National Collegiate Athletic Association

The NCAA News - News and Features

November 10, 1997

Legislative assistance

1997 Column No. 40

NCAA Bylaws 17.5.5.3.1-(e) and (f) Once-in-four-years exemptions ‹ Hawaii tournament

NCAA Division I institutions should note that during its January 15, 1997, post-Convention meeting, the former NCAA Council determined that Division I institutions may not participate in exempted tournaments in Hawaii sponsored by either a Division I or II institution more than once every four years. For example, a member institution that is planning to compete in a tournament sponsored by a Division I institution in Hawaii (e.g., Rainbow Classic) may not participate in a tournament sponsored by a Division II member institution in Hawaii (e.g., Maui Invitational) within the same four-year period.

NCAA Bylaw 14.1.6.1 Requirement for practice ‹ male student-athletes practicing with womenıs team

NCAA institutions should note that, in accordance with Bylaw 14.1.6.1, a student-athlete must be enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies leading to a baccalaureate or equivalent degree to be eligible to participate in organized practice sessions. The former NCAA Interpretations Committee determined that if male students practice on a regular basis with the institutionıs womenıs teams (and vice versa), 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, have eligibility remaining under the five-year/10-semester rule, must sign a Drug-Testing Consent Form and must be included on the institutionıs squad list). In addition, the former Interpretations Committee also determined the following issues related to male student-athletes practicing with womenıs teams:

  • It is permissible for an institution to provide apparel to male students for the purpose of practicing with the institutionıs womenıs team.

  • 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 womenıs team.

  • It is not 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 womenıs team.

  • It is not permissible for an institution to utilize male students who are nonqualifiers or partial qualifiers to participate in practice sessions with the womenıs team.

    [References: NCAA Interpretations Committee December 5, 1991; October 22, 1992; and May 4, 1993, meetings]

    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 Richard C. Perko, membership services representatives, at the NCAA national office. This information is available on the Collegiate Sports Network.