April 17, 2007, Through the 2007-08 Academic Year

NCAA Bylaw 16.8.1.2.1 (departure/return expense restrictions). During its April 15 meeting, the NCAA Division I Management Council Administrative Review Subcommittee approved a blanket waiver for the remainder of the 2006-07 academic year and the 2007-08 academic year to permit an institution’s team (in any sport) to depart more than 48 hours before the start of its conference tournament/championship. The subcommittee noted a legislative exception already exists for teams participating in NCAA championship events, national governing body championships in emerging sports or licensed postseason football games [Bylaw 16.8.1.2.1.1-(d)]. A conference tournament exception permits institutions the same flexibility they currently receive for other postseason events. This time frame allows for the subcommittee to propose legislation and receive feedback from the membership. If the proposal is defeated or not supported, the subcommittee would return to reviewing requests related to departure for a conference tournament/championship on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the subcommittee noted this blanket waiver applies only to departure/expense restrictions and does not apply to return/expense restrictions (i.e., within 36 hours following the conclusion of the actual competition).