The NCAA News - News & Features

COMPETITIVE-SAFEGUARDS COMMITTEE RELEASES COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENT ON HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES

Work for this document was spawned in November, 1992, when the Special NCAA Committee to Review Student-Athlete Welfare, Access and Equity was appointed by the NCAA Presidents Commission to study issues that affect the welfare of student-athletes.

The special committee issued its final report in June 1994 to the Presidents Commission and NCAA Council with subsequent consideration at the Association's 1995 Convention.

In that report, the special committee identified a number of long-range issues that it could not adequately examine. One specific recommendation was that the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports present to the Council before the 1997 Convention a comprehensive plan to heighten awareness of health and safety issues throughout the Association. The plan was to be developed by the committee in conjunction with professional sports medicine associations and the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

The health and safety report contained in this newsletter is a culmination of the committee's work. It reflects the Association's constitutional principle that it is the responsibility of each member institution to protect the health of and provide a safe environment for each of its student-athletes, and to establish and maintain an environment that fosters a positive relationship between the student-athlete and coach.

The final report includes an overview and recommendations or current initiatives in six areas: