The NCAA News - News and Features

March 30, 1998

Legislative assistance

1998 Column No. 13NCAA Bylaws 14.7.5, 14.7.5.1 and 14.7.5.2

Exceptions to outside competition regulations

NCAA institutions should note that pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 14.7.5 (exceptions to outside competition regulations), NCAA institutions are permitted to allow student-athletes to participate in any activities identified in Bylaws 14.7.5.1 or 14.7.5.2 provided the institution can document that the criteria set forth in the above-mentioned bylaws are met. NCAA institutions no longer need to seek approval from the Management Councils through the national office related to student-athletes' participation in specified national and international outside competition. Please note that in international competition conducted under these circumstances, the team for whom the student-athlete participates must meet the definition of a national team as specified in Bylaw 30.8.1.

NCAA Bylaw 14.1.7.3

Eligibility for competition and practice following a student-athlete's final semester or quarter

NCAA institutions should note that in accordance with Bylaw 14.1.7.3, a student-athlete who is eligible during the term in which degree work is completed (or is eligible as a graduate student pursuant to 14.1.7) remains eligible for any NCAA championship, and in Division I, for any postseason certified bowl game or National Invitational Tournament, that begins within 60 days after the end of the term in which the student completes the requirements for the degree (or graduate eligibility). A Management Council, or committee designated by a Management Council to act for it, may waive the 60-day requirement when an NCAA championship, postseason certified bowl game or National Invitation Tournament is conducted at the conclusion of the traditional playing season but begins more than 60 days following the end of said term. During its June 30, 1992, telephone conference, the former NCAA Interpretations Committee determined that a student-athlete who completes his or her degree requirements may participate in regular-season competition that precedes an NCAA championship (in that sport) that begins within 60 days after the end of the term in which the student completes the requirements for the degree (or graduate eligibility), provided the student-athlete has not exhausted his or her five years or 10 semesters/15 quarters of eligibility.

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 Kristen L. Davis or Lisa Roesler, membership services representatives, at the NCAA national office. This information is available on the Collegiate Sports Network.