically related
activities for two days during either the preceding or the following week."
Source: NCAA Division I Management Council
[Championships/Competition Cabinet (Women's Basketball Issues Committee) (Men's
Basketball Issues Committee) (Big 12 Conference)].
Effective Date:
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Playing and Practice Seasons
Rationale: A team that takes its required day off during the week it is
scheduled to compete in three contests is only left with one day to prepare for
the next opponent. In many instances, a three-contest week is the result of
conference scheduling to uphold a network television commitment to provide
games for a particular time slot. This conference obligation should not limit
the individual institution's ability to prepare for each contest.
Estimated Budget Impact: None.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.
Position Statement(s)
Championships/Competition Cabinet: Based on a recommendation from the
Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee, the cabinet agreed to support the
proposal as written. The cabinet noted that the NCAA Division I Men's
Basketball Issues Committee also supported the proposal and agreed with its
recommendation to have the sponsors consider allowing the institution to take
two days off in either the week preceding or the week following the week in
which the basketball team plays three contests.
Men's Basketball Issues Committee: The committee supported the more
flexible approach provided by the proposal to deal with situations in which an
institution may play three contests in a given week, but suggested that
consideration be given to allowing the institution to take two days off in
either the week preceding or following the week in which the basketball team
plays three contests.
Women's Basketball Issues Committee: The Women's Basketball Issues
Committee supports this proposal as a logical way to help grow women's
basketball by allowing more opportunities and flexibility for television
coverage, while at the same time being attentive to the student-athletes' need
for days off during the playing season. The committee noted the conference may
want to consider amending the proposal so that two days off could be taken
either the preceding or following week.
2005-128 PLAYING AND
PRACTICE SEASONS -- NUMBER OF CONTESTS -- DIVISION I-AA FOOTBALL
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: In Division I-AA football, to permit an institution to compete
annually in 12 regular-season contests.
Bylaws: Amend 17.11.5.1, page 270, as follows:
[Division I-AA only]
"17.11.5.1 Maximum Limitations -- Institutional. In
Divisions I-A and I-AA, a member institution shall limit its total
regular-season playing schedule with outside competition during the permissible
football playing season in any one year to 12 contests (games or scrimmages),
except as provided for member institutions located in Alaska and Hawaii, under
Bylaw 17.30.2, and except as provided for all members under Bylaw 17.11.5.2. In
Divisions I-AA, a member institution shall limit its total regular-season
playing schedule with outside competition during the permissible football
playing season in any one year to 11 contests (games or scrimmages), except as
provided for member institutions located in Alaska and Hawaii, under Bylaw
17.30.2, and except as provided for all members under Bylaw 17.11.5.2. Twelve
football contests shall be permissible during those years in which there are 14
Saturdays from the first permissible playing date through the last playing date
in November (2008, 2013, 2014 and 2019).
[17.11.5.1.1 unchanged.]
"17.11.5.1.2 Maximum Limitations -- Student-Athlete.
In Division I-A football, an individual student-athlete
may participate in each academic year in not more than 12 football contests. In
Division I-AA, and individual student-athlete may participate in each academic
year in not more than 11 football contests, except that 12 football contests
shall be permissible during those years in which there are 14 Saturdays from
the first permissible playing date through the last playing date in November
(2008, 2013, 2014 and 2019). This limitation includes those contests in
which the student-athlete represents the institution in accordance with Bylaw
17.02.8, including competition as a member of the varsity, junior varsity or
freshman team of the institution."
Source: NCAA Division I Management Council
[Championships/Competition Cabinet (Football Issues Committee) (
Effective Date:
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Playing and Practice Seasons
Rationale: Currently, Division I-AA institutions must limit their
football regular-season playing schedule with outside competition to 11
contests some years and 12 contests in others, depending on the number of
Saturdays between the first and last permissible playing dates. Permitting
Division I-AA institutions to schedule 12 regular-season football games every
year allows for greater consistency and provides additional competitive
opportunities for football student-athletes at I-AA institutions. There would
be no increase in the length of the regular playing season by adding
permissible playing dates at either the start or the end of the current regular
season. If an institution chooses to add a twelfth game, the contest may be
scheduled only on what otherwise would have been a "bye" date.
Additionally, NCAA research regarding Division I football injury rates for
seasons in which 12 football contests were permitted suggests that the rates in
those seasons were in the same range as the rates in previous 11-game seasons.
Estimated Budget Impact: Varied with a potential positive impact on
revenue generated.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.
Position Statement(s)
Championships/Competition Cabinet: Based on a recommendation from the
Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee, the cabinet agreed to support the
proposal as written.
2005-131-B PLAYING AND
PRACTICE SEASONS -- OUT OF SEASON ACTIVITIES -- HOURS OF SKILL INSTRUCTION,
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS AND EXAM PERIOD LIMITATION -- SPORTS OTHER THAN FOOTBALL
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: In sports other than football, to specify that all athletically
related activities outside the playing season are prohibited one week prior to
the beginning of the final examination period through the conclusion of each
student-athlete's final exams; further, to specify that more than four
student-athletes from the same team may be involved in skill-related
instruction with their coaches from September 15 through April 15 and that no
more than four student-athletes from the same team may be involved in
skill-related instruction with their coaches at any one time in any facility
during the remainder of the academic year. In women's basketball, to specify
that not more than two hours per week may be spent on skill-related instruction
outside the playing season.
A. Bylaws: Amend 17.1.5.2, pages 242-243, as follows:
"17.1.5.2 Weekly Hour Limitations -- Outside the
Playing Season
"(a) Sports other than football and basketball.
Outside of the playing season during the academic year, from the
institution's first day of classes of the academic year or September 15,
whichever occurs earlier, to one week prior to the beginning of the
institution's final examination period at the conclusion of the academic year, only
a student-athlete's participation in required weight training, conditioning and
individual skill instruction shall be permitted. A student-athlete's
participation in such activities per Bylaw 17.02.1 shall be limited to a
maximum of eight hours per week with not more than two hours per week spent on
individual-skill workouts. All athletically related activities outside the
playing season are prohibited one week prior to the beginning of the final
examination period through the conclusion of each student-athlete's final exams.
[17.1.5.2-(b) through 17.1.5.2-(c) unchanged.]
"(d) Men's Basketball. Activities outside
the playing season during the academic year shall be conducted pursuant to
Bylaw 17.5.6.
"(e) Women's Basketball. In women's basketball,
outside the playing season during the academic year, only a student-athlete's
participation in required weight training, conditioning and skill instructions
shall be permitted. A student-athlete's participation in such activities per
Bylaw 17.02.1 shall be limited to a maximum of eight hours per week, of which
not more than four hours per week may be spent on skill-related instruction.
"17.1.5.2.1 Institutional Vacation and Summer Period.
"17.1.5.2.1.1 Sports Other Than Division I-AA
Football. In sports other than Division I-AA football, a student-athlete may
not participate in any countable athletically related activities outside the
playing and practice season during any institutional vacation period and/or
summer. Strength and conditioning coaches who are not countable coaches and who
perform such duties on a department-wide basis may design and conduct specific
workout programs for student-athletes, provided such workouts are voluntary and
conducted at the request of the student-athlete.
"17.1.5.2.1.1.1 Exception -- September 15 to First
Day of Classes -- Sports other than Football. In sports other than
football, required weight-training, conditioning and skill-related instruction
is permitted, pursuant to Bylaws 17.1.5.2 and 17.1.5.2.2, during an
institution's summer vacation period from September 15 to the first day of
classes of the academic year.
[17.1.5.2.1.2 unchanged.]
"17.1.5.2.2 Skill Instruction -- Sports Other Than
Football and Basketball. Participation by student-athletes in individual
skill-related instruction in sports other than football and men's and
women's basketball is permitted outside the institution's declared
playing season, provided from the institution's first day of classes
of the academic year or September 15, whichever occurs earlier, to one week
prior to the beginning of the institution's final examination period at the
conclusion of the academic year [see Bylaw 17.1.5.2.-(a)]. More than four
student-athletes from the team may be involved in skill-related instruction
with their coaches from September 15 through April 15. Prior
to September 15 and after April 15, no more than four student-athletes from
the same team are may be involved in skill-related instruction
with their coach(es) at any one time in any facility.
"17.1.5.2.3 Skill Instruction -- Basketball. In
men's basketball, student-athletes and members of a coaching staff may engage
in countable athletically related activities outside the institution's playing
season as specified in Bylaw 17.5.6. In women's basketball, participation by
student-athletes in individual skill-related instruction is permitted outside
the institution's basketball season. More than four women's basketball
student-athletes from the team may be involved in skill-related instruction
with their coaches."
[17.1.5.2.4 renumbered as 17.1.5.2.3 unchanged.]
B. Bylaws: Amend 17.5.6, page 259, as follows:
"17.5.6 Out-of-Season Athletically Related
Activities. In women's basketball, student-athletes and members of the
coaching staff shall not engage in countable athletically related activities
outside the institution's playing season except as permitted in Bylaws 17.1.5.2
and 17.1.5.2.32. In men's basketball, student-athletes and
members of the coaching staff may engage in countable athletically related
activities outside the institution's playing season as follows:
"(a) A student-athlete is permitted to engage in a
maximum of eight hours of countable athletically related activities per week
outside of the playing season, during the academic year;
"(b) No more than two of the eight hours of
countable athletically related activities may be devoted to individual or team
skill related instruction;
"(c) There are no limitations on the number of
student-athletes who may be involved in individual or team skill related
instructional activities; and
"(d) All athletically related activities outside
the playing season are prohibited one week prior to the beginning of the final
examination period through the conclusion of each student-athlete's final
exams."
Source: NCAA Division I Management Council (Big Ten Conference).
Effective Date:
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Playing and Practice Seasons
Rationale: Current legislation allows an unlimited number of basketball
student-athletes to be involved in skill-related instruction. Since skill
instruction can occur only during an institution's academic year, this
essentially permits semester institutions to have on court sessions with the
entire team five to six weeks prior to the first permissible practice date.
This creates a competitive inequity for quarter institutions that generally
begin classes in late September. The timeframe in this proposal during which an
unlimited number of student-athletes can participate in skill instruction is a
compromise that addresses competitive equity and concerns of waiting until the
originally proposed October 1. The four student-athlete limit would apply to
skill instruction held prior to September 15 and after April 15. The rules for
sports other than football should be consistent in terms of the number of
student-athletes involved, the number of hours and the final exam provision. It
should be noted that the Championships/Competition Cabinet also supports skill
instruction to be limited to two hours.
Estimated Budget Impact: Additional expenses for institutions for which
the academic year begins after September 15.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: No change to the amount of time a
student-athlete may engage in countable athletically related activities outside
the playing season; however, the proposal would provide student-athletes with
more time during examination periods.
Position Statement(s)
Championships/Competition Cabinet: The cabinet supports the proposal as
written.
2005-137 PLAYING AND
PRACTICE SEASONS -- PRESEASON PRACTICE -- FIVE-DAY ACCLIMATIZATION PERIOD --
ACADEMIC ORIENTATION -- DIVISION I-A FOOTBALL
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: In Division I-A football, to permit an institution to conduct
the required academic orientation period any time prior to or during the
five-day acclimatization period when a student-athlete is enrolled in summer
classes or participating in summer conditioning activities prior to the
student-athlete's first season of football eligibility at the certifying institution.
Bylaws: Amend 17.11.2.3 by adding new 17.11.2.3-(a)-(1), page 274, as
follows:
[Federated provision, Division I-A only]
"17.11.2.3 Five-Day Acclimatization Period --
Divisions I-A and I-AA. In Divisions I-A and I-AA, preseason practice shall begin
with a five-day acclimatization period for both first-time participants (e.g.,
freshman and transfers) and continuing student-athletes. All student-athletes,
including walk-ons who arrive to preseason practice after the first day of
practice are required to undergo a five-day acclimatization period. The
five-day acclimatization period shall be conducted as follows:
"(a) Institutions may not conduct administrative
activities (e.g., team pictures, equipment issue, academic orientation, etc.,)
or conditioning, speed, strength, or agility tests on any day prior to the
start of the five-day acclimatization period. During the five-day
acclimatization period, the institution must establish an academic orientation
period for those student-athletes who are beginning their initial season of
eligibility for football practice at the institution. The orientation
activities may be conducted on more than one day during the five-day period,
but must be conducted for the equivalent of one day (no less than six hours).
"(1) Exception -- Academic Orientation Period --
Division I-A. In Division I-A, an institution may conduct the required academic
orientation period any time prior to or during the five-day acclimatization
period for student-athletes enrolled in summer classes or participating in
summer conditioning activities prior to the student-athlete's first season of
eligibility in football at the certifying institution."
[Remainder of 17.11.2.3 unchanged.]
Source: NCAA Division I Management Council [Football Issues Committee
(Big East Conference)].
Effective Date: Immediate
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Playing and Practice Seasons
Rationale: With institution's providing athletically related financial
aid for summer classes prior to initial enrollment and with the football summer
conditioning period legislation, it has become common practice in football for
incoming student-athletes to be on an institution's campus for the summer term.
By moving up the time period in which the academic orientation period may be
conducted, academic authorities on campus will have the opportunity to develop
academic orientation programs that best serve the needs of their
student-athlete population without the pressure of pre-season practice.
Student-athletes may then receive academic orientation material at a time when
they are in fact transitioning to campus.
Estimated Budget Impact: None.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: No impact on overall time.
Position Statement(s)
Championships/Competition Cabinet: Based on a recommendation from the
Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee, the cabinet agreed to oppose the
proposal as written. The cabinet expressed concern that this proposal was
outside the scope of the intent of the academic orientation concept during the
five-day acclimatization period, in particular noting the open ended time frame
in which the orientation could occur.
Football Issues Committee: The committee supported a proposal to permit
an institution to conduct its required orientation period for incoming football
student-athletes during the summer when those student-athletes are already on
campus. The committee noted that this proposal provides institutions with more
flexibility in conducting its orientation sessions without the additional costs
associated with bringing student-athletes to campus any earlier than currently
permitted.
2005-138 PLAYING AND
PRACTICE SEASONS -- PRESEASON PRACTICE -- ACTIVITIES PRIOR TO THE FIVE DAY
ACCLIMATIZATION PERIOD -- ACADEMIC ORIENTATION DAY -- DIVISION I-A FOOTBALL
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: In Division I-A football, to permit an institution to conduct an
academic orientation day the day prior to the start of the five day
acclimatization period for those student-athletes beginning their initial season
of football eligibility at the certifying institution.
A. Bylaws: Amend 17.11.2.2, as follows:
[Federated provision, Division I-A only]
"17.11.2.2 Activities Prior to First Practice Date.
Prior to participation in any preseason activities, all prospects and
student-athletes (with the exception of those individuals who received a
physical pursuant to Bylaw 17.11.6.2-(a)-(2)-(c)) shall be required to undergo
a medical examination that is administered or supervised by a physician.
"17.11.2.2.1 Academic Orientation Day -- First
Time Participants -- Division I-A. In Division I-A, an institution may
establish an academic orientation day on the day prior to the start of the
five-day acclimatization period for those student-athletes who are beginning
their initial season of eligibility in football at the certifying institution.
On the day designated for the sole purpose of academic orientation,
student-athletes may engage only in academic related activities, which may
include compliance-related activities (e.g., reviewing NCAA eligibility
requirements, signing the Student-Athlete Statement or Drug-Testing Consent
Form). It is not permissible for student-athletes to participate in medical
examinations or issuance of equipment until following the evening meal on the
academic orientation day."
B. Bylaws: Amend 17.11.2.3, page 274, as follows:
[Federated provision, Division I-A only]
"17.11.2.3 Five-Day Acclimatization Period --
Divisions I-A and I-AA. In Divisions I-A and I-AA, preseason practice shall
begin with a five-day acclimatization period for both first-time participants
(e.g., freshman and transfers) and continuing student-athletes. All
student-athletes, including walk-ons who arrive to preseason practice after the
first day of practice are required to undergo a five-day acclimatization
period. The five-day acclimatization period shall be conducted as follows:
"(a) Institutions may not conduct administrative
activities (e.g., team pictures, equipment issue, academic orientation, etc.,)
or conditioning, speed, strength, or agility tests on any day prior to the
start of the five-day acclimatization period.
"(1) In Division I-AA, Dduring
the five-day acclimatization period, the institution must establish an academic
orientation period for those student-athletes who are beginning their initial
season of eligibility for football practice at the institution. The orientation
activities may be conducted on more than one day during the five-day period,
but must be conducted for the equivalent of one day (no less than six
hours)."
[Remainder of 17.11.2.3.]
Source: Southeastern Conference.
Effective Date: Immediate
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Playing and Practice Seasons
Rationale: Prior to the 2003 football season, institutions were
permitted to schedule an academic orientation day for student-athletes who were
beginning their initial season of eligibility for football at the certifying
institution. During this academic orientation day, student-athletes were not
permitted to engage in athletically-related activities. Beginning with the 2003
season, the academic orientation day was eliminated in favor of academic
orientation that is conducted during the five day acclimatization period. The
increased focus on promoting successful student-athlete academic performance
warrants a return to the previous format for academic orientation. An academic
orientation day provides a day-long opportunity for incoming student-athletes
to focus on academic issues without the intrusion of practice, walk-throughs or
conditioning activities.
Estimated Budget Impact: One extra day of room and board for incoming
football student-athletes.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: Would actually allow incoming
prospects to devote more time to academic orientation before initiating
required practice activities.
Position Statement(s)
Championships/Competition Cabinet: Based on a recommendation from the
Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee, the cabinet agreed to oppose the
proposal as written. The cabinet noted that the subcommittee was split on this
proposal with several subcommittee members expressing concern that by
permitting the academic orientation day to be held one day prior to the
five-day acclimatization period, additional costs would be incurred by the
institution. One the other hand, other subcommittee and cabinet members agreed
with the sponsor's rationale stating that the increased focus on promoting
successful student-athlete academic performance warrants a return to a similar
format for academic orientation that existed before a legislative change took
place a few years ago. Further, an academic orientation provides a day-long
opportunity for incoming student-athletes to focus on academic issues without
the intrusion of practice, walk-throughs or conditioning activities.
2005-160-A RECRUITING --
OFFICIAL VISIT --ENTERTAINMENT/TICKETS ON OFFICIAL VISIT -- STUDENT HOST --
ENTERTAINMENT ALLOWANCE
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: To specify that costs incurred by an athletics department staff
member who accompanies a prospect during entertainment on an official visit
shall not be included in the official visit entertainment allowance; further,
to specify that when an athletics department staff member serves as the
prospect's host, his or her entertainment costs must be included in the
official visit allowance.
A. Bylaws: Amend 13.02.5.1, pages 86-87, as follows:
"13.02.5.1 Permissible Recruitment Activities for
Enrolled Student-Athletes.
[13.02.5.1-(a) through 13.02.5.1-(d) unchanged.]
"(e) Official visits. An enrolled student-athlete may
participate as a student host during a prospect's official visit to the
institution's campus. As a student host, a student-athlete may receive the
following:
"(1) A maximum of $30 for each day of the visit to
cover all actual costs of entertaining the student host(s) and the
prospect (and the prospect's parents, legal guardians or spouse), excluding the
cost of meals and admission to campus athletics events. The cost of
entertainment of the student host(s) and the institution's athletics
department staff members who accompany the prospect must be included in this
entertainment allowance is also excluded. If an athletics
department staff member serves as the prospect's host, his or her entertainment
costs must be included in the entertainment allowance. The entertainment
allowance may not be used for the purchase of souvenirs such as T-shirts or
other institutional mementos. It is permissible to provide the student host
with an additional $15 per day for each additional prospect the host
entertains.
"In the event that several students host a prospect,
the $30 per day entertainment money may be utilized to cover the actual and
necessary expenses incurred by the prospect and all hosts. Only one student
host per prospect may be provided a free meal if restaurant facilities are
utilized;"
[Remainder of 13.02.5.1 unchanged.]
B. Bylaws: Amend 13.6.6.5, page 113, as follows:
"13.6.6.5 Student Host. The student host must be
either a current student-athlete or a student designated in a manner consistent
with the institution's policy for providing campus visits or tours to
prospective students in general. The institution may provide the following to a
student host entertaining a prospect:
"(a) A maximum of $30 for each day of the visit to
cover all actual costs of entertaining the student host(s) and the
prospect (and the prospect's parents, legal guardians or spouse), excluding the
cost of meals and admission to campus athletics events. The cost of entertainment
of the student host(s) and the institution's athletics department staff
members who accompany the prospect must be included in the entertainment
allowance is also excluded. If an athletics department staff
member serves as the prospect's host, his or her entertainment costs must be
included in the entertainment allowance. The entertainment allowance may
not be used for the purchase of souvenirs such as T-shirts or other
institutional mementos. It is permissible to provide the student host with an
additional $15 per day for each additional prospect the host entertains;"
[Remainder of 13.6.6.5 unchanged.]
Source: NCAA Division I Management Council (Mountain West
Conference).
Effective Date: Immediate
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Recruiting
Rationale: Current legislation requires that the cost of entertainment
of the institution's athletics department staff members who accompany the
prospect during an official visit be included in the $30 per day official visit
entertainment allowance. The current $30 per day allowance barely covers the
actual entertainment costs of the prospect and the student host. Given the new
recruiting task force initiatives, it would seem that such involvement by
athletics department staff members would be welcomed and encouraged; however,
requiring that their costs be included in the $30 per day allowance would
almost certainly guarantee that athletics department staff members would not
accompany the prospect and the student host for entertainment purposes. This proposal
will encourage more involvement by athletics department staff members with
prospects on official visits under the recruiting task force initiatives.
Estimated Budget Impact: Varies.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.
Position Statement(s)
Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet: The cabinet opposes Proposal
No. 2005-160-A. Institutions with large recruiting budgets will gain a
recruiting advantage by encouraging staff members to be present during such
activities. The original intent of the entertainment allowance was to permit
the student host to entertain the prospect outside of coordinated official
visit activities. All funds used for this purpose should be deducted from the
allowance.
2005-161 RECRUITING --
TRYOUT EXCEPTIONS -- SAFETY EXCEPTION -- SUMMER PRIOR TO INITIAL FULL-TIME
ENROLLMENT AT THE CERTIFYING INSTITUTION
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: To permit a prospective student-athlete who is attending summer
school prior to initial full-time enrollment to engage in activities permitted
under the safety exception in the applicable sports.
Bylaws: Amend 13.11.3 by adding new 13.11.3.11, page 124, as follows:
"13.11.3.11 Safety Exception -- Summer Prior to
Initial Full-Time Enrollment at the Certifying Institution. In sports in which
the safety exception is applicable in Bylaw 17, a prospective student-athlete
who is enrolled in a summer term prior to initial full-time enrollment at the
certifying institution may participate in voluntary individual workouts in the
presence of the institution's coach and in the institution's regular practice
facility when the prospective student-athlete uses equipment related to the
sport. The coach may provide safety or skill instruction but may not conduct
the individual's workouts."
Source: NCAA Division I Management Council
[Championships/Competition Cabinet] (Southeastern Conference).
Effective Date: Immediate
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Recruiting
Rationale: Prospective student-athletes are permitted to attend summer
school prior to initial collegiate enrollment and receive institutional
athletics financial aid in all sports. However, prospective student-athletes
are not able to take advantage of the safety exception in Bylaw 17. As a result,
prospective student-athletes participating in sports for which the safety
exception applies are not permitted to engage in this voluntary athletically
related activity during summer school attendance prior to initial enrollment if
a coach is present. Consequently, prospective student-athletes may choose to
forego the opportunity for summer school enrollment in order to continuing
practicing in their home locale. Extending the safety exception to these
prospective student-athletes will encourage their attendance in summer school
and offer the opportunity to advance academically.
Estimated Budget Impact: None.
Impact on Student Athlete's Time: Some added impact if these individuals
choose to take advantage of this opportunity.
Position Statement(s)
Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet: The cabinet unanimously
opposes Proposal No. 2005-161. Allowing prospects to engage in athletically
related activities permitted under the safety exception is contrary to the
original academic intent to provide financial aid the summer prior to initial
full-time collegiate enrollment. In addition, prospects may engage in voluntary
activities outside of the presence of institutional coaching staff members.
Championships/Competition Cabinet: Based on a recommendation from the
Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee, the cabinet agreed to support the
proposal as written.
2005-164 RECRUITING --
SPORTS CAMPS AND CLINICS -- EMPLOYMENT OF PROSPECTS
Status: Board of Directors Consideration
Intent: In sports other than football, to permit an institution to
employ a prospect in its summer camp or clinic, provided the prospect has
signed a National Letter of Intent or the institution's written offer of
admission and/or financial aid, has graduated from high school and is enrolled
in institution's summer term prior to initial full-time enrollment.
Bylaws: Amend 13.12.1.5 by