NCAA Compliance Training

Violating National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules and regulations proves costly and embarrassing for schools and athletes. Penalties range from warnings to forfeiting games from multiple-year periods. While the NCAA audits institutions to ensure the absence of infractions, schools also self-report violations. NCAA compliance training is an ongoing process for colleges and universities.

  1. History

    • Injuries and deaths in college football games in the early 19th century led to the formation of the NCAA. The 13 original members created rules for the game, and the organization took its current name in 1910. The organization became a group for discussion and rules-making as more schools joined with more sports added. As abuses in recruiting and financial aid involving student-athletes escalated, the organization's members decided the NCAA needed full-time leadership. In the 1950s, it hired an executive director, established a national headquarters, began regulation of television rights of college football games and created enforcement standards.

    Division Compliance

    • There are three divisions of the NCAA: I, II, III. Division I schools are the biggest and most well-funded colleges and universities with numerous sports teams and top-notch athletic departments. While there are rules that apply to all sports, usually involving academic eligibility, each sport within each division, has its own regulations. Compliance requirements also differ according to gender. Male sports teams have different requirements than female teams. The NCAA revisits its rules during its annual meeting.

    Certification

    • To maintain good standing with the NCAA, coaches and administrators must undergo annual compliance training regardless of years of experience. Division I schools have a separate set of exam preparation tools than Division II and Division III schools. According to NCAA Bylaw 30.3, each member school must submit a Certification Form of Compliance for Institutions no later than September 15 each year. The form provides confirmation that all staff members and volunteers are knowledgeable about NCAA compliance rules.

    Training

    • Schools have freedom to determine adequate staff training. There are many training tools and seminars offered, some by schools and some by third-party vendors. Self-study booklets, computer programs and video classes are among the many ways athletics staffers can learn compliance rules. Most schools require staffers to complete a test to verify their knowledge. NCAA.org provides a comprehensive list of testing materials and resources.

    High Schools

    • High schools are also under the watch of the NCAA if they have athletes who intend to play sports at a school that is a part of the organization. Schools must meet two requirements: accreditation by the National Association of Independent Schools or by one of the five regional accrediting agencies, and membership in its state high school athletics association. Schools not meeting the criteria go on a two-year evaluation list until the NCAA investigates for irregularities such as lax academic standards.