DIVISION
I LEGISLATIVE SUBMISSION FORM – MEMBER CONFERENCE
Intent:
To establish uniform application of eligibility standards for teams
participating in bowl games on a permanent basis.
Amend Bylaw 14.1.10 pgs. 138-139 by adding new
section as follows:
FBS/IA
vote only:
14.1.10.2.X
Eligibility for Postseason Competition - FBS Bowl Games.
To be eligible to compete in a postseason bowl game that occurs
after the institution’s first day of classes, a student-athlete shall
be certified under the full time enrollment legislation and provisions of the
six hour legislation of 14.1.10.2.
Sponsoring
Conferences: Big East, Big Ten, MAC,
Pac-10, Southeastern, Sun Belt, WAC
Proposed
Effective Date: Immediate
Signatures On file
_____________________________________________________
Signature of
Conference Commissioner
(or designated
representative)
Primary
Contact Person:
Carol Iwaoka, Associate Commissioner
Big Ten Conference
Phone: 847/696-1010 Email: ciwaoka@bigten.org
STATEMENT OF
RATIONALE
Pursuant to NCAA Constitution 5.3.12, sponsors must state
the rationale in support of the proposal in 200 words or less:
In
November 2006, an ARS blanket waiver was granted to address the competitive
inequity that results if a bowl occurs before or after classes begin in
January. Under current NCAA legislation, teams playing in bowls before
classes begin (between terms) only apply the 6-unit rule for SAs in their final
season, while those playing in a bowl after classes begin are required to
recertify all team members under additional academic progress standards, the five-year
rule, mid-year enrollee requirements, etc. Thus, two teams playing in the
same bowl could be certified under different NCAA requirements.
This
waiver was granted to address this inequity for the 2007 bowl season only and
noted that the membership should amend the rules to address these concerns in
time for the 2007-08 bowl season. This proposal is consistent with the approved
terms of the waiver which was to apply only the certification of the full time
enrollment legislation and the six hour legislation for football
student-athletes under Bylaw 14.1.10.2 (eligibility for postseason competition
– between terms), regardless of whether the bowl game occurs after the
first day of classes for the winter/spring term. The sponsors request the Management
Council/Board take action as emergency legislation based on the provisions of
the ARS waiver that require a permanent legislative change be in place for the
2008 bowl games. As such, the regular cycle would not produce a legislative
change prior to the 2008 bowl season; the Management Council does not meet in
July; and action in April ensures that SAs and institutions can prepare for the
applicable eligibility standards prior to the beginning of fall 2007 classes.