Division I Amendments - Multiple Selection

NCAA DI Legislative Proposals for Second Review Initially Approved

by the Management Council in January.

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-17-A -- ETHICAL CONDUCT -- SPORTS WAGERING ACTIVITIES

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: To specify and clarify prohibited sports wagering activities and the individuals to whom the prohibitions apply.

A. Bylaws: Amend 10.02, 10.3 and 10.4, as follows:

[To change the voting lines in Bylaws 10.3 and 10.4 from federated to common and to designate Bylaw 10.02 as common.]

B. Bylaws: Amend 10, as follows:

"10 Ethical Conduct

"10.01 GENERAL PRINCIPLES

[10.01.1 unchanged.]

"10.02 DEFINITIONS AND APPLICATIONS

"10.02.1 Sports Wagering. Sports wagering includes placing, accepting or soliciting a wager (on a staff member's or student-athlete's own behalf or on the behalf of others) of any type with any individual or organization on any intercollegiate, amateur or professional team or contest. Examples of sports wagering include, but are not limited to, the use of a bookmaker or parlay card; Internet sports wagering; auctions in which bids are placed on teams, individuals or contests; and pools or fantasy leagues in which an entry fee is required and there is an opportunity to win a prize.

[10.1 through 10.2 unchanged.]

"10.3 GAMBLING ACTIVITIES Staff members of a member conference, staff members of the athletics department of a member institution and student-athletes shall not knowingly:

"(a) Provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletics competition;

"(b) Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team;

"(c) Accept a bet on any team representing the institution;

"(d) Solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner) that has tangible value; or

"(e) Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics, through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling.

"10.3 SPORTS WAGERING ACTIVITIES. The following individuals shall not knowingly participate in sports wagering activities or provide information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competition:

"(a) Staff members of an institution's athletics department;

"(b) Nonathletics department staff members who have responsibilities within or over the athletics department (e.g., chancellor or president, faculty athletics representative, individual to whom athletics reports);

"(c) Staff members of a conference office; and

"(d) Student-athletes.

"10.3.1 Scope of Application. The prohibition against sports wagering applies to any institutional practice or any competition (intercollegiate, amateur or professional) in a sport in which the Association conducts championship competition, in bowl subdivision football and in emerging sports for women.

"10.3.1.1 Exception. The provisions of Bylaw 10.3 are not applicable to traditional wagers between institutions (e.g., traditional rivalry) or in conjunction with particular contests (e.g., bowl games). Items wagered must be representative of the involved institutions or the states in which they are located.

"10.3.12 Sanctions. The following sanctions for violations of Bylaw 10.3 shall apply as follows:

"(a) A student-athlete who engages in activities designed to influence the outcome of an intercollegiate contest or in an effort to affect win-loss margins (i.e., "point shaving") or who solicits or accepts a bet or participates in any gambling activity through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling that involves sports wagering on activity involving the student-athlete's institution shall permanently lose all remaining regular-season and postseason eligibility in all sports.

"(b) A student-athlete who solicits or accepts a bet or participates in any gambling sports wagering activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics, through the Internet, a bookmaker, or a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling, shall be ineligible for all regular-season and postseason competition for a minimum of a period of one year from the date of the institution's determination that a violation occurred and shall be charged with the loss of a minimum of one season of competition eligibility. If the student-athlete is determined to have been involved in a subsequent violation of any portion of Bylaw 10.3, the student-athlete shall permanently lose all remaining regular-season and postseason eligibility in all sports.

"10.4 DISCIPLINARY ACTION

"Prospective or enrolled student-athletes found in violation of the provisions of this regulation shall be ineligible for further intercollegiate competition, subject to appeal to the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement for restoration of eligibility. (See Bylaw 10.3.12 for sanctions of student-athletes involved in violations of 10.3.) Institutional staff members found in violation of the provisions of this regulation shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth in Bylaw 19.5.2.2 of the NCAA enforcement procedures, whether such violations occurred at the certifying institution or during the individual's previous employment at another member institution."

Source: NCAA Division I Management Council (Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct).

Effective Date: August 1, 2007

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Ethical Conduct

Rationale: 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 and the president or chancellor 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. It is important to note that, as a human resources policy, the NCAA national office staff is covered by this prohibition on sports wagering activities.

Estimated Budget Impact: None.

Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.

Position Statement(s)

Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee: The committee supports Proposal No. 2006-17. The committee believes the proposal establishes greater clarity for violations of NCAA gambling legislation. Often serious reinstatement conditions are imposed for violated gambling legislation and thus, the committee supports clearly defining the activities expressly prohibited.

Primary Contact Person:

History

Jun 14, 2006	Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Jul 11, 2006	Management Council Administrative Committee, Sponsored
Aug 31, 2006	Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, Recommends Approval; See position statement.
Oct 12, 2006	; Proposal renumbered as Proposal No. 2006-17-A. An alternative is Proposal No. 2006-17-B.
Jan 07, 2007	Mgmt Council 1st Review, Forwarded for Membership Comment
Jan 09, 2007	Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Mar 09, 2007	Comment Period; End of Comment Period; (Official Comment Totals: Support = 23, Oppose = 2, Abstain = 0)

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-17-B – ETHICAL CONDUCT -- SPORTS WAGERING ACTIVITIES -- POOLS AND FANTASY LEAGUES

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: To specify and clarify prohibited sports wagering activities and the individuals to whom the prohibitions apply and to specify that sports wagering includes participation in a pool or fantasy league in which there is an opportunity to win a prize.

Bylaws: Amend 10, as follows:

"10 Ethical Conduct

"10.01 GENERAL PRINCIPLES

[10.01.1 unchanged.]

"10.02 DEFINITIONS AND APPLICATIONS

"10.02.2 Wager. A wager is any agreement in which an individual or entity agrees to give up an item of value (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner) in exchange for the possibility of gaining another item of value. In the case of a pool or fantasy league, a wager is any agreement to participate in a pool or fantasy league in which there is an opportunity to win a prize.

[10.1 through 10.2 unchanged.]

"10.3 GAMBLING ACTIVITIES Staff members of a member conference, staff members of the athletics department of a member institution and student-athletes shall not knowingly:

"(a) Provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletics competition;

"(b) Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team;

"(c) Accept a bet on any team representing the institution;

"(d) Solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner) that has tangible value; or

"(e) Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics, through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling.

"(a) Staff members of an institution's athletics department;

"(c) Staff members of a conference office; and

"(d) Student-athletes.

"10.3.12 Sanctions. The following sanctions for violations of Bylaw 10.3 shall apply as follows:

"10.4 DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Source: Mountain West Conference.

Effective Date: August 1, 2007

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Ethical Conduct

Rationale: The legislation regarding sports wagering activities must specifically define the individuals who are covered and the activities that are expressly prohibited. Fantasy leagues and pools are included in this proposal since often times there are significant prizes involved even if an entry fee is not required. Such significant prize offerings could cause an individual (student-athlete, coach, administrator, faculty athletics representative and president or chancellor and/or the individual with oversight of athletics) to attempt to affect the outcome of a contest. 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.

Estimated Budget Impact: None.

Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.

Primary Contact Person:

History

Oct 12, 2006	Submit; Submitted for consideration as an alternative to Proposal No. 2006-17-A.
Jan 07, 2007	Mgmt Council 1st Review, Forwarded for Membership Comment
Jan 09, 2007	Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Mar 09, 2007	Comment Period; End of Comment Period; (Official Comment Totals: Support = 15, Oppose = 2, Abstain = 0)

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-20 -- PERSONNEL -- LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF OFF-CAMPUS RECRUITERS -- FENCING, GOLF, MEN'S GYMNASTICS, RIFLE, MEN'S TENNIS AND MEN'S WATER POLO

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: 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.

Bylaws: Amend 11.7.4, as follows:

"11.7.4 Limitations on Number -- Off-Campus Recruiting. There shall be a limit on the number of coaches who may be employed by an institution and who may contact or evaluate prospective student-athletes off-campus at any one time in each sport as follows:

"Sport	Head or Assistant Coach	Limit on Off-Campus Recruiters
"Fencing, Men	2	12
"Fencing, Women	2	12
"Golf, Men	2	12
"Golf, Women	2	12
"Gymnastics, Men	3	12
"Rifle, Men	2	12
"Rifle, Women	2	12
"Tennis, Men	2	12
"Water Polo, Men	2	12"

Source: NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Recruiting).

Effective Date: August 1, 2007

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Personnel

Rationale: 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.

Estimated Budget Impact: Will vary with the amount of travel.

Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.

Position Statement(s)

Championships/Competition Cabinet: The cabinet supports Proposal No. 2006-20. [Vote count to support: 46-2-0.]

Primary Contact Person:

History

Jun 15, 2006	Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Jun 16, 2006	Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet, Sponsored
Sep 21, 2006	Championships/Competition Cabinet
Jan 07, 2007	Mgmt Council 1st Review, Forwarded for Membership Comment
Jan 09, 2007	Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Mar 09, 2007	Comment Period; End of Comment Period; (Official Comment Totals: Support = 24, Oppose = 2, Abstain = 3)

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-22 – AMATEURISM -- INVOLVEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL TEAMS -- TRYOUT AFTER ENROLLMENT -- RECEIPT OF EXPENSES -- ANY TIME

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: To specify that, after initial full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual who has eligibility remaining may try out with a professional athletics team (or participate in a combine including that team) at any time, provided the individual does not miss class; further, to specify that an individual may receive actual and necessary expenses in conjunction with one 48-hour tryout per professional team (or a combine including that team) and that a self-financed tryout may be for any length of time.

Bylaws: Amend 12.2.1.2, as follows:

"12.2.1.2 Tryout After Enrollment. A student-athlete shall not try out with a professional athletics team in a sport or permit a professional athletics team to conduct medical examinations during any part of the academic year (i.e., from the beginning of the fall term through completion of the spring term, including any intervening vacation period) while enrolled in a collegiate institution as a regular student in at least a minimum full-time academic load, unless the student-athlete has exhausted eligibility in that sport. The 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 any form of expenses or other compensation from the professional organization. After initial full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual who has eligibility remaining may try out with a professional athletics team (or participate in a combine including that team) at any time, provided the individual does not miss class. The individual may receive actual and necessary expenses in conjunction with one 48-hour tryout per professional team (or a combine including that team). The 48-hour tryout period shall begin at the time the individual arrives at the tryout location. At the completion of the 48-hour period, the individual must depart the location of the tryout immediately in order to receive return transportation expenses. A tryout may extend beyond 48 hours if the individual self-finances additional expenses, including return transportation. A self-financed tryout may be for any length of time, provided the individual does not miss class.

"12.2.1.2.1 Medical Examination Exception. A single scouting bureau recognized by a professional league is permitted to conduct one medical examination per student-athlete during the academic year without jeopardizing the student-athlete's eligibility in that sport, provided the examination does not occur off campus.

"12.2.1.2.2 Exception for Predraft Basketball Camp. In basketball, during the summer or during the academic year while not a full-time student, a student-athlete may accept actual and necessary travel, and room and board expenses from a professional sports organization to attend that organization's predraft basketball camp regardless of the duration of the camp. [See Bylaws 14.7.3.2-(e) and 16.10.1.9 for more information on predraft basketball camps.]

[12.2.1.3 through 12.2.1.4 renumbered as 12.2.1.2 through 12.2.1.3, unchanged.]

Source: NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Agents and Amateurism).

Effective Date: August 1, 2007

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Amateurism

Rationale: 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. By stipulating that no classes may be missed due to tryout activities, concerns regarding the effect of tryouts on a team's Academic Progress Rate will be addressed. Without the missed class time provision, student-athletes could engage in numerous tryouts that would result in substantial time away from campus. This proposal permits an individual to try out with a professional team (or participate in a combine including that team) and receive not more than actual and necessary expenses on one occasion prior to collegiate enrollment and on one occasion after initial collegiate enrollment.

Estimated Budget Impact: None.

Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.

Position Statement(s)

Football Issues Committee: The committee opposes the proposal. The committee noted that reliable information regarding draft status/likelihood is already available from the NFL and that additional tryout opportunities are not necessary in the sport of football.
Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee: The committee supports the proposal with the modification to specify that the tryouts and expenses are permissible, provided the individual does not miss class. (See History Section).

Primary Contact Person:

History

Jun 15, 2006	Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Jun 16, 2006	Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet, Sponsored
Aug 31, 2006	Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, Recommends Defeat; The committee recommends that the sponsor modify the proposal to include no missed class time or a maximum number of tryouts that may occur. The committee generally supports the concept of the proposal and the desire to expand the legislation to allow for a professional athletics team to provide not more than one expense-paid visit from each professional team, provided the visit does not exceed 48 hours. The reinstatement staff and committee have processed cases over the past several years involving situations where the professional team paid for the tryout. In examining those cases, the committee agrees that expanding the legislation to allow for such an expense to be provided is in the best interest of the student-athletes. However, the committee believes some parameters should be set on the provision of the expenses to provide some protection from possible abuses.
Sep 05, 2006	Football Issues Committee, Recommends Defeat; See position statement.
Sep 08, 2006	Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet; Modified the proposal to specify that subsequent to initial full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual may try out with a professional athletics team in a sport and receive not more than one expense paid tryout from each professional team (or for participation in a combine including that team), provided: (1) The individual does not miss class; (2) Any payment or compensation in connection with the tryout may not exceed actual and necessary expenses; and (3) Expenses may only be provided for a period of 48 hours.
Jan 07, 2007	Mgmt Council 1st Review, Forwarded for Membership Comment
Jan 09, 2007	Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Mar 09, 2007	Comment Period; End of Comment Period; (Official Comment Totals: Support = 22, Oppose = 2, Abstain = 1)

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-24 – AMATEURISM -- INVOLVEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL TEAMS -- DRAFT AND INQUIRY -- DRAFT LIST -- SPORTS OTHER THAN BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: 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 is not drafted and within 72 hours following the draft he or she declares his or her intention to resume participation in intercollegiate athletics.

Bylaws: Amend 12.2.4.2 by adding new 12.2.4.2.4, as follows:

"12.2.4.2 Draft List. Subsequent to initial full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual loses amateur status in a particular sport when the individual asks to be placed on the draft list or supplemental draft list of a professional league in that sport, even though:

[12.2.4.2-(a) through 12.2.4.2-(c) unchanged.]

[12.2.4.2.1 through 12.2.4.2.3 unchanged.]

"12.2.4.2.4 Exception -- Sports Other Than Basketball and Football. An enrolled student-athlete in a sport other than basketball or football may enter a professional league's draft one time during his or her collegiate career without jeopardizing his or her eligibility in the applicable sport, provided the student-athlete is not drafted and within 72 hours following the draft he or she declares his or her intention to resume participation in intercollegiate athletics. The student-athlete's declaration of intent shall be in writing to the institution's director of athletics."

Source: NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Agents and Amateurism).

Effective Date: August 1, 2007

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Amateurism

Rationale: 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 other drafts, including international drafts, which may currently exist or may be established in the future.

Estimated Budget Impact: None.

Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.

Position Statement(s)

Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee: The committee opposes Proposal No. 2006-24. Specifically, the committee supports the concept of expanding the draft exception to all sports. The committee has struggled when processing cases to penalize a student-athlete whose sport does not provide a draft exception when in other sports it is permissible to enter a draft. However, the committee was unsure that 72 hours was the appropriate time frame for all sports. Thus, the committee recommends that data be collected on each sport to ensure that 72 hours is the appropriate time frame prior to adopting the legislation.

Primary Contact Person:

History

Jun 15, 2006	Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Jun 16, 2006	Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet, Sponsored
Aug 31, 2006	Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, Recommends Defeat; See position statement.
Jan 07, 2007	Mgmt Council 1st Review, Forwarded for Membership Comment
Jan 09, 2007	Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Mar 09, 2007	Comment Period; End of Comment Period; (Official Comment Totals: Support = 24, Oppose = 1, Abstain = 0)

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-27 – AMATEURISM -- FINANCIAL DONATIONS FROM OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS -- PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS -- RECIPROCAL MARKETING AGREEMENT -- FOOTBALL AND MEN'S BASKETBALL

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: 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.

Bylaws: Amend 12.6.1.4, as follows:

"12.6.1.4 To Institution, Permissible. A member institution may receive funds from a professional sports organization, provided:

[12.6.1.4-(a) through 12.6.1.4-(b) unchanged.]

"(c) The money is received by the institution as a result of a reciprocal contractual marketing relationship and is placed in the athletics department's budget for the specific purpose of marketing and promoting any institutionally sponsored sport other than football and men's basketball."

Source: NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet (Subcommittee on Agents and Amateurism).

Effective Date: August 1, 2007

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Amateurism

Rationale: 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.

Estimated Budget Impact: None.

Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.

Position Statement(s)

Football Issues Committee: The committee supports the proposal.

Primary Contact Person:

History

Jun 15, 2006	Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Jun 16, 2006	Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet, Sponsored
Sep 05, 2006	Football Issues Committee, Recommends Approval
Jan 07, 2007	Mgmt Council 1st Review, Forwarded for Membership Comment
Jan 09, 2007	Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Mar 09, 2007	Comment Period; End of Comment Period; (Official Comment Totals: Support = 24, Oppose = 1, Abstain = 0)

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-30 – RECRUITING -- LIMITATIONS ON NUMBER OF EVALUATIONS -- FALL CONTACT PERIOD AND SPRING EVALUATION WEEKEND -- WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: In women's basketball, to specify that evaluations at nonscholastic events may occur during the last full weekend (including Friday, Saturday and Sunday) of the fall contact period and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the spring evaluation period.

Bylaws: Amend 13.1.8.8, as follows:

"13.1.8.8 Evaluation Days -- Basketball.

[13.1.8.8-(a) unchanged.]

"(b) Women's Basketball. In women's basketball each institution is limited to five recruiting opportunities (contacts and evaluations combined) per prospective student-athlete (see Bylaw 13.1.6.6). Women's basketball staff members shall not exceed 85 recruiting-person days.

"(1) Academic Year Evaluation Period. Evaluations during the academic year may occur at regularly scheduled high school, preparatory school and two-year college contests/tournaments, practices, pick-up games and open gyms. Evaluations at nonscholastic events during the women's basketball prospective student-athlete's academic year shall only occur during the last full weekend (including Friday, Saturday and Sunday) of the fall contact period and the weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the spring evaluation period."

[Remainder of 13.1.8.8 unchanged.]

Source: Big East Conference.

Effective Date: Immediate

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Recruiting

Rationale: The last weekend of the fall contact period, as well as the month of April, are two of the more popular periods for nonscholastic women's basketball events. The current women's basketball recruiting calendar permits evaluations at nonscholastic events during the last full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of the fall contact period and one specific weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in April. By allowing evaluations on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of these two weekends, coaches will have a better opportunity to evaluate prospective student-athletes at one place during a short time period. This additional day during each period will allow coaches to make more informed recruiting decisions.

Estimated Budget Impact: Minimal.

Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.

Position Statement(s)

Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet: The cabinet unanimously supports Proposal No. 2006-30. Feedback from the (WBCA) indicates women's basketball coaches are not in favor of increasing the number of weekends in April in which evaluations at nonscholastic events may occur; however, the WBCA agreed that the one weekend during April should also include Friday, given that most events begin on Friday and prospects will be participating regardless of whether Division I coaches are in attendance. Adding the additional day provides greater flexibility and does not increase the number of recruiting-person days.
Women's Basketball Issues Committee: The committee supports the proposal with the modification to specify only that evaluations at nonscholastic events may occur during the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the spring evaluation period. (See History Section.)

Primary Contact Person:

  Joseph F. D'Antonio, Jr., Esq. , Assoc. Comm. for Gov. & Compliance
  The BIG EAST Conference
  222 Richmond Street, Suite 110
  Providence, RI 02903
  Phone: 401/272-9108   FAX: 401/273-0424   Email: jdantonio@bigeast.org

History

Jul 12, 2006	Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Aug 22, 2006	Women's Basketball Issues Committee, Recommends Defeat; The committee opposes the proposal as written and recommends the sponsoring conference modify the proposal to only include a provision that seeks to expand the definition of the one weekend in April during which non-scholastic evaluations may occur to include Friday. In the event the sponsoring conference does not modify the proposal, the committee would recommend that the Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet sponsor an alternative proposal to expand the definition of the one weekend in April during which non-scholastic evaluations may occur. In making this recommendation, the committee noted that it is common practice for the nonscholastic events to begin on Friday mornings so the expansion of the definition of a weekend to include Friday is appropriate. The committee did mention that it does not view the other aspects of the proposal as necessary because given Easter holiday, college entrance exams and the Women's Final Four, it is generally difficult to identify a second weekend in April for evaluation purposes.
Sep 05, 2006	; Sponsor modified the proposal to specify only that evaluations at nonscholastic events may occur during the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the spring evaluation period. Previous intent was to specify that an institution would be permitted to designate two weekends in April (after the Final Four and no conflict with standardized exams) for evaluations at nonscholastic events and that evaluations that would occur during the two designated weekends would not count toward the 85 recruiting-person days.
Sep 08, 2006	Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet, Recommends Approval; See position statement.
Oct 12, 2006	; Sponsor modified the proposal to specify that evaluations at nonscholastic events may occur during the last full weekend (including Friday, Saturday and Sunday) of the fall contact period.
Jan 07, 2007	Mgmt Council 1st Review, Forwarded for Membership Comment
Jan 09, 2007	Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Mar 09, 2007	Comment Period; End of Comment Period; (Official Comment Totals: Support = 17, Oppose = 11, Abstain = 0)

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-32 – RECRUITING -- TELEPHONE CALLS AND RECRUITING MATERIALS -- EXCEPTIONS -- MEN'S ICE HOCKEY

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: 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 at the conclusion of the prospective student-athlete's sophomore year in high school through July 31 after the prospective student-athlete's junior year in high school; (2) to make one telephone call 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.

A. Bylaws: Amend 13.1.3.1 by adding new 13.1.3.1.4, as follows:

"13.1.3.1 Time Period for Telephone Calls -- General Rule. In sports other than football and basketball, telephone calls to a prospective student-athlete [or the prospective student-athlete's relatives or legal guardian(s)] may not be made before July 1 following the completion of the prospective student-athlete's junior year in high school (subject to the exceptions below); thereafter, staff members shall not make such telephone calls more than once per week.

[13.1.3.1.1 through 13.1.3.1.3 unchanged.]

"13.1.3.1.4 Exception -- Men's Ice Hockey. In men's ice hockey, an institution is permitted to make one telephone call per month to a prospective student-athlete [or the prospective student-athlete's relatives or legal guardian(s)] on or after June 15 at the conclusion of the prospective student-athlete's sophomore year in high school through July 31 after the prospective student-athlete's junior year in high school. An institution is permitted to make one telephone call per week to a prospective student-athlete [or the prospective student-athlete's relatives or legal guardian(s)] beginning August 1 prior to the prospective student-athlete's senior year in high school.

"13.1.3.1.45 Exception -- Women's Ice Hockey. In women's ice hockey, it is permissible for an institution to make one telephone call to a prospective student-athlete who is a resident of a foreign country during the month of July following the completion of the prospective student-athlete's sophomore year in high school."

[13.1.3.1.5 through 13.1.3.1.6, renumbered as 13.1.3.1.6 through 13.1.3.1.7, unchanged.]

B. Bylaws: Amend 13.4.1, as follows:

"13.4.1 Recruiting Materials. In sports other than men's basketball and men's ice hockey, a member institution may not provide recruiting materials to a prospective student-athlete (including general correspondence related to athletics) until September 1 at the beginning of the prospective student-athlete's junior year in high school. In men's basketball and men's ice hockey, an institution may not provide recruiting materials to a prospective student-athlete (including general correspondence related to athletics) until June 15 at the conclusion of the prospective student-athlete's sophomore year in high school. Violations of this bylaw shall be considered institutional violations per Constitution 2.8.1; however, they shall not affect the prospective student-athlete's eligibility."

Source: Big East Conference.

Effective Date: Immediate

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Recruiting

Rationale: 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 (e.g., Canadian Hockey League) 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.

Estimated Budget Impact: None.

Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.

Position Statement(s)

Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet: The cabinet supports the proposal with the modification to specify that an institution may make only one telephone call per week to a prospective student-athlete beginning August 1 prior to the prospective student-athlete's senior year in high school. (See History Section.)

Primary Contact Person:

  Joseph F. D'Antonio, Jr., Esq., Assco. Comm. for Gov. & Compliance
  The BIG EAST Conference
  222 Richmond Street, Suite 110
  Providence , RI 02903
  Phone: 401/272-9108   FAX: 407/273-0424   Email: jdantonio@bigeast.org

History

Jul 11, 2006	Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Sep 08, 2006	Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet, Recommends Defeat; The cabinet unanimously opposes Proposal No. 2006-32. The cabinet recommends that the sponsor modify the proposal to specify that an institution may make only one telephone call per week to a prospective student-athlete beginning August 1 prior to the prospective student-athlete's senior year in high school. The cabinet would support the proposal if modified. The cabinet agreed with the sponsor's rationale regarding the earlier access to prospects via telephone contact and recruiting correspondence; however, the concerns expressed by the sponsor as it relates to the outside influence in men's ice hockey occur prior to the prospect's senior year in high school. As a result, it is not necessary to make two telephone calls per week during the prospect's senior year in high school.
Oct 05, 2006	; Sponsor modified the proposal to specify that an institution may make only one telephone call per week to a prospective student-athlete beginning August 1 prior to the prospective student-athlete's senior year in high school. Previous intent would have allowed two telephone calls per week beginning August 1 of the senior year.
Jan 07, 2007	Mgmt Council 1st Review, Forwarded for Membership Comment
Jan 09, 2007	Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Mar 09, 2007	Comment Period; End of Comment Period; (Official Comment Totals: Support = 12, Oppose = 11, Abstain = 1)

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-38 – RECRUITING -- RECRUITING MATERIALS -- ATTACHMENTS TO GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: 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.

Bylaws: Amend 13.4.1, as follows:

"13.4.1 Recruiting Materials. In sports other than men's basketball, a member institution may not provide recruiting materials to a prospective student-athlete (including general correspondence related to athletics) until September 1 at the beginning of the prospective student-athlete's junior year in high school. In men's basketball, an institution may not provide recruiting materials to a prospective student-athlete (including general correspondence related to athletics) until June 15 at the conclusion of the prospective student-athlete's sophomore year in high school. Violations of this bylaw shall be considered institutional violations per Constitution 2.8.1; however, they shall not affect the prospective student-athlete's eligibility.

"13.4.1.1 Printed Recruiting Materials. As specified below, an institution may provide the following printed materials to prospective student-athletes, coaches of prospective student-athletes or any other individual responsible for teaching or directing an activity in which a prospective student-athlete is involved:

"(a) General Correspondence. General correspondence, including letters and postcards issued by the U.S. postal service (i.e., blank cards) and institutional note cards may be sent to a prospective student-athlete only by mail. Attachments to general correspondence may include any materials information printed on one or both sides of a single sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 inches plain white paper with black ink. The content of all general recruiting correspondence to prospective student-athletes (or prospective student-athletes' parents or legal guardians) must be prepared by the head coach or one of the assistant coaches who count toward the numerical limitations in Bylaw 11.7.4 (see Bylaw 11.7.1.2). It is not permissible for an institution's president or chancellor or director of athletics to prepare general correspondence to prospective student-athletes.

[Remainder of 13.4.1 unchanged.]

Source: Big East Conference and The Ivy Group.

Effective Date: August 1, 2007

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Recruiting

Rationale: 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 are 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.

Estimated Budget Impact: None.

Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.

Position Statement(s)

Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet: The cabinet unanimously opposes Proposal No. 2006-38. It is not appropriate for institutions to provide prospects with additional materials that are created for recruiting purposes as attachments to general correspondence. In addition, this proposal may present additional cost and resource challenges.

Primary Contact Person:

  Carolyn Campbell-McGovern, Sr. Associate Director
  Ivy Group
  228 Alexander Street
  Princeton, NJ 08540
  Phone: 609/258-6426   Email: carolyn@ivyleaguesports.com

History

Jul 15, 2006	Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Sep 08, 2006	Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet, Recommends Defeat; See position statement.
Jan 07, 2007	Mgmt Council 1st Review, Forwarded for Membership Comment
Jan 09, 2007	Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Mar 09, 2007	Comment Period; End of Comment Period; (Official Comment Totals: Support = 15, Oppose = 12, Abstain = 0)

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-40 – RECRUITING -- RECRUITING MATERIALS -- ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: To specify that electronically transmitted correspondence that may be sent to a prospective student-athlete is limited to electronic mail and facsimiles.

A. Bylaws: Amend 13.02.14, as follows:

13.02.14 Telephone Calls. All electronically transmitted human voice exchange (including videoconferencing and videophones) shall be considered telephone calls. All electronically transmitted correspondence (e.g., electronic mail, Instant Messenger, facsimiles, pages, text messaging) shall not be considered telephone calls (see Bylaw 13.4.1).

B. Bylaws: Amend 13.4.1.2, as follows:

"13.4.1.2 Electronic Transmissions. Electronically transmitted correspondence (e.g., electronic mail, Instant Messenger, facsimiles, pages, text messaging) that may be sent to a prospective student-athlete is limited to electronic mail and facsimiles. All other forms of electronically transmitted correspondence (e.g., Instant Messenger, text messaging) are prohibited. Color attachments may be included with electronic mail correspondence sent to a prospective student-athlete, provided the attachment does not include any animation, audio or video clips and there is no cost (e.g., subscription fee) associated with sending the item attached to the electronic mail correspondence."

Source: The Ivy Group.

Effective Date: August 1, 2007

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Recruiting

Rationale: 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.

Estimated Budget Impact: Potential for savings of time and money on text messaging.

Impact on Student Athlete's Time: Prospects will not be disrupted by multiple text messages.

Position Statement(s)

Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet: The cabinet unanimously opposes Proposal No. 2006-40. Limiting the use of electronic communication to electronic mail and facsimiles eliminates other very efficient and cost effective methods of communicating with prospective student-athletes (e.g., text messaging, instant messenger). Although a certain level of intrusion exists in permitting these other forms of communication, a better approach is to adopt reasonable restrictions that will promote efficiency in the recruiting process and control the intrusion factor. The WBCA has expressed strong opposition to the proposal.

Football Issues Committee: The committee opposes the proposal.

Men's Basketball Issues Committee: The committee opposes the proposal, noting concerns about limiting accepted modes of communication used in today's culture and defining exactly what constitutes electronic mail.

Women's Basketball Issues Committee: While the committee noted the WBCA originally sponsored a similar proposal as part of its Recruiting and Access Legislative Package, the committee opposes the legislation finding it too restrictive given recent advances in technology. It was noted that both prospects and coaches regularly communicate via electronic means beyond e-mail and facsimiles within their day-to-day lives and restricting those forms of communication within the recruiting process does not seem efficient or productive.

Primary Contact Person:

  Carolyn Campbell-McGovern, Sr. Associate Director
  Ivy Group
  228 Alexander Street
  Princeton, NJ 08540
  Phone: 609/258-6426   Email: carolyn@ivyleaguesports.com

History

Jul 15, 2006	Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Aug 22, 2006	Women's Basketball Issues Committee, Recommends Defeat; See position statement.
Aug 25, 2006	Men's Basketball Issues Committee, Recommends Defeat; See position statement.
Sep 05, 2006	Football Issues Committee, Recommends Defeat
Sep 08, 2006	Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet, Recommends Defeat; See position statement.
Jan 07, 2007	Mgmt Council 1st Review, Forwarded for Membership Comment
Jan 09, 2007	Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Mar 09, 2007	Comment Period; End of Comment Period; (Official Comment Totals: Support = 11, Oppose = 17, Abstain = 2)

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-42 – RECRUITING -- RECRUITING MATERIALS -- OTHER RECRUITING MATERIALS

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: 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.

Bylaws: Amend 13.4.1.3, as follows:

"13.4.1.3 Other Recruiting Materials. An institution may post recruiting materials not listed in Bylaw 13.4.1 on its Web site but and may not print such items from the Web site and provide them to prospective student-athletes via regular mail as attachments to general correspondence or during official or unofficial visits."

Source: Mountain West Conference.

Effective Date: August 1, 2007

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Recruiting

Rationale: 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.

Estimated Budget Impact: Printing costs and postage will vary by institution.

Impact on Student Athlete's Time: None.

Position Statement(s)

Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet: The cabinet unanimously opposes Proposal No. 2006-42. This proposal may result in significant increases in costs associated with producing and sending information to prospective student-athletes. With the increased availability and capabilities of technology, it is appropriate to allow institutions to post additional information on their Web sites, but the hard-copy material that may be provided to prospective student-athletes should be limited.

Primary Contact Person:

  Carolayne Henry, Associate Commissioner
  Mountain West Conference
  15455 Gleneagle Drive
  Suite 200
  Colorado Springs, CO 80921
  Phone: 719/488-4043   FAX: 719/487-7240   Email: chenry@themwc.com

History

Jul 10, 2006		Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Sep 08, 2006		Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet; See position statement.
Jan 07, 2007		Mgmt Council 1st Review, Forwarded for Membership Comment
Jan 09, 2007		Comment Period; Start of Comment Period
Mar 09, 2007	Comment Period; End of Comment Period; (Official Comment Totals: Support = 2, Oppose = 25, Abstain = 0)

PROPOSAL NO. 2006-45 – RECRUITING -- ADVERTISEMENTS AND PROMOTIONS -- CONFERENCE-SPONSORED SPORTSMANSHIP INITIATIVES

Status: 60-Day Comment Period

Intent: To permit a conference office to coordinate sportsmanship initiatives that may involve prospective student-athletes and their educational institutions, as specified.

A. Bylaws: Amend 13.1 by adding new 13.1.12, as follows:

"13.1 CONTACTS AND EVALUATIONS

Recruiting contacts (per Bylaw 13.02.3) and telephone calls with a prospective student-athlete (or the prospective student-athlete's relatives or legal guardians) by institutional staff members and/or representatives of the institution's athletics interests are subject to the provisions set forth in this bylaw.

[13.1.1 through 13.1.11 unchanged.]

"13.1.12 Conference-Sponsored Sportsmanship Initiatives. A conference office may coordinate sportsmanship initiatives that may involve prospective student-athletes and their educational institutions subject to the following conditions (see Bylaws 13.4.4.4, 13.10.4 and 13.15.1.8):

"(a) Any participating prospective student-athlete must attend a high school within a 30-mile radius of a conference member institution's campus;

"(b) Any initiative that requires the actual presence of a prospective student-athlete shall not take place on an institution's campus; and

"(c) An institution's student-athletes may participate, subject to the conditions of Bylaw 12.5.1.1."

B. Bylaws: Amend 13.4.4 by adding new 13.4.4.4, as follows:

"13.4.4 Advertisements and Promotions.

[13.4.4.1 through 13.4.4.3 unchanged.]

"13.4.4.4 Conference-Sponsored Sportsmanship Initiatives. A conference office may buy or arrange to have space in game programs or other printed materials published to provide information concerning the athletics participation of prospective student-athletes, provided the content of the printed materials is limited exclusively to promoting sportsmanship, and the materials are not designed to solicit the enrollment of prospective student-athletes. In addition, a conference office may produce posters, limited exclusively to promoting sportsmanship, which may be sent to any educational institution. It shall not be permissible to send any printed materials related to a sportsmanship initiative (e.g., poster) to a prospective student-athlete."

[13.4.4.4 renumbered as 13.4.4.5 unchanged.]

C. Bylaws: Amend 13.10 by adding new 13.10.4, as follows:

"13.10 PUBLICITY

[13.10.1 through 13.10.3 unchanged.]

"13.10.4 Conference-Sponsored Sportsmanship Initiatives. It is permissible for a conference to broadcast at any time, and through any medium, a public service announcement that may include prospective student-athletes, provided the following criteria are met (see Bylaw 13.1.12):

"(a) A conference office is responsible for development of the public service announcement;

"(b) The scope of the public service announcement is limited exclusively to promoting sportsmanship; and

"(c) The public service announcement is not designed to solicit the enrollment of prospective student-athletes."

[13.10.4 through 13.10.8 renumbered as 13.10.5 through 13.10.9, unchanged.]

D. Bylaws: Amend 13.15.1 by adding new 13.15.1.8, as follows:

"13.15.1 Prohibited Expenses. An institution or a representative of its athletics interests shall not offer, provide or arrange financial assistance, directly or indirectly, to pay (in whole or in part) the costs of the prospective student-athlete's educational or other expenses for any period prior to his or her enrollment or so the prospective student-athlete can obtain a postgraduate education. For violations of Bylaw 13.15 in which the value of the benefit received directly by the prospective student-athlete is $100 or less, the eligibility of the prospective student-athlete shall not be affected conditioned on the prospective student-athlete repaying the value of the benefit to a charity of his or her choice. However, the prospective student-athlete shall remain ineligible from the time the institution has knowledge of receipt of the direct impermissible benefit until the prospective student-athlete repays the benefit. Violations of this bylaw remain institutional violations per Constitution 2.8.1, and documentation of the prospective student-athlete's repayment shall be forwarded to the enforcement staff.

[13.15.1.1 through 13.15.1.7 unchanged.]

"13.15.1.8 Conference-Sponsored Sportsmanship Initiatives. A conference may provide actual and necessary expenses that are directly associated with implementing a conference-sponsored sportsmanship initiative as described in Bylaws 13.1.12, 13.4.4.4 and 13.10.4."

Source: Big Ten Conference.