The NCAA News Digest

August 18, 1997

• SPORTS AGENTS -- NCAA examination shows major variances in agent laws
• DIVISION I -- Revised bowl-game eligibility standard gains initial approval
• DIVISION II -- Management Council supports core-course review committees
• DIVISION III -- Presidents asked to authorize survey on postseason football
• TAX STATUS -- New law to provide relief on corporate-sponsor question

SPORTS AGENTS

NCAA examiniation shows major variances in agent laws

Research by the Association's federal relations office shows that the approaches of the 27 states with laws for controlling sports agents are enormously varied.

The research shows that little or no consistency exists among the laws in their definitions of agents and student-athletes, in registration requirements or in the penalties for violating the law.

Staff contact: Daniel A. Nestel.

DIVISION I

The Division I Management Council has initially approved legislation to permit Division I-A institutions to count one game against a Division I-AA opponent toward the six wins that are required to be eligible for postseason play in football.

The proposal, along with other legislation that was initially approved at the Management Council's July 28-29 meeting in Denver, will be presented to the membership for a 60-day comment period. The Division I Board of Directors must approve the legislation in order for it to become effective.

Staff contact: Stephen R. Morgan.

DIVISION II

The Division II Management, meeting July 28-29 in Denver, agreed to recommend to the Division II Presidents Council that a standing committee be created to evaluate core courses in the Association's initial-eligibility certification process.

The Division II Presidents Council met August 12.

Staff contact: Nancy L. Mitchell.

DIVISION III

A survey to solicit input from institutions regarding a proposed expansion of Division III football postseason competition has been approved by the Division III Management Council and forwarded to the Division III Presidents Council.

The Division III Championships Committee had recommended that the survey be sent to all Division III institutions for guidance on how to increase the number of teams participating in postseason competition while maintaining the integrity of the football championship.

Staff contact: Daniel T. Dutcher.

TAX STATUS

A new law will provide favorable tax treatment of corporate-sponsorship payments made to all tax-exempt organizations, including most universities and colleges. The legislation was signed into law by President Clinton August 5.

The corporate-sponsorship provision will create a clear distinction between "qualified sponsorship payments" (not subject to unrelated business income tax known as UBIT) and payments made to tax-exempt organizations in return for advertising the sponsor's products or services (subject to UBIT).

Staff contact: Doris A. Dixon.