National Collegiate Athletic Association

The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- March 1, 1999

Legislative assistance

1999 Column No. 5

Proposal 98-92 -- Playing and Practice Seasons -- Contest Limitations -- Division I Basketball

Division I institutions should note that with the adoption of Proposal No. 98-92 (effective August 1, 1999) Division I institutions in the sport of basketball are permitted to participate in a maximum of 28 basketball contests and that participation in a certified basketball event shall count as a single contest. The adoption of this proposal eliminates all annual exemptions for which certification is required with the exception of the postseason men's and women's National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Further, beginning with the 2000-01 academic year, Division I institutions shall be limited to participating in not more than one certified basketball event in a given academic year and not more than two certified basketball events every four years. In addition, Division I institutions shall not participate in the same certified basketball event outside the continental United States or participate in a certified basketball event in the same state or territory (i.e., Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands) more than one time during a four-year period.

Application of Legislation

  • Beginning 1999-2000, all certified basketball events count as a single contest.

  • Beginning 1999-2000, Division I institutions shall participate in not more than one certified basketball event in any given academic year.

  • During the 1999-2000 academic year, the "once-in-four-year" restriction (applicable to those basketball events previously certified in the once-in-four-year category) remains applicable.

  • A Division I institution may participate in a 28th regular-season basketball contest in lieu of a certified basketball event.

  • Beginning 2000-01, the slate is "wiped clean" for basketball events certified pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 30.10.1.

  • Beginning 2000-01, Division I institutions shall participate in not more than two certified basketball events during any given four-year period.

  • Beginning 2000-01, Division I institutions shall participate in not more than one certified basketball event in the same state or territory outside the continental United States (i.e., Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands) during any given four-year period.

  • A Division I institution may participate in a 28th regular-season basketball contest during those years in which it does not participate in a certified basketball event.

    Effect on Foreign Basketball Tour

  • The "once-in-four-year" restriction related to participating in a foreign basketball tour remains applicable.

  • The restriction precluding participation in a certified basketball event during any academic year in which an institution participates in a foreign basketball tour remains applicable. (Participation in a summer foreign basketball tour counts toward the next academic year.)

  • Beginning 2000-01, participation in a foreign basketball tour does not count as one of the two permissible certified basketball events in which a Division I institution may participate during any given four-year period.

  • A Division I institution may participate in a 28th regular-season basketball contest during the same academic year that it participates in a foreign basketball tour.

    Effect on Signed Contracts

  • A contract between an institution and the sponsor of a certified basketball event signed on or before October 20, 1998, may be honored.

  • A signed contract on or before October 20, 1998, does not result automatically in an additional certified basketball event for the participating institution.

    Male Students Receiving Travel Expenses While Involved with Female Teams

    Institutions should note that in accordance with 16.8.1.2, it is permissible to provide actual and necessary travel expenses (e.g., transportation, lodging, meals) to a student-athlete for participation in athletics competition, provided the student-athlete is representing the institution (competes in the uniform of the institution) and is eligible for collegiate competition in the applicable sport. Thus, it is not permissible to provide a male student (who is practicing with a women's team) to receive travel expenses to an away-from-home competition, inasmuch as such students will not be representing the women's team in the competition.

    During its May 4, 1993, meeting, the former NCAA Interpretations Committee determined that male students who practice with the institution's women's teams on an occasional basis must be verified as eligible for practice in accordance with 14.1.5.1 and have eligibility remaining under the five-year/10-semester rule. Further, if male students practice on a regular basis with the institution's women's teams, those male students must be certified in accordance with all applicable NCAA eligibility regulations (e.g., the individual must be enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies, the individual must sign a drug-testing consent form and must be included on the institution's squad list).

    Additionally, during its October 22, 1992, meeting, the former Interpretations Committee determined that it is not permissible for an institution to provide male students financial assistance (i.e., room and board, tuition and fees, and books) in return for practicing with the women's team, nor is it permissible for an institution to provide male students room and board to remain on campus during the vacation period to participate in practice sessions with the women's team.

    Finally, although it is permissible for a male student to serve as a team manager for a women's team, the individual's duties should be limited to those traditionally performed as managers. It is not permissible to place a male student in the position of a manager for the purpose of receiving expenses to practice with the women's team on away-from-home competitions.

    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 College Sports Network.