The NCAA News - News & Features

Legislative assistance

Compensation for Scheduling Contests/Personal Appearances. NCAA institutions should note that in accordance with Bylaw 11.3.2.9, staff members of a member institution's athletics department may not accept compensation or gratuities for scheduling athletics contests or individual meet participation with another institution or a sponsor of athletics competition. This regulation specifically precludes the acceptance of compensation or gratuities from other institutions, schedule brokers or agents, and television networks or syndicators. During its August 5-7, 1996, meeting, the NCAA Council reviewed this legislation and determined that a coaching staff member is prohibited from receiving compensation to speak at a banquet or for any personal appearances held in conjunction with an athletics competition in which the institution's team is a participant.

Use of Interpreter. During its May 14, 1996, telephone conference, the NCAA Interpretations Committee issued an interpretation to permit an interpreter to be present during an institution's off-campus contact with a prospect or the prospect's parents, provided the institution was not involved in any manner in making the arrangements for the use of the interpreter. During its August 5-7, 1996, meeting, the Council amended this interpretation to permit the institution to be involved in making the arrangements for the use of an interpreter. In order for this to occur, the interpreter must be either a faculty member at the institution or a professional interpreter. The interpreter may not be a student-athlete, a member of the prospect's family or a representative of the institution's athletics interests.

Practice/Initial-Eligibility Waiver. Divisions I and II institutions should note that the Council issued an interpretation at its January 1996 meeting to indicate that once a final initial-eligibility certification decision has been issued by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse, a nonqualifier may not practice during the temporary certification period, even if potential eligibility issues continue to exist. (This interpretation also was referenced in 1996 Legislative Assistance Column No. 31, which appeared in the September 2, 1996, issue of The NCAA News). During its August 29 telephone conference, the NCAA Administrative Committee agreed to temporarily revise this interpretation to specify that a student who has an initial-eligibility waiver request pending with the NCAA Council Subcommittee on Initial-Eligibility Waivers may continue to practice until the waiver request has been acted upon by the subcommittee (or by the staff acting on the behalf of the subcommittee). In addition, the student may receive benefits incidental to participation (i.e., room and board) until a decision has been reached on the waiver request. Once classes begin, however, a student without a final decision from the subcommittee no longer may receive room and board. [Note: In no event may students compete until the initial-eligibility waiver has been granted.]

The Administrative Committee acknowledges that, based on the academic calendars of Divisions I and II institutions, this interpretation will provide only limited relief for selected institutions. Finally, the Council will review this temporary revision during one of its future meetings.

This material was provided by the legislative services staff as an aid to member institutions. If an institution has a question or comment regarding this column, such correspondence should be directed to Richard C. Perko, legislative assistant, at the NCAA national office. This information is available on the Collegiate Sports Network.