|
Proposal Number |
Title |
Intent |
Rationale |
Source |
Effective Date |
|
2006-16 |
INSTITUTIONAL CONTROL -- CAMPUS ATHLETICS BOARDS |
To require each institution to designate a campus athletics board responsible for advising or establishing athletics policies; further, to specify that faculty and administrators who hold an academic appointment shall constitute at least a majority of the board and that the faculty athletics representative shall server as a voting or nonvoting member. |
Campus athletics boards play a key role in the integration of athletics into the university as a whole and thus, should be required and not discretionary. The board composition requirement ensures appropriate faculty involvement in the overall checks and balances system designed to ensure academic integrity and athletics rule compliance. This concept was forwarded to the cabinet by the Coalition on Intercollegiate Athletics (COIA). |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet. |
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2006-17 |
ETHICAL CONDUCT -- SPORTS WAGERING ACTIVITIES |
To specify and clarify prohibited sports wagering activities and the individuals to whom the prohibitions apply. |
The legislation regarding sports wagering activities must specifically define the individuals who are covered and the activities that are expressly prohibited. Given the serious consequences (e.g., ineligibility, loss of employment) for violating this bylaw, it is imperative that it be clearly worded and easily understood by the membership. Adding individuals who are involved in intercollegiate athletics, such as the faculty athletics representative, the president or chancellor and NCAA national office staff, to the list of persons precluded from participation in sports wagering activities establishes that the rule is uniform in its application. Student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty athletics representatives and presidents or chancellors and/or the individual with oversight of athletics all are unequivocally subject to the rule. |
NCAA Division I Management Council (Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct). |
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2006-18 |
ETHICAL CONDUCT AND AMATEURISM -- UNETHICAL CONDUCT AND VALIDITY OF AMATEUR STATUS -- INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY |
To specify that unethical conduct shall include the failure to provide complete and accurate information to the NCAA, the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse or the institution's athletics department regarding an individual's amateur status; further, to specify that an institution is responsible for promptly reporting all discrepancies in information related to a student-athlete's amateurism certification to the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. |
Current legislation does not specify that an institutional staff member's knowledge of incomplete or inaccurate information used by the clearinghouse regarding an individual's amateur record constitutes unethical conduct. Failure to provide such information is as serious and egregious as withholding information regarding an individual's academic record. The integrity of the amateurism fact-finding process depends on institutions promptly providing relevant information and reporting discrepancies in certification information. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Agents and Amateurism). |
Immediate |
|
2006-19 |
PERSONNEL -- GRADUATE ASSISTANT COACH -- MINIMUM ENROLLMENT -- EXCEPTION FOR MIDYEAR REPLACEMENT -- BOWL SUBDIVISION FOOTBALL AND WOMEN'S ROWING |
In bowl subdivision football and women's rowing, to specify that an institution may appoint a mid-year replacement graduate assistant coach who is enrolled in less than 50 percent of the institution's minimum regular graduate program of studies, provided the graduate assistant coach has been accepted for enrollment in a graduate program beginning with the next earliest opportunity. |
It is common practice for football graduate assistant coaches to obtain full-time employment at the conclusion of the season. Due to this timing, the replacement graduate assistant coach may miss the institution's deadline for graduate school admission and may be unable to meet the enrollment requirement. Institutions faced with this situation must file administrative review subcommittee (ARS) waivers in order to replace the graduate assistant position. This proposal would ensure that replacement graduate assistant coaches are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control and would eliminate the need for waivers for every midyear replacement, provided the individual has been accepted for enrollment in graduate school for the next earliest opportunity. This is consistent with previously approved ARS waivers. |
Big 12 Conference |
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2006-20 |
PERSONNEL -- LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF OFF-CAMPUS RECRUITERS -- FENCING, GOLF, MEN'S GYMNASTICS, RIFLE, MEN'S TENNIS AND MEN'S WATER POLO |
In fencing, golf, men's gymnastics, rifle, men's tennis and men's water polo, to increase, from one to two, the number of coaches who may contact or evaluate prospects off-campus at any time one time. |
This proposal will provide equity among sports and flexibility in the recruiting process. Athletics administrators or noncountable coaches (e.g., volunteer coach) who remain on campus are able to assist student-athletes during times when the head and assistant coaches are away from campus. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Recruiting). |
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2006-21 |
PERSONNEL -- VOLUNTEER COACH -- WOMEN'S EQUESTRIAN -- ONE COACH FOR EACH RIDING DISCIPLINE |
In women's equestrian, to specify that an institution may use the services of one volunteer coach for the hunt seat riding discipline and one volunteer coach for the western riding discipline. |
In equestrian, there are two distinct required riding disciplines: hunt seat and western. Each discipline requires unique coaching skills. A coach that specializes in one may not have the versatility to teach the other discipline. There are many teams with a squad size of fifty or more participants. Adding a volunteer coach will provide a safer environment by decreasing the coach to student-athlete ratio and will enable student-athletes to receive adequate instruction, supervision and preparation time for competition in the specific discipline. |
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. |
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2006-22 |
AMATEURISM -- INVOLVEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL TEAMS -- TRYOUT AFTER ENROLLMENT -- RECEIPT OF EXPENSES -- ANYTIME |
To specify that a student-athlete may try out with a professional athletics team in a sport or receive not more than one expense-paid visit from each professional team (or a combine including that team), provided such a visit does not exceed 48 hours and any payment or compensation in connection with the visit is not in excess of actual and necessary expenses; further, to specify that a self-financed tryout may be for any length of time. |
Permitting a professional team to pay for a student-athlete's actual and necessary expenses associated with a tryout will provide more opportunities for student-athletes who may not be able to afford to pay their own expenses. In addition, this proposal will reduce the pressure on student-athletes to seek funding for these opportunities from impermissible outside sources that jeopardize their eligibility if they wish to return to participation in intercollegiate athletics. Student-athletes should be afforded the same opportunities to try out with professional athletics teams as prospective student-athletes enjoy prior to collegiate enrollment. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Agents and Amateurism). |
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2006-23 |
AMATEURISM -- INVOLVEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL TEAMS -- TRYOUT AFTER ENROLLMENT -- RECEIPT OF EXPENSES -- SUMMER OR NOT FULL TIME |
To specify that a student-athlete may try out with a professional organization in a sport during the summer or during the academic year while not a full-time student, provided the student-athlete does not receive more than one expense-paid visit from each professional team (or a combine including that team) and each visit does not exceed a 48-hour period. |
Currently, tryouts with a professional team are permitted during the summer or during the academic year if the student-athlete is not enrolled full time and does not accept any payment of expenses from the professional team. If the rules permit student-athletes to enter a professional league's draft, the student-athletes should be able to participate in tryouts that may assist them in evaluating their likelihood of being drafted. Permitting professional teams to pay the actual and necessary expenses associated with a tryout would provide more opportunities for student-athletes who may not be able to pay their own expenses. This proposal would also reduce the pressure on student-athletes to seek funding from outside sources. The legislation would continue to restrict tryouts to the summer or during the academic year when a student-athlete is not enrolled full time so that student-athletes do not feel the need to withdraw from their institutions in order to participate in such tryouts. Lastly, current legislation permits an individual prior to collegiate enrollment to participate in one expense-paid visit per professional team, provided such a visit does not exceed 48 hours. |
|
Immediate |
|
2006-24 |
AMATEURISM -- INVOLVEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL TEAMS -- DRAFT AND INQUIRY -- DRAFT LIST -- SPORTS OTHER THAN BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL |
In sports other than basketball and football, to specify that an enrolled student-athlete may enter a professional league's draft one time during his or her collegiate career without jeopardizing eligibility in that sport, provided the student-athlete declares his or her intention to resume participation in intercollegiate athletics. |
For several years, football and basketball student-athletes have had the opportunity to gather information about their potential professional draft status and still declare their intention to return to the institution in a reasonable time frame. Student-athletes in all sports should have the same opportunity to "test the waters" of a professional career under the prescribed conditions and be permitted to return to intercollegiate athletics participation. This proposal currently affects student-athletes in soccer, lacrosse and softball who have opportunities to enter professional league drafts. In addition, the proposal provides the same opportunity for student-athletes in all sports other than football and basketball to enter of other drafts, including international drafts, which may currently exist or may be established in the future. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Agents and Amateurism). |
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2006-25 |
AMATEURISM -- INVOLVEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL TEAMS --
PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL DRAFT -- |
In men's basketball, to specify that an enrolled student-athlete may enter a professional league's draft one time during his collegiate career without jeopardizing eligibility in the sport, provided that within 30 days after the conclusion of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship game, the student-athlete requests that his name be removed from the draft list and declares his intention to resume intercollegiate participation; the student-athlete's declaration of intent is in writing to the institution's director of athletics; and the student-athlete is not drafted. |
Currently, men's basketball student-athletes have as many as 30 days after the NBA draft to indicate their intent to return to collegiate participation (e.g., the 2006 NBA draft date was June 28). This two to three month period between April and July is intrusive on academic performance during the spring, and increases the potential for outside individuals to have a negative influence on the well-being of men's basketball student-athletes. Establishing a shorter timeframe by which men's basketball student-athletes must withdraw from the draft and declare their intent to resume intercollegiate participation will encourage student-athletes to refocus on academics sooner and lessen the potential for committing violations that jeopardize amateur status. This proposal complements the proposed legislation that would allow currently enrolled student-athletes to engage in tryouts with professional teams while enrolled full time as potential solutions to address academic concerns and the overall well-being of men's basketball student-athletes. |
Big Ten Conference. |
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|
2006-26 |
AMATEURISM -- USE OF AGENTS -- AGENT AS ADVISOR |
To specify that a student-athlete shall be ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sport if he or she has ever agreed (orally or in writing) to use the services of an advisor (financial or otherwise) who also serves in any agent capacity (related to marketing any individual's athletics ability or reputation). |
Pursuant to current legislation, a student-athlete is allowed to have an advisor (often referred to as a financial advisor) without jeopardizing his or her amateurism status as long as the advisor does not also act as the student-athlete's agent. In many cases it is not possible to draw the distinction between advisor and agent when the person serves both roles. Institutions are often left with the unenviable task of trying to determine whether or not a student-athlete has violated NCAA amateurism legislation as a result of the student-athlete's relationship with the advisor/agent. This proposal would eliminate some of the confusion that may arise in the advisor/agent scenario. Finally, this proposal will apply to any individual who markets any other individual's athletics ability or reputation in any sport, regardless of whether he or she is registered with a professional league. |
Big East Conference. |
Immediate |
|
2006-27 |
AMATEURISM -- FINANCIAL DONATIONS FROM OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS -- PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS -- RECIPROCAL MARKETING AGREEMENT -- FOOTBALL AND MEN'S BASKETBALL |
In football and men's basketball, to permit an institution to enter into a reciprocal marketing agreement with a professional sports organization for the purpose of marketing and promotions. |
Reciprocal marketing agreements between an institution and a professional sports organization are currently permissible for sports other than football and men's basketball. The rationale for the legislation to permit reciprocal marketing agreements in those sports was to increase the exposure of and fan interest in the less visible sports at both the professional and intercollegiate levels. Cross-promotional activities are beneficial to all intercollegiate sports, regardless of the visibility of the sport. Some institutions' football and basketball programs, such as those challenged with fan attendance, will benefit through these marketing agreements. Various professional teams and leagues could also mutually benefit from reciprocal marketing agreements with an institution's football or men's basketball program. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Agents and Amateurism). |
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2006-28 |
RECRUITING -- RECRUITING-PERSON DAYS -- WOMEN'S BASKETBALL -- 130 RECRUITING-PERSON DAYS |
In women's basketball, to revise the number of recruiting person-days from 85 to 130. |
The Women's Basketball Coaches Association developed NCAA Proposal No. 2004-122 for the 2004-05 legislative cycle, which modified the recruiting periods during the academic year to provide greater flexibility to all institutions to devise a calendar that best fits the needs of their particular programs. In doing so, however, the number of recruiting person days was reduced from the previous year by approximately 21 days. A change in the legislation would create parity between the men's and women's basketball recruiting processes. Currently, men's basketball has 130 recruiting-person days. This moderate increase in the number of recruiting-person days will provide coaches with additional evaluation opportunities, which should enable institutions to make more sound recruiting judgments regarding prospects who will be successful both academically and athletically at the institution, and who are likely to fit into the program and the student body. |
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2006-30 |
RECRUITING -- LIMITATIONS ON NUMBER OF EVALUATIONS -- SPRING EVALUATION WEEKEND -- WOMEN'S BASKETBALL |
In women's basketball, to specify that evaluations at nonscholastic events may occur during the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the spring evaluation period. |
April is one of the more popular months for nonscholastic women's basketball events. The current women's basketball recruiting calendar permits evaluations at nonscholastic events during one specific weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in April. By allowing evaluations on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the April evaluation period, coaches will have a better opportunity to evaluate prospective student-athletes at one place during a short time period. This additional day will allow coaches to make more informed recruiting decisions. |
Big East Conference. |
Immediate |
|
2006-31 |
RECRUITING -- TELEPHONE CALLS TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENT-ATHLETES -- EXCEPTION -- FOOTBALL -- ONE TELEPHONE CALL APRIL 15 THROUGH MAY 31 |
In football, to specify that an institution may make one telephone call to a prospective student-athlete or a prospective student-athlete's relatives or legal guardians from April 15 through May 31 of the prospective student-athlete's junior year in high school. |
This proposal does not increase the number of telephone calls permitted. Instead, it simply modifies the permissible time period during which coaching staff members may place telephone calls to junior prospective student-athletes to match the current spring evaluation period. Instead of unnecessarily delaying communication between a prospective student-athlete and a coach regarding an evaluation, this proposal permits timely and appropriate communication. |
Southeastern Conference. |
Immediate |
|
2006-32 |
RECRUITING -- TELEPHONE CALLS AND RECRUITING MATERIALS -- EXCEPTIONS -- MEN'S ICE HOCKEY |
In men's ice hockey, to permit an institution (1) to make one telephone call per month to a prospective student athlete on or after June 15 of the prospective student-athlete's sophomore year in high school through July 31 of the prospective student-athlete's junior year in high school; (2) to make two telephone calls per week to a prospect beginning August 1 prior to the prospective student-athlete's senior year in high school; and (3) to provide recruiting materials (including general correspondence related to athletics) on or after June 15 at the conclusion of the prospective student athlete's sophomore year in high school. |
Because of outside influences, it is becoming more important for coaches to be able to have contact with prospective student-athletes earlier in the recruiting process. Prospective student-athletes need to be educated on NCAA rules at an earlier age. Many prospective men's ice hockey student-athletes, both foreign and domestic, have little or no knowledge of NCAA rules regarding amateurism, the recruiting process or NCAA initial eligibility requirements. Beginning at age 14 these individuals are being recruited heavily by the professional leagues and in many cases this recruitment includes misrepresentation of pertinent NCAA rules and regulations. The recruitment by professional leagues at such an early age also causes an acceleration of solicitation for prospects to agree to be represented by agents. Often, prospective student-athletes jeopardize their eligibility because of ignorance of NCAA rules. This proposal is necessary in order to ensure that prospective student-athletes are aware of all their options for competition before they unknowingly and permanently lose intercollegiate opportunities. |
Big East Conference. |
Immediate |
|
2006-33 |
RECRUITING -- TELEPHONE CALLS TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENT-ATHLETES -- TIME PERIOD FOR TELEPHONE CALLS -- WOMEN'S BASKETBALL -- APRIL CALL TO JUNIORS |
In women's basketball, to specify that the one permissible telephone call in April of a prospective student-athlete's junior year in high school may not be made until the Thursday after the conclusion of the NCAA Women's Final Four. |
Coaches are pressured to call junior prospects on April 1, which in many years occurs during the Women's Final Four. As a result, many coaches leave the Final Four or do not attend the associated events. By precluding telephone calls to juniors in April until Thursday after the conclusion of the Final Four, coaches can celebrate their sport by attending all activities and still have adequate time in the month to place permissible recruiting calls. This proposal is being recommended as noncontroversial with an immediate effective date. The recommendation is appropriate because broader consultation and debate are unlikely to improve the proposal in any substantial way, significant disagreement or alternative points of view will not be generated and there does not appear to be a significant impact on existing legislation or proposed legislation. |
NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet (Women's Basketball Issues Committee). |
Immediate |
|
2006-34 |
RECRUITING -- CONTACTS AND EVALUATIONS -- RECRUITING OPPORTUNITIES -- WOMEN'S BASKETBALL -- SEVEN OPPORTUNITIES |
In women's basketball, to increase the number of recruiting opportunities (contacts and evaluations) from five to seven. |
This proposal promotes parity between sports by allowing women's basketball the same number of recruiting opportunities afforded to coaches in all other sports (except football). |
Big East Conference. |
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2006-35 |
RECRUITING -- CONTACTS AND EVALUATIONS -- CONTACT
RESTRICTIONS AT SPECIFIED SITES -- PRACTICE OR COMPETITION SITE -- |
To permit an institution to have on-campus contact with a prospective student-athlete in conjunction with his or her away-from-home contest or multi-day tournament while en route to or in the locale of the prospective student-athlete's competition, under specified conditions. |
Competitions involving prospects often occur in the locale
of or on an institution's campus. In these circumstances, the prospects and
their parents often wish to make the most of the trip by visiting a college
campus located en route to, or in the locale of the competition site and
meeting college coaches. However, under current rules, contact with the
prospect is not permissible until the competition is over, even though the
prospect or the prospects family initiates the contact. The current
restrictions were adopted, at least in part, to prevent coaches from
distracting prospects and interfering with their team activities. This
proposal contains safeguards that would continue to prevent such distractions
and interference from occurring. In addition, this proposal would benefit
prospective student-athletes and their families by enabling them to make full
and efficient use of their time when |
Pacific-10 Conference. |
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2006-36 |
RECRUITING -- CONTACTS AND EVALUATIONS -- COACHES' ATTENDANCE AT EVENTS REQUIRING MORE THAN THREE GAMES IN A DAY -- SOFTBALL |
In softball, to prohibit coaches from attending an event involving prospective student-athletes in which the original schedule would require a team to play in more than three games in a day, other than due to significant unforeseen events (e.g., weather, power outages). |
In softball, there are numerous tournaments and events for prospective student-athletes that regularly schedule more than three contests in one day. In fact, in some double-elimination tournaments, a team sometimes plays five or six games in one day if advancing out of the loser's bracket. There is a concern that playing more than three games in a day is detrimental to the safety and well-being of the participating prospects. This proposal is intended to encourage events that currently schedule more than three games in a day to devise a new format that would be more beneficial for the young participants. Finally, when events beyond the control of the tournament operator cause game postponements (such as weather issues or power outages), more than three games in a day would be permitted. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association supports this proposal. |
Big Ten Conference. |
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2006-37 |
RECRUITING -- LIMITATIONS ON NUMBER OF EVALUATIONS -- EVALUATION DAYS -- WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL |
In women's volleyball, to specify that the observation of prospective student-athletes participating in high school volleyball competition shall be included in the permissible 80 evaluation days. |
This proposal will eliminate the advantage institutions located in metropolitan areas over those located in rural areas in relation to the availability of high school volleyball competition. Further, this proposal will promote competitive equity for those programs that have budget restraints and staff limitations. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Recruiting). |
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2006-38 |
RECRUITING -- RECRUITING MATERIALS -- ATTACHMENTS TO GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE |
To specify that attachments to general correspondence may include any materials printed on one or both sides of a single sheet of 8 1/2 by 11 inches plain white paper with black ink. |
The proliferation and production of newsletters and other publications targeted at prospective student-athletes has led the Division I Legislative Review/Interpretations Committee to issue an interpretation stating that an institution may not send attachments produced "for recruiting purposes" to prospects. This interpretation is over-inclusive, meaning it is not permissible to send inexpensive and informative attachments to prospects. Furthermore, hours of compliance administrator time is spent determining whether documents were created for "recruiting purposes." This proposal allows for an attachment that is on one sheet of regular paper with black ink to be sent to a prospect without requiring further analysis. |
Big East Conference and The Ivy Group. |
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2006-39 |
RECRUITING -- PRINTED RECRUITING MATERIALS -- INSTITUTIONAL NOTE CARDS |
To specify that institutional note cards may not exceed 8 1/2 by 11 inches when opened in full and may only contain the institution's name and logo or an athletics logo on the outside and may not include any preprinted information on the inside. |
Concerns have been raised by the membership regarding a shift from the traditional institutional note card to items that have become larger and more elaborate. In response to multiple requests by the membership, this proposal would set a consistent standard for institutional note cards that are sent to prospects. A size and appearance restriction will limit costs of printing and postage, as well as limit any advantage related to the size of an institution's recruiting budget. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Recruiting). |
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2006-40 |
RECRUITING -- RECRUITING MATERIALS -- ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS |
To specify that electronically transmitted correspondence that may be sent to a prospective student-athlete is limited to electronic mail and facsimiles. |
The unlimited use of certain forms of electronic communication, such as instant and text messaging, to contact prospects has become problematic. Coaches feel compelled to contact prospects constantly; prospects are distracted at all hours of the day and night and prospects and their parents are bearing the significant costs involved with receiving text messages. In addition, instant and text messaging further removes the parents and the high school coaches from the recruiting process. Prohibiting institutions from sending these intrusive and impersonal forms of electronic communication to prospects and returning to the use of weekly telephone conversations, electronic mail sent to computers, and written correspondence will reduce the burdens that have been created with the overuse of text messaging sent to cell phones and other portable electronic communication devices. |
The Ivy Group. |
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2006-41 |
RECRUITING -- RECRUITING MATERIALS -- COMPUTER MEDIATED COMMUNICATION -- TIME PERIODS |
To define computer-mediated communication as any form of communication (except electronic mail) between two or more individuals who interact and/or influence each other via separate computers through the Internet or a network connection using social software; further, to specify that an institution may not initiate computer mediated communication with a prospective student-athlete prior to September 1 of the prospect's junior year of high school and that such communication is limited to the hours of 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. |
With the development of technological advances in communication methods and the availability of various electronic communication devices, the use of such technology in the recruiting process has increased exponentially. Given the additional intrusion factor this technology adds to the lives of prospects, appropriate limitations should be established in order to balance the intrusive nature of such communications with the value of computer-mediated communication in the recruiting process. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Recruiting). |
Immediate |
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2006-42 |
RECRUITING -- RECRUITING MATERIALS -- OTHER RECRUITING MATERIALS |
To permit an institution to print and provide other recruiting information that is posted on the institution's Web site to prospective student-athletes via regular mail as attachments to general correspondence or during official or unofficial visits. |
Currently, it is permissible to post other recruiting materials on an institution's Web site for viewing by prospects. Providing prospects, via regular mail or during official or unofficial visits, with the same information that already is available on the institution's Web site should be permissible and will not create a recruiting advantage since the prospect already has access to it. |
Mountain West Conference. |
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2006-43 |
RECRUITING -- RECRUITING MATERIALS -- VIDEO/AUDIO MATERIALS -- COMPUTER RECRUITING PRESENTATION |
To permit an institution to produce a computer recruiting presentation to show to a prospective student-athlete during an in-home visit or official and unofficial visits. |
As early as 2000, the membership began to consider legislation concerning recruiting presentations created by presentation software. Since then, as a standard inclusion in computer software packages, the availability and use of presentation software has increased dramatically, and at little or no cost to institutions. Such technology has become so common that there is no longer a perceived recruiting advantage. Rather, the value lies with the institution's ability to produce concise presentations and eliminate the expense of printing materials. While such presentations may include still photos (e.g., institutional facilities, coaching staff members) and slide transitions already contained in the software program, other audio/video materials will continue to be restricted by the current legislation. Further, the creation of such presentations may not be outsourced, thus eliminating additional cost to the institution. |
Big 12 Conference. |
Immediate |
|
2006-44 |
RECRUITING -- RECRUITING MATERIALS -- ADVERTISEMENTS AND PROMOTIONS -- INTERVIEW TO RECRUITING PUBLICATION |
To eliminate the restriction that precludes an institutional coaching staff member from providing an interview for an article that will appear in a recruiting publication or newsletter. |
With advancements in technology and the availability of information through various media, the restriction precluding coaches from providing interviews to recruiting or scouting services has become outdated. The prohibition was adopted to limit the recruiting advantage of institutions whose coaching staff members regularly participated in interviews with publications that report on the athletics activities of prospects. Because of advanced communication technologies, all coaches have similar opportunities to provide interviews. Further, many recruiting publications have merged with other media entities, making it increasingly difficult to discern between media entities and recruiting publications. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Recruiting). |
Immediate |
|
2006-45 |
RECRUITING -- ADVERTISEMENTS AND PROMOTIONS -- CONFERENCE-SPONSORED SPORTSMANSHIP INITIATIVES |
To permit a conference office to coordinate sportsmanship initiatives that may involve prospective student-athletes and their educational institutions. |
This proposal is consistent with the NCAA mission and general principles of honesty and sportsmanship. Recent highly publicized events make clear that the value of good sportsmanship needs to be continuously emphasized at all levels of organized athletics. While current NCAA rules provide the latitude to implement some aspects of a sportsmanship initiative with organized athletics groups outside of an institution, there are barriers to implementing such an initiative at the high school level. This proposal would remove some of those barriers. Allowing only conferences offices, as opposed to institutions, to coordinate sportsmanship initiatives will reduce any potential recruiting advantage. Further, in April 2005, the NCAA Division I Management Council Administrative Review Subcommittee approved a blanket waiver to allow implementation of a conference sponsored sportsmanship initiative. Finally, such initiatives may be implemented at little or no cost. Development of sportsmanship initiatives of could result in little or no cost if done in collaboration with a state high school athletic association (e.g., announcements in game programs). |
Big Ten Conference. |
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2006-46 |
RECRUITING -- OFFICIAL VISIT REQUIREMENTS AND WRITTEN OFFERS OF ATHLETICALLY RELATED FINANCIAL AID -- REGISTRATION WITH INITIAL-ELIGIBILITY CLEARINGHOUSE AND INSTITUTIONAL REQUEST LIST |
To specify that an institution shall not provide an official visit to a high school or preparatory school prospective student-athlete until he or she registers with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse and is placed on the institutional request list; further, to specify that an institution shall not provide a high school or preparatory school prospective student-athlete a written offer of athletically related financial aid until he or she has registered with the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse and the institution places the prospective student-athlete on the institutional request list (IRL) with the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. |
Prospective student-athletes are best served by early notification of their academic status for purposes of NCAA eligibility. There has been a growing trend of late Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse registration. This leads to an inability to properly advise student-athletes regarding academic deficiencies. Encouraging early registration by prospective student-athletes and early institutional request list submission by institutions enhances the integrity of the initial-eligibility certification process and fosters sound academic behaviors. Specifically, this proposal requires a prospective student-athlete to have registered with the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse and requires the prospective student-athlete to appear on the institution's institutional request list prior to the written offer of the athletically related financial aid. These requirements will not prevent institutions from conducting normal admissions and nonathletically financial aid processes. |
NCAA Division I Board of Directors. |
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2006-47 |
RECRUITING -- OFFICIAL VISIT -- LENGTH OF OFFICIAL VISIT -- EXCEPTION FOR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES |
To establish an exception to the 48-hour official visit for reasons beyond the control of the prospective student-athlete and the institution and to specify that in such instances, the institution shall submit a report to the conference office noting the details of the circumstances. |
Currently, official visits that extend beyond the 48-hour period result in a violation (and the necessary paperwork) regardless of the reason for the extended stay. This proposal will create an exception to the 48-hour period which will provide institutions relief from the administrative burden of circumstances that are beyond its and the prospective student-athlete's control. |
Pacific-10 Conference. |
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2006-48 |
RECRUITING -- UNOFFICIAL OR OFFICIAL VISITS -- PROFESSIONAL TRYOUT OR WORKOUT ACTIVITIES |
To specify that during any official or unofficial visit a prospective student-athlete may not attend events in which professional tryout or workout activities occur. |
Institutions that host professional tryout events and use the activity as an entertainment opportunity for prospective student-athletes gain an unfair recruiting advantage. Although it is permissible for institutions to host professional tryouts or workouts on their campuses, such activities are not relevant to the intended purposes of a prospective student-athlete's official or unofficial visit. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Recruiting). |
Immediate |
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2006-49 |
RECRUITING -- TRYOUTS -- NONSCHOLASTIC-BASED BASKETBALL -- NONCOACHING STAFF MEMBERS WITH BASKETBALL-SPECIFIC DUTIES |
In basketball, to permit a noncoaching institutional staff member with basketball specific duties to participate in nonscholastic-based basketball coaching activities with teams that are of the opposite gender than the team the staff member is associated with at the institution. |
This proposal allows institutional staff members with basketball specific duties (e.g., director of basketball operations, manager, administrative personnel) the ability to gain practical work experience in coaching activities. There are minimal, if any, competitive or recruiting advantages in allowing coaching activities by these institutional staff members since the these activities only involve nonscholastic-based basketball teams of the opposite gender from the team that the staff member is associated with at the institution. This legislation extends the logic of a recently adopted proposal allowing coaching staff members and noncoaching institutional staff members with basketball specific duties to coach such teams, provided that they have a son or daughter on the nonscholastic team. |
Conference |
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2006-50 |
RECRUITING -- TRYOUT EXCEPTIONS -- STATE, REGIONAL, NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS -- WOMEN'S SOCCER |
In women's soccer, to prohibit coaches from participating in any state, regional, or international training programs that include prospective student-athletes. |
This proposal eliminates the recruiting advantages gained by institutions whose women's soccer coaches also coach Olympic Development Teams. Olympic development program coaches gain significant advantages through unlimited contact and evaluation of prospective student-athletes. The prospective student-athletes feel indebted to the coaches for helping them advance in their sport and many subsequently commit to the particular coaches' institutions. This advantage has resulted in prospective student-athletes committing to institutions in their sophomore year in high school. This proposal will eliminate the inequity resulting from a few coaches having significant influence over top prospective student-athletes every year. |
Conference |
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2006-51 |
RECRUITING -- SPORTS CAMPS AND CLINICS -- INSTITUTION'S SPORT'S CAMPS AND CLINICS -- FOOTBALL -- LOCATION |
In football, to specify that an institution's camp or clinic shall be conducted on the institution's campus, within the state in which the institution is located or, if outside the state, within a 50-mile radius of the institution's campus. |
The trend of hosting institutional camps or clinics in different regions of the country is an unwanted development in the football recruiting culture. Camps or clinics should not be hosted for recruiting purposes. Remote camps or clinics come at a great expense to institutional and personal resources. This proposal limits the location of institutional camps and clinics to campus or a reasonable distance from campus. |
NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet (Football Issues Committee). |
Immediate |
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2006-52 |
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS -- RECRUITING CALENDARS -- MEN'S BASKETBALL -- MARCH CONTACT PERIOD |
In men's basketball, to establish a contact period March 16 through 22. |
The elimination of the March contact period in men's basketball has condensed the period of time during which off-campus contacts between prospective student-athletes and collegiate coaches can occur prior to the start of the spring signing period of the National Letter of Intent. The current men's basketball recruiting calendar provides collegiate coaches with less than six days during which off-campus contact with a prospects can occur prior to the start of spring signing period. The increased external pressures the spring signing period brings to both collegiate coaches and prospective student-athletes are compounded due to the reduction of face-to-face off-campus recruiting opportunities prior to the start of the period. This proposal to reinstate the March contact period will provide prospective student-athletes and their families with increased opportunities to meet with collegiate coaches and should assist the prospective student-athlete in selecting an institution and coach that best fit the needs of the prospective student-athlete. This change also should enable institutions to make more sound recruiting judgments. The current recruiting calendar in women's basketball provides coaches in that sport with 30 days during the month of March (March 1 through 30) during which collegiate coaches can conduct off-campus contacts with prospective student-athletes prior to the start of the spring signing period. |
Southern Conference. |
Immediate |
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2006-53 |
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS -- RECRUITING CALENDARS -- CHAMPIONSHIP DEAD PERIOD -- MEN'S BASKETBALL |
In men's basketball, to specify that the dead period
surrounding the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship shall be from
Thursday prior to the championship game until |
Coaches are pressured to increase recruiting activities in April prior to the National Letter of Intent signing period. As a result, many coaches leave the Final Four prior to the championship game or do not attend the related events. By extending the dead period until the Thursday after the conclusion of the championship game, coaches would be able to celebrate their sport by attending all of the associated activities and still have adequate time in April to make last-minute recruiting contacts before the signing period begins. |
NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet (Men's Basketball Issues Committee). |
Immediate |
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2006-54 |
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS -- RECRUITING CALENDARS -- WOMEN'S BASKETBALL -- JULY QUIET PERIOD |
In women's basketball, to modify the recruiting calendar to designate July 16 through July 21 as a quiet period (as opposed to a dead period). |
The five-day period (July 16 through July 21) that falls between the two July evaluation periods in the women's basketball recruiting calendar is designated as a dead period. During a dead period, coaches are not permitted to recruit on or off campus and may only have telephone or written communication with prospective student-athletes. During this timeframe, coaches are typically on campus with student-athletes that are enrolled in summer courses. It is also a period of time in the summer months when families with prospective student-athletes are on vacation and often visiting colleges and universities around the country. Prospective student-athletes should be able to have unofficial visits with women's basketball programs during this period of time. Therefore, the period of July 16 through July 21 should change from a dead period to a quiet period. An immediate effective date has been designated so this change to the women's basketball recruiting calendar may be in effect for the summer of 2007. |
Big East Conference. |
Immediate |
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2006-55 |
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS -- RECRUITING CALENDARS -- SOFTBALL |
In softball, to specify that evaluations are not permissible during the fall contact period, except from the second Friday in October through the first Sunday in November; further, to specify that in those states that play the high school softball season in the fall, evaluations shall be permissible during the season, except during dead periods. |
An increase in nonscholastic events during the fall contact period has minimized the importance of the scholastic environment and the role of the scholastic administrators in the recruiting process. This proposal is designed to emphasize the importance of the scholastic environment and decrease the impact of nonscholastic external influences in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes during the academic year. Evaluations will remain permissible during a limited portion of the fall contact period in order to provide necessary evaluation opportunities. In addition, limiting evaluations during the fall contact period will allow institutional coaching staff members to spend more time on campus with current student-athletes. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Recruiting). |
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2006-56 |
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS -- RECRUITING CALENDARS -- WOMEN'S LACROSSE |
In women's lacrosse, to specify that evaluations may occur at one event conducted during the weekend of the NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Championships, provided the event is conducted within a 100-mile radius of the site of the championship. |
Traditionally, women's lacrosse coaches have recruited at events conducted during the Memorial Day weekend. Recently, the Division I Women's Lacrosse Championship has been conducted over the Memorial Day weekend. Consequently, the dead period surrounding the championship prevents college coaches from attending traditional events that are considered to be significant to the sport. Adjusting the recruiting calendar to permit coaches to attend one event within a 100-mile radius of the site of the championship supports both the championship and the sport's traditions. Multipule events may occur during the weekend of the championship; however, coaches would be limited to choosing one event to attend. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Recruiting). |
Immediate |
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2006-57 |
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS -- RECRUITING CALENDARS -- WOMEN'S SOCCER |
To establish a recruiting calendar in the sport of women's soccer, as specified. |
Establishing a recruiting calendar in women's soccer is in
the best interests of managing recruiting expenses and time for both coaches
and institutions. Particular benefits would be realized by the elimination
recruiting during the heavily |
Big 12 Conference and Southeastern Conference. |
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2006-58 |
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS -- RECRUITING CALENDARS -- CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK AND FIELD |
To establish a recruiting calendar for cross country and track and field, as specified. |
The recruitment of prospective student-athletes in men's and women's cross country and track and field has reached a high level of competitiveness similar to other sports that have established recruiting calendars. It is appropriate for the intercollegiate coaching community to be proactive in organizing the academic year into recruiting periods and to control the recruiting process. Additionally, this proposed calendar will provide prospective student-athletes and institutional coaches with sufficient time to make thorough decisions. Currently, the competitive season for track and field is increasing in length and this coincides with a recruiting period for prospective student-athletes that has no breaks. This endless recruiting battle may lead to prospective student-athletes making hasty, and at times, poor decisions on their college selection. The proposed recruiting calendar will be aligned with the actual competitive season and will provide prospective student-athletes with time during the recruiting process to focus on high school and junior college competitions, academics and personal time. The proposed calendar would still permit prospective student-athletes to visit college campuses during times when other sports are competing on that campus. Additionally, the proposed calendar will allow institutional coaches to focus on their competitive seasons and personal time. |
Sun Belt Conference. |
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2006-59 |
ELIGIBILITY AND FINANCIAL AID -- COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER NCAA AND CONFERENCE LEGISLATION |
To specify that an NCAA violation for competition while ineligible due to a conference rule violation or a violation of NCAA financial aid legislation that relates only to a violation of a conference rule shall be considered an institutional violation, but shall not affect the student-athlete's eligibility. |
Currently, in a case in which a student-athlete competes while ineligible due to a violation of a conference rule or receives financial aid contrary to a conference rule, the institution must request reinstatement of his or her NCAA eligibility even though no violation of NCAA legislation has occurred, other than by the fact that the violation of the conference rule occurred. In these cases, a conference office is in a better position to assess whether a violation of its own rules should affect eligibility and if so, what the appropriate conditions for reinstatement should be. Adoption of this proposal would have no effect on the calculation of a student-athlete's eligibility point toward the institution's Academic Progress Rate (APR). This proposal is being recommended as noncontroversial with an immediate effective date. The recommendation is appropriate because broader consultation and debate are unlikely to improve the proposal in any substantial way, significant disagreement or alternative points of view will not be generated and there does not appear to be a significant impact on existing legislation or proposed legislation. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement). |
Immediate |
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2006-60 |
ELIGIBILITY -- GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS -- CHANGE IN ELIGIBILITY STATUS -- ELIGIBILITY FOR POSTSEASON COMPETITION BETWEEN TERMS |
To specify that, in order for any student-athlete to be eligible to compete in postseason competition occurring between regular terms, an institution shall certify that he or she has satisfactorily completed six semester-hours or six quarter-hours of academic credit during the preceding regular academic term. |
The current eligibility requirement for postseason competition between terms only applies to a student-athlete in his or her final season of competition in the applicable sport. This proposal is intended to ensure the continued academic progress of all student-athletes, regardless of their years of eligibility remaining. In addition, this proposal enhances the integrity and spirit of the progress-toward-degree requirements for postseason competition. |
Atlantic Sun Conference. |
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2006-61 |
ELIGIBILITY -- GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS -- CHANGE IN ELIGIBILITY STATUS -- ELIGIBILITY FOR POSTSEASON COMPETITION BETWEEN TERMS -- LESS THAN FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT |
To specify that a student-athlete who is in his or her final season of competition in the applicable sport and is enrolled in less than a minimum full-time program of studies, but is enrolled in at least six hours, shall have satisfactorily completed six semester or six quarter hours of academic credit during the preceding regular term in order to be eligible to participate in postseason competition occurring between terms; and to specify that a student-athlete who is in his or her final season of competition in the applicable sport and is enrolled in less than six hours, shall have satisfactorily completed the number of semester or quarter hours of academic credit in which he or she was enrolled during the preceding regular academic term in order to be eligible to participate in postseason competition occurring between terms. |
Currently, only a student-athlete who is enrolled as a full-time student in his or her final season of competition is required to successfully complete six semester hours or six quarter hours of academic credit during the preceding regular academic term in order to be eligible to participate in postseason competition occurring between terms. A student-athlete who is enrolled in less than a full-time program of studies is not subject to the rule. Therefore, a student-athlete who is enrolled less than full-time during his or her final season of competition may participate in a postseason event, even if he or she fails the courses in which he or she is enrolled. This proposal is consistent with the overall intent of academic reform and the principle that all student-athletes should have the knowledge that they are competing against other student-athletes who are truly students, even those who are enrolled in less than a full-time program of studies during their final year of eligibility. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Continuing Eligibility). |
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2006-62 |
ELIGIBILITY -- SEASONS OF COMPETITION -- TENNIS AND SWIMMING AND DIVING -- EXCEPTION -- MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE |
In tennis and swimming and diving, to specify that a student-athlete's participation in organized events while serving a mandatory military obligation is exempt from the application of the legislation governing the use of seasons of competition prior to initial full-time enrollment in a collegiate institution and residency on enrollment. |
Many countries require individuals of a certain age to
fulfill a term of military service and, during such service; the individuals
may chose to participate in athletics. This proposal is designed to provide
relief from the application of the tennis and swimming and diving rule for
students who participate in amateur competition only during their required
military service. The requirement that the service begin during the
"grace year" is reasonable and it would eliminate the
administrative burden of ascertaining each country's required service terms.
The individual's participation in athletics does not have to be
"required" by the country however, the participation must not
result in violations of NCAA amateurism rules. If this proposal is adopted,
but an individual's circumstances do not meet the requirements of the
legislation, an institution may still continue to use the Administrative
Review Subcommittee waiver process. The proposed effective date of |
NCAA Division I Management Council (Administrative Review Subcommittee). |
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2006-63 |
ELIGIBILITY -- CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING SEASON OF ELIGIBILITY -- TENNIS AND SWIMMING AND DIVING -- PARTICIPATION IN ELITE EVENTS |
In tennis and swimming and diving, to specify that a student-athlete's participation in the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, World Championships, World Cup and World University Games is exempt from application of the legislation governing seasons of competition and residency in those sports. |
The NCAA Division I Management Council Administrative Review Subcommittee granted a blanket waiver of Bylaw 14.2.3.2 which allowed tennis and swimming and diving student-athletes to participate in the 2004 Olympic Games without triggering the application of the tennis and swimming and diving rule. Participation in the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, World Championships, World Cup or World University Games is a unique and enriching experience for student-athletes. Charging student-athletes with seasons of competition and requiring them to fulfill an academic year in residence for participation in such elite events is inappropriate. Further, this change is consistent with the treatment of elite events as it relates to the use of a season of competition for enrolled student-athletes. |
NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet (Olympic Sports Liaison Committee). |
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2006-64 |
ELIGIBILITY -- SEASONS OF COMPETITION -- HARDSHIP WAIVER -- MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CONTESTS OR DATES OF COMPETITION |
To increase the maximum permissible number of contests or dates of competition in which a student-athlete may participate in a season and remain eligible for a hardship waiver to four scheduled or completed contests or dates of competition or 40 percent of the institution's scheduled or completed contests or dates of competition. |
The current hardship-waiver legislation (which measures not more than two contests or dates of competition or 20 percent of the institution's scheduled or completed contests or dates of competition, whichever is greater) overly penalizes a student-athlete who becomes injured or ill. If a student-athlete participates in only three contests or 21 percent of the institution's events and suffers a season-ending injury, he or she is not eligible for the hardship waiver and is charged an entire year of competition. This is the case even though his or her participation was limited due to circumstances beyond his or her control. The general philosophy of seasons of competition is that a student-athlete should receive four complete seasons to compete in his or her sport. In the interest of student-athlete well-being, the maximum amount of competition should be increased to four contests or dates of competition or 40 percent of an institution's events. If a student-athlete has competed in more than four contests or dates of competition or 40 percent of the institution's events, he or she has had a much better opportunity to compete for a significant part of the season. |
Horizon League. |
Immediate; for student-athletes who first enrolled in a
collegiate institution on or after |
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2006-65 |
ELIGIBILITY -- FRESHMAN ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS -- CORE-CURRICULUM TIME LIMITATION |
To specify that a prospective student-athlete must complete his or her core-curriculum requirements not later than the high school graduation date of the prospect's class [as determined by the first year of enrollment in high school (ninth grade) or the international equivalent as specified in the NCAA Guide to International Academic Standards for Athletics Eligibility]; however, if the prospect graduates from high school within the described time-frame, he or she may use one core course completed in the year following graduation (summer or academic year), but not later than the end of the academic year immediately following the high school graduation date of the prospect's class. |
The current legislation allows, and in some cases, encourages a prospective student-athlete to purposefully delay high school graduation to meet NCAA initial-eligibility requirements. This is not a sound academic practice. This proposal promotes timely high school graduation by requiring that core courses be completed within the normal high school timeframe (e.g., in a student's first eight semesters or 12 quarters). The proposal also encourages timely high school graduation by permitting students to earn one core course in the summer or academic year immediately following timely graduation. If a prospective student-athlete uses this limited exception to the core-curriculum time limitation, he or she would be immediately eligible on certification that all initial-eligibility requirements are met. A student-athlete who uses the exception to the core-curriculum time limitation will be able to complete the additional core course at any high school that is recognized by the NCAA (not limited to the high school from which he or she graduated). There will continue to be legitimate instances in which a student does not or cannot graduate from high school within the normal timeframe. The initial-eligibility waiver process will provide a mechanism to review such cases and waive this requirement when circumstances warrant an exception. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Initial-Eligibility Issues). |
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2006-66 |
ELIGIBILITY -- |
To specify that, in order for a transfer student from a two-year college who was not a qualifier to be eligible for institutional financial aid, practice and competition the first academic year in residence, he or she must have successfully completed six semester or eight quarter hours of English and three semester or four quarter hours of mathematics at the two-year college that are transferable degree credit toward any baccalaureate degree program at the certifying institution. |
Currently, two-year college transfers are subject to progress-toward-degree requirements at the certifying institution. Therefore, a two-year college transfer student-athlete must be prepared for immediate academic success on transferring. This additional academic requirement poses the possibility for academic and eligibility problems once the student enrolls at the certifying institution. This proposal will help alleviate this potential problem and help ensure that students who were not qualifiers have the academic tools needed for success. A student who completes the required English and math coursework will be better pr |
Southeastern Conference. |
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2006-67 |
ELIGIBILITY -- FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE TRANSFERS -- DISCONTINUED/NONSPONSORED SPORT EXCEPTION -- CANCELLED OR SUSPENDED SPORT |
To specify that a transfer student-athlete may qualify for the discontinued/nonsponsored sport exception when an institution has publicly announced that it has cancelled the student-athlete's sport for at least an entire playing and practice season or suspended the sport for an indefinite time period. |
"Discontinued" and "dropped" do not have the same meaning as "cancelled." If a member institution has publicly announced that it has cancelled a sport for an entire playing and practice season, student-athletes in that sport are denied an opportunity to compete. Current legislation and interpretations do not provide any relief for the student-athletes who fall into this category, unless they are in their final season of eligibility. As an issue of student-athlete well-being, student-athletes whose sport is cancelled for at least one full playing and practice season should have the same opportunity as students whose sport is discontinued. They should be permitted to transfer to another institution to compete in their sport without fulfilling an academic year in residence. |
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. |
Immediate |
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2006-68 |
ELIGIBILITY -- |
To limit the one-time transfer exception to a student-athlete who transfers from a Division III institution to a Division I institution. |
The one-time transfer exception allows a dissatisfied student-athlete to transfer to another four-year institution and be immediately eligible for competition; often times to the detriment of an entire intercollegiate team. The exception is heralded as "student-athlete friendly" legislation, yet little mention is given to the well-being of the student-athletes who remain at the student-athlete's previous institution. The departure of a single student-athlete can negatively affect an entire team that has committed to the institution and to each other. Further, the one-time transfer exception has also resulted in a mentality that the four-year transfer is a "quick-fix" to a program's athletics woes. This practice has increased the recruiting of enrolled student-athletes. Requiring most transfers to serve a residency year will allow the student-athlete to adjust to the surroundings of his or her new institution without the pressures of competition and will reduce recruitment of enrolled student-athletes. This proposal would not prohibit a student-athlete from transferring for academic or personal reasons and would allow the institution to award athletics aid during the residency year. Finally, a residency year should increase the likelihood of academic success for transfer students and bolster the institution's Academic Performance Rate and Graduation Success Rate. |
Southern Conference. |
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2006-69 |
ELIGIBILITY -- |
To specify that a student-athlete who transfers from a four-year institution to a two-year institution and then to the certifying institution shall complete at least one regular academic term of enrollment at the two-year institution in order to be eligible for athletically related financial aid at the certifying institution. |
With the adoption of NCAA Proposal No. 2005-171, a student-athlete seeking to transfer from one four-year institution to another must have been academically eligible for competition for the next academic term at the previous four-year institution in order to be eligible to receive institutional athletically related financial aid at the certifying institution. However, with further review of the application of this proposal, it has become apparent that a student-athlete could circumvent the legislation by enrolling in a two-year institution for a brief period of time (e.g., two days) prior to transferring to the certifying institution. This proposal would remove this "loophole" by requiring a student-athlete to attend a two-year institution for at least one regular academic term to be eligible for institutional athletically related financial aid at the certifying institution. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Continuing Eligibility). |
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2006-70 |
FINANCIAL AID -- ELIGIBILITY OF STUDENT-ATHLETES FOR INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL AID -- NCAA DEGREE COMPLETION AWARD |
To permit an institution to provide athletically related financial aid to a student-athlete who is selected for an NCAA Degree Completion Award. |
When the NCAA Degree Completion Award was established in 1989, approximately 67 percent of the applicants were funded. The percentage has dropped to approximately 44 percent even with an increase in funding in 1999. With academic incentives in place that will encourage institutions to help student-athletes achieve the goal of completing an undergraduate degree, it is anticipated that Division I institutions will encourage more student-athletes to apply for and use the Degree Completion Award to finish their degrees. Consequently, it is expected that application numbers will increase, resulting in an even smaller percentage of applicants being funded. In order to fund more student-athletes with the available resources, the value of each award will be reduced to include only tuition and fees effective with the 2007-08 funding cycle (June 2007). This proposal would allow institutions to supplement the Degree Completion Awards with funding for the other costs of a grant-in-aid (i.e., room and board and books). A student-athlete may receive unearned athletics aid under this proposal regardless of whether he or she has previously received five years of aid or is outside the six-year period since initial full-time enrollment. |
NCAA Division I Management Council (Degree Completion Award Consultants). |
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2006-71 |
FINANCIAL AID AND AWARDS, BENEFITS AND EXPENSES -- TRAINING TABLE MEALS -- ONE MEAL PER DAY DURING CHAMPIONSHIP SEGMENT |
To permit an institution, during the championship segment of the playing and practice season of each sport, to provide one training-table meal per day to student-athletes without the provision of the meal being considered financial aid. |
Training-table meals have always been a component of the element of board in a grant-in-aid. This proposal establishes a limited and narrow exception to the financial aid rules related to triggering counter status and institutional limitations on financial aid. Requiring walk-on student-athletes or student-athletes on partial scholarships to pay for training-table meals stigmatizes them and makes them feel like they are not valued members of their teams. On the contrary, such student-athletes provide significant contributions to their teams and should be allowed to receive this limited benefit without triggering the application of various financial aid regulations. In addition, a significant administrative burden is involved when walk-on student-athletes and student-athletes on partial scholarships are required to pay for a training-table meal or demonstrate that they previously paid for the same meal, but were forced to miss it due to practice activities. This proposal supports deregulation efforts by simplifying such situations. Finally, this proposal supports the principle of student-athlete well-being in a fair and flexible manner. |
NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Financial Aid). |
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2006-72 |
FINANCIAL AID -- MIDYEAR GRADUATE REPLACEMENT -- WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS AND WOMEN'S TENNIS |
In women's gymnastics and women's tennis, to specify that the financial aid of a counter who graduates at midyear with eligibility remaining and who does not return to the institution for the following academic term may be provided to another student-athlete without making the second student-athlete a counter for the remainder of the academic year. |
This proposal provides an institution with greater flexibility in awarding athletics aid. Specifically, an institution would not be penalized for having a midyear graduate in wome |