The NCAA News - News and Features

March 9, 1998

Legislative assistance

1998 Column No. 10NCAA Bylaw 14.3.1.3.4
Core courses for students with disabilities

Division I institutions should note that pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 14.3.1.3.4, the Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet may approve the use of high-school courses for students with disabilities to fulfill the core-curriculum requirements provided the high-school principal submits a written statement to the NCAA indicating that students in such classes are expected to acquire the same knowledge, both quantitatively and qualitatively, as students in other core courses. Students with disabilities still must complete the required number of 13 core courses and achieve the minimum required grade-point average in this core curriculum.

During its January 27, 1998, telephone conference, the Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Legislative Review/Interpretations determined that the standard that learning-disabled students are expected to acquire the same knowledge, both quantitatively and qualitatively, as students in other courses in order to use such courses to meet the core-curriculum requirements means that such courses are "substantially comparable qualitatively and quantitatively to similar core-course offerings in that academic discipline."

Further, the committee determined that students with learning disabilities may use courses that are taught at a level below the high school's regular academic instructional level (e.g., special-education courses) to meet the initial-eligibility core-curriculum requirements, provided the students in such classes are expected to acquire the same knowledge, both quantitatively and qualitatively, as students in other core courses.

NCAA Bylaw 30.10.2.10
Conference representation in preseason exempted
football contests -- Division I

Division I institutions should note that during its January 27, 1998, telephone conference, the Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Legislative Review/Interpretations confirmed that pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 30.10.2.10, in the sport of football, it is not permissible for more than one team from any Division I conference to participate in any of the preseason exempted football events during an academic year. For example, if a member institution of a particular conference participates in the National Football Foundation benefit game, no other member institution of that conference could participate in any of the other preseason exempted football events during the same academic year.

This material was provided by the membership 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 or Kristen L. Davis, membership services representatives, at the NCAA national office. This information is available on the Collegiate Sports Network.