National Collegiate Athletic Association

The NCAA News Digest

March 15, 1999

Division I initial eligibility


The latest study of the effects of NCAA initial-eligibility legislation shows the spike in ineligibility that took place concurrent with the implementation of Proposition 16 in 1996. Since then, the rate of ineligibility in all ethnic and family income groups has declined for two consecutive years. The overall ineligibility rate of 6.8 percent for 1998 is the same as it was in 1995, and the ineligibility rate for white and Hispanic student-athletes is actually slightly lower than for 1995. However, the ineligibility rate for African-American athletes was 20.6 percent in the last study, compared to 17.6 percent in 1995. A similar effect may be noted with regard to income, where the only increase in ineligibility comparing 1995 with 1998 was for those with family income of less than $30,000.


LITIGATION

Settlement announced in restricted-earnings case

The NCAA and plaintiffs in the restricted-earnings coaches case announced a settlement agreement March 9.

University of Kentucky President Charles T. Wethington, chair of the Executive Committee, said the NCAA will drop its appeal of a trial decision in the case and will pay the plaintiffs $54.5 million in cash.

The agreement was reached as a result of mediation service provided through the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Staff contact: Elsa Kircher Cole.

LITIGATION

Judge rules Proposition 16 has illegal effect on Blacks

A federal judge ruled March 8 that NCAA initial-eligibility legislation has an unjustified disparate impact on African-Americans.

U.S. District Judge Ronald Buckwalter permanently enjoined the Association from continued operation and implementation of Proposition 16 (Bylaw 14.3).

In reaching his decision, Buckwalter also ruled that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applies to the NCAA because the Association is an indirect recipient of federal funds.

Staff contact: Elsa Kircher Cole.

GOVERNANCE

1999-00 manuals to be mailed in July

Member institutions are reminded that the 1999-00 NCAA manuals will be mailed in July.

This year's manuals are the third set produced since the Association restructured in 1997 and the second to be produced with a summer mailing date.

Manuals used to be printed and shipped in April under the old NCAA structure, but now the manuals are printed in June in order to accommodate final legislative actions that take place during the Division I Board of Directors' April meeting.

Staff contacts: David W. Schnase.

DIVISION I

Business/Finance Cabinet recommends new functions

The Division I Business/Finance Cabinet has taken the position that it would be premature to eliminate the cabinet after only two years, recommending instead that it be reconfigured to better meet marketing, promotional and financial needs within the structure.

The cabinet recently addressed issues raised by the Division I Management Council's Sub-committee to Review the Governance Structure, including an evaluation of the role of the cabinet and whether the cabinet should continue to exist or whether the functions the cabinet performs could be addressed as effectively by the Council or a committee that reports directly to the Council.

Staff contacts: C. Dennis Cryder.

DIVISION III

Presidents Council to expand to 15 members

Division III chief executive officers are encouraged to nominate themselves or their colleagues to serve on an expanded Division III Presidents Council.

The Division III membership passed Proposal No. 26 at the January Convention, ex-panding the Presidents Council from 11 members to 15 and enhancing the division's representation and participation.

The proposal becomes effective August 1. The deadline for submission of interest (in writing via fax or e-mail) is April 2.

Staff contacts: Daniel T. Dutcher.

TITLE IX

Annaul Title IX Seminar set for May 11-12 in Chicago

Application and registration forms for the 1999 NCAA Title IX Seminar have recently been sent to the membership. The Title IX Seminar will be held May 11-12 at the Westin-Michigan Avenue Hotel in Chicago.

New this year is a special session on the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act form and its application.

Staff contacts: Sherri Mansfield.