ELIGIBILITY

Association takes the initiative on educational-expense issue

The NCAA has taken steps to educate the directors of preparatory schools in an effort to curtail future problems after a year in which several high-profile eligibility cases involved student-athletes who received impermissible educational expenses.

The NCAA presented an educational outreach program October 3 to preparatory school principals, deans, admissions officers and headmasters. The program not only reviewed NCAA rules regarding impermissible educational expenses, but also recruiting legislation, academic eligibility and changes that likely are ahead in the Association's amateurism rules.

Staff contact: Bob Oliver.

RESEARCH

Revenues and expenses both up over previous reporting period

The latest study of revenues and expenses at NCAA Divisions I and II institutions shows that the average profits reported by institutions whose revenues exceed expenses are significantly higher over the last reporting period, while the average deficits reported by the remaining schools also are higher.

A total of 48 institutions in Division I-A reported revenues that exceed expenses (not including institutional support), which is up from 43 in 1997, the last time the study was done. But the average profit for those 48 institutions increased dramatically from $1.7 million in 1997 to $3.8 million in 1999. At the same time, the average expenses for those 48 institutions also increased, from $2.8 million in 1997 to $3.3 million in 1999.

Staff contact: Amie Stiener.

CONVENTION

Former student-athletes honored with Silver Awards

Six former student-athletes who enjoyed prominent collegiate careers and went on to succeed in various professional fields will be honored with the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award January 7 in Orlando, Florida.

This year's honorees are Alpha V. Alexander (College of Wooster, basketball, volleyball, tennis and lacrosse); Archie Griffin (Ohio State University, football); Steve Largent (University of Tulsa, football); Steve Raible (Georgia Institute of Technology, football and track and field); Lee Roy Selmon (University of Oklahoma, football); and Wally Walker (University of Virginia, basketball).

Staff contact: Kellie Leeman.

BASKETBALL

Subcommittee to examine 'third-part' influence

The Men's Subcommittee of the Division I Basketball Issues Committee has agreed that if there is to be a summer evaluation program, there will have to be major changes designed to reduce so-called "third-party" influences on prospects and enhance the relationship between prospects, their parents, high schools and college coaches.

The subcommittee reached the conclusion during its first meeting October 30 in Chicago. The group is scheduled to meet again December 7 and in January after the Convention.

The most immediate concern for the subcommittee is developing a new model for the summer evaluation process.

Among the changes considered by the subcommittee is a stronger certification program that might include financial audits, restrictions on distances prospects can travel to be on a team and increased oversight by the NCAA. The group also discussed opportunities for earlier contact between college coaches and prospects.

All legislative proposals developed by the subcommittee will go to the Division I Management Council in April 2001, with final approval possible in October 2001.

Staff contact: David Berst.