There are rule violations by players and coaches announced by the NCAA on a regular basis. The numerous violations are especially surprising considering the full staff dedicated to ensuring compliance in most athletics departments. Yet, anecdotal evidence suggests even the people within these departments who spend most of their days interpreting the rules often struggle with questions of what is within NCAA rules. Since most people have never interacted with (and would never want to read through) the 400 page manual, the table of contents through section 3 (out of 20) is recreated below. The red bars represent the number of words in each section with the exact number to the left of the bars. While a number of words does not mean a document is confusing, the sheer number of words is surprising. To put this document in perspective, it's mainly meant to describe the NCAA's relationship with division 1 member institutions and define which student-athletes are eligible. There are also other manuals for Division 2, Division 3, and for each individual sport at each level. If you want to see what the rules are really like, place your mouse on the section title to reveal the section straight from the manual. Of course, some of these rules apply to paying student-athletes more than others, for example Section 2.9 "The Principle of Amateurism."
In addition to the purposes and fundamental policy of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, as set forth in Constitution 1, members of Division I support the following commitments in the belief that these commitments assist in defining the nature and purposes of the division. These commitments are not binding on member institutions, but serve as a guide for the preparation of legislation by the division and for planning and implementation of programs by institutions and conferences.
The Commitment to Value-Based Legislation. Bylaws proposed and enacted by member institutions governing the conduct of intercollegiate athletics shall be designed to foster competition in amateur athletics, promote the Association’s enduring values and advancethe Collegiate Model as set forth in the NCAA Constitution. In some instances, a careful balancing of these values may be necessary to help achieve the purposes of the Association.
The Commitment to Amateurism. Member institutions shall conduct their athletics programs for students who choose to participate in intercollegiate athletics as a part of their educational experience and in accordance with NCAA bylaws, thus maintaining a line of demarcation between student-athletes who participate in the Collegiate Model and athletes competing in the professional model.
The Commitment to Fair Competition. Bylaws shall be designed to promote the opportunity for institutions and eligible student-athletes to engage in fair competition. This commitment requires that all member institutions compete within the framework of the Collegiate Model of athletics in which athletics competition is an integral part of the student-athlete’s effort to acquire a degree in higher education. The commitment to fair competition acknowledges that variability will exist among members, including facilities, geographic locations and resources, and that such variability should not be justification for future legislation. Areas affecting fair competition include, but are not limited to, personnel, eligibility and amateurism, recruiting, financial aid, the length of playing and practice seasons, and the number of institutional competitions per sport.
The Commitment to Integrity and Sportsmanship. It is the responsibility of each member institution to conduct its athletics programs and manage its staff members, representatives and student-athletes in a manner that promotes the ideals of higher education and the integrity of intercollegiate athletics. Member institutions are committed to encouraging behavior that advances the interests of the Association, its membership and the Collegiate Model of athletics. All individuals associated with intercollegiate athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty, responsibility, academic integrity and ethical conduct. These values should be manifest not only in athletics participation, but also in the broad spectrum of activities affecting the athletics programs.
The Commitment to Institutional Control and Compliance. It is the responsibility of each member institution to monitor and control its athletics programs, staff members, representatives and student-athletes to ensure compliance with the Constitution and bylaws of the Association. Responsibility for maintaining institutional control ultimately rests with the institution’s campus president or chancellor. It is also the responsibility of each member institution to report all breaches of conduct established by these bylaws to the Association in a timely manner and cooperate with the Association’s enforcement efforts. Upon a conclusion that one or more violations occurred, an institution shall be subject to such disciplinary and corrective actions as may be prescribed by the Association on behalf of the entire membership.
The Commitment to Student-Athlete Well-Being. Intercollegiate athletics programs shall be conducted in a manner designed to enhance the well-being of student-athletes who choose to participate and to prevent undue commercial or other influences that may interfere with their scholastic, athletics or related interests. The time required of student-athletes for participation in intercollegiate athletics shall be regulated to minimize interference with their academic pursuits. It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish and maintain an environment in which student-athletes’ activities, in all sports, are conducted to encourage academic success and individual development and as an integral part of the educational experience. Each member institution should also provide an environment that fosters fairness, sportsmanship, safety, honesty and positive relationships between student-athletes and representatives of the institution.
The Commitment to Sound Academic Standards. Standards of the Association governing participation in intercollegiate athletics, including postseason competition, shall be designed to ensure proper emphasis on educational objectives and the opportunity for academic success, including graduation, of student-athletes who choose to participate at a member institution. Intercollegiate athletics programs shall be maintained as an important component of the educational program, and student-athletes shall be an integral part of the student body. Each member institution’s admission and academic standards for student-athletes shall be designed to promote academic progress and graduation and shall be consistent with the standards adopted by the institution for the student body in general.
The Commitment to Responsible Recruiting Standards. Recruiting bylaws shall be designed to promote informed decisions and balance the interests of prospective student-athletes, their educational institutions, the Association’s member institutions and intercollegiate athletics as a whole. This commitment includes minimizing the role of external influences on prospective student-athletes and their families and preventing excessive contact or pressure in the recruitment process.
The Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. The Division I membership believes in and is committed to the core values of diversity,inclusion and equity, because realization of those values improves the learning environment for all student-athletes and enhances excellence within the membership and in all aspects of intercollegiate athletics. The membership shall create diverse and inclusive environments, promote an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person, and include diverse perspectives in the pursuit of academic and athletic excellence. Member institutions, with assistance from the national office, are expected to develop inclusive practices that foster positive learning and competitive environments for student-athletes, as well as professional development and opportunities for athletics administrators, coaches and staff from diverse backgrounds.
The name of this organization shall be “The National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The purposes of this Association are:
The competitive athletics programs of member institutions are designed to be a vital part of the educational system. A basic purpose of this Association is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body and, by so doing, retain a clear line of demarcation between intercollegiate athletics and professional sports.
Legislation governing the conduct of intercollegiate athletics programs of member institutions shall apply to basic athletics issues such as admissions, financial aid, eligibility and recruiting. Member institutions shall be obligated to apply and enforce this legislation, and the infractions process of the Association shall be applied to an institution when it fails to fulfill this obligation.
Legislation enacted by the Association governing the conduct of intercollegiate athletics shall be designed to advance one or more basic principles, including the following, to which the members are committed. In some instances, a delicate balance of these principles is necessary to help achieve the objectives of the Association.
It is the responsibility of each member institution to control its intercollegiate athletics program in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Association. The institution’s president or chancellor is responsible for the administration of all aspects of the athletics program, including approval of the budget and audit of all expenditures.
The institution’s responsibility for the conduct of its intercollegiate athletics program includes responsibility for the actions of its staff members and for the actions of any other individual or organization engaged in activities promoting the athletics interests of the institution.
Intercollegiate athletics programs shall be conducted in a manner designed to protect and enhance the physical and educational well-being of student-athletes.
It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athlete’s educational experience.
It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish and maintain an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among its student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics department staff.
It is the responsibility of each member institution to protect the health of, and provide a safe environment for, each of its participating student-athletes.
It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish and maintain an environment that fosters a positive relationship between the student-athlete and coach.
It is the responsibility of each member institution to ensure that coaches and administrators exhibit fairness, openness and honesty in their relationships with student-athletes.
It is the responsibility of each member institution to involve student-athletes in matters that affect their lives.
It is the responsibility of each member institution to comply with federal and state laws regarding gender equity.
The Association should not adopt legislation that would prevent member institutions from complying with applicable gender-equity laws, and should adopt legislation to enhance member institutions’ compliance with applicable gender-equity laws.
The activities of the Association should be conducted in a manner free of gender bias.
For intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education and to promote civility in society, student-athletes, coaches, and all others associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. These values should be manifest not only in athletics participation, but also in the broad spectrum of activities affecting the athletics program. It is the responsibility of each institution to:
Intercollegiate athletics programs shall be maintained as a vital component of the educational program, and student-athletes shall be an integral part of the student body. The admission, academic standing and academic progress of student-athletes shall be consistent with the policies and standards adopted by the institution for the student body in general.
The Association shall promote an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person. It is the policy of the Association to refrain from discrimination with respect to its governance policies, educational programs, activities and employment policies, including on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, creed or sexual orientation. It is the responsibility of each member institution to determine independently its own policy regarding nondiscrimination.
The Association shall promote diversity of representation within its various divisional governance structures and substructures. Each divisional governing body must assure gender and ethnic diversity among the membership of the bodies in the division’s administrative structure.
Each institution shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Association in the conduct of its intercollegiate athletics programs. It shall monitor its programs to assure compliance and to identify and report to the Association instances in which compliance has not been achieved. In any such instance, the institution shall cooperate fully with the Association and shall take appropriate corrective actions. Members of an institution’s staff, student-athletes, and other individuals and groups representing the institution’s athletics interests shall comply with the applicable Association rules, and the member institution shall be responsible for such compliance.
The Association shall assist the institution in its efforts to achieve full compliance with all rules and regulations and shall afford the institution, its staff and student-athletes fair procedures in the consideration of an identified or alleged failure in compliance.
An institution found to have violated the Association’s rules shall be subject to such disciplinary and corrective actions as may be determined by the Association.
Student-athletes shall be amateurs in an intercollegiate sport, and their participation should be motivated primarily by education and by the physical, mental and social benefits to be derived. Student participation in intercollegiate athletics is an avocation, and student-athletes should be protected from exploitation by professional and commercial enterprises.
The structure and programs of the Association and the activities of its members shall promote opportunity for equity in competition to assure that individual student-athletes and institutions will not be prevented unfairly from achieving the benefits inherent in participation in intercollegiate athletics.
The recruiting process involves a balancing of the interests of prospective student-athletes, their educational institutions and the Association’s member institutions. Recruiting regulations shall be designed to promote equity among member institutions in their recruiting of prospective student-athletes and to shield them from undue pressures that may interfere with the scholastic or athletics interests of the prospective student-athletes or their educational institutions.
Eligibility requirements shall be designed to assure proper emphasis on educational objectives, to promote competitive equity among institutions and to prevent exploitation of student-athletes.
A student-athlete may receive athletically related financial aid administered by the institution without violating the principle of amateurism, provided the amount does not exceed the cost of education authorized by the Association; however, such aid as defined by the Association shall not exceed the cost of attendance as published by each institution. Any other financial assistance, except that received from one upon whom the student-athlete is naturally or legally dependent, shall be prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Association.
The time required of student-athletes for participation in intercollegiate athletics shall be regulated to minimize interference with their opportunities for acquiring a quality education in a manner consistent with that afforded the general student body.
The conditions under which postseason competition occurs shall be controlled to assure that the benefits inherent in such competition flow fairly to all participants, to prevent unjustified intrusion on the time student-athletes devote to their academic programs, and to protect student-athletes from exploitation by professional and commercial enterprises.
Intercollegiate athletics programs shall be administered in keeping with prudent management and fiscal practices to assure the financial stability necessary for providing student-athletes with adequate opportunities for athletics competition as an integral part of a quality educational experience.
Division I offers three classes of membership: active, conference and affiliated. Eligibility for and method of election to membership, obligations and conditions for continuing membership, voting rights and other membership privileges for each class are defined in this article.
Active and conference members of the NCAA may be divided into divisions for purposes of legislation and competition in NCAA championships. Criteria for membership in these divisions are defined in Bylaw 20.
Division membership criteria constitute enforceable legislation. Each member institution shall comply with all applicable criteria of its division, and an institution that fails to do so shall be subject to the infractions process and to possible reclassification.
All rights and privileges of a member shall cease immediately upon termination or suspension of its membership.
A competitive body is an athletics conference that conducts competition among its member institutions and determines a conference champion in one or more sports.
A legislative body is an athletics conference that develops and maintains rules and regulations governing the athletics programs and activities of its member institutions.
An active member is a four-year college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and duly elected to active membership under the provisions of this article (see Constitution 3.2.3). Active members have the right to compete in NCAA championships, to vote on legislation and other issues before the Association, and to enjoy other privileges of membership designated in the constitution and bylaws of the Association.
An athletics consortium consists of one member institution and neighboring member or nonmember institutions (but not more than one nonmember institution), recognized and approved by a two-thirds vote of the Strategic Vision and Planning Committee. The student-athletes of the combined institutions are permitted to compete on the NCAA member institution’s athletics teams, provided they meet the eligibility requirements of the NCAA and the member institution (see Constitution 3.1.2).
A member conference is a group of colleges and/or universities that conducts competition among its members and determines a conference champion in one or more sports (in which the NCAA conducts championships or for which it is responsible for providing playing rules for intercollegiate competition), duly elected to conference membership under the provisions of this article (see Constitution 3.3.3). A member conference is entitled to all of the privileges of active members except the right to compete in NCAA championships (see Constitution 3.3.2). Only those conferences that meet specific criteria as competitive and legislative bodies (see Constitution 3.02.1 and 3.02.2) and minimum standards related to size and division status are permitted to vote on legislation or other issues before the Association.
An affiliated member is a coaches or sports association whose function and purpose are directly related to one or more sports in which the NCAA conducts championships or an emerging sport for women, or an association that consists of college/university administrators and has a direct connection to either the NCAA or its member institutions, duly elected to affiliated membership under the provisions of this article (see Constitution 3.4.3). An affiliated member is entitled to be represented by one nonvoting delegate at any NCAA Convention and enjoys other privileges as designated in the bylaws of the Association (see Constitution 3.4.2).
Membership is available to colleges, universities, athletics conferences or associations and other groups that are related to intercollegiate athletics; that are accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies; and that are located in the United States, its territories or possessions. Such institutions or organizations must accept and observe the principles set forth in the constitution and bylaws of the Association.
The Strategic Vision and Planning Committee, by a two-thirds majority of its members present and voting, may approve an athletics consortium involving a member institution and neighboring member or nonmember institutions (but not more than one nonmember institution) to permit the student-athletes of the combined institutions to compete on the member institution’s intercollegiate athletics teams, provided the student-athletes satisfy the eligibility requirements of the member institution and the NCAA.
In general, a consortium shall be approved on the basis of existing academic considerations with the understanding that there shall be no change in the basic recruitment, enrollment or financial aid policies of the involved institutions as a result of such approval.
The institutions shall combine their entire athletics programs, and the consortium shall not be formed on a sport-by-sport basis.
An institution that belongs to an NCAA member conference first shall receive approval of its conference prior to instituting a consortium for its intercollegiate athletics program. If more than one institution holds such conference membership, all such conferences shall approve the consortium.
Participating student-athletes shall meet all eligibility requirements of the member institution(s), the athletics conference(s) involved and the NCAA. The member institution(s) shall certify the eligibility of all student-athletes under those rules.
Within a consortium:
NCAA approval shall be for a four-academic-year period, at the end of which the institutions shall submit a report on the program, setting forth its effect upon their academic and athletics operations.
The institutions may be members of different NCAA divisions but shall select one division for legislative and competitive purposes.
At least one of the institutions already shall be a member of the NCAA, and not more than one nonmember institution shall be included.
The institutions shall apply for NCAA membership as a consortium and shall be considered as one member of the Association, with their combined names included on the official NCAA membership list. (Revised: 7/30/10)
The institutions shall have had a prior academic consortium relationship.
It is permissible for one institution to recruit prospective student-athletes with a view to their possible enrollment at another institution in the consortium, provided the individuals qualify for admission to that institution and the athletics interests of the member institution are not involved, directly or indirectly, in influencing the admission or award of financial assistance.
Active membership is available to four-year colleges and universities, accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and pursuant to Board of Governors policy, and duly elected to active membership under the provisions of Constitution 3.2.3.
The institution shall administer its athletics programs in accordance with the constitution, bylaws and other legislation of the Association.
The institution’s athletics programs shall reflect the establishment and maintenance of high standards of personal honor, eligibility and fair play.
Active members shall be entitled to all of the privileges of membership under the constitution and bylaws of the Association and all privileges incidental thereto. A copy of NCAA Champion magazine shall be sent to each member of the NCAA.
For-profit institutions shall be restricted as follows:
Active members may use the registered marks of the Association (the Association’s name, logo or other insignia) only in accordance with guidelines established by the Board of Governors.
An institution desiring to become an active member of Division I shall complete a reclassification period (see Bylaw 20.5). After the Strategic Vision and Planning Committee has determined that the institution has met the requirements of reclassification, its request for active membership will be referred to the Board of Directors for election.
After the Strategic Vision and Planning Committee has determined that the institution is accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies, the application shall be referred to the Board of Directors for consideration.
A favorable vote by two-thirds of the Board of Directors members present and voting shall elect the applicant to membership effective the following August 1. When the vote of the Board of Directors has been completed, the applicant shall be notified.
If an institution resigns its Division I membership and subsequently applies to re-establish its Division I membership, the institution shall complete the reclassification process (see Bylaw 20.5) before becoming eligible for re-election as an active member.
The active members of this Association agree to administer their athletics programs in accordance with the constitution, bylaws and other legislation of the Association.
Division membership criteria constitute enforceable legislation. Each member institution shall comply with all applicable criteria of its division, and an institution that fails to do so shall be subject to the infractions process and to possible reclassification.
An active member is responsible for certifying the eligibility of student-athletes under the terms of the constitution, bylaws or other legislation of the Association before permitting a student-athlete to represent the institution in intercollegiate competition. Procedures for eligibility certification shall be approved by the president or chancellor, who may designate an individual on the institution’s staff to administer proper certification of eligibility. The institution shall be obligated immediately to apply all applicable rules and withhold ineligible student-athletes from all intercollegiate competition (see Bylaw 12.11). See Bylaw 12.12 for procedures regarding restoration of eligibility.
Each active member is responsible for annually submitting documentation demonstrating its compliance with the academic performance program, including the submission of data for the academic progress rate (APR), the academic performance census (APC) and the graduation success rate (GSR). The specific requirements of the academic performance program are set forth in Bylaw 14.8.
The constitution, bylaws and other legislation of this Association, unless otherwise specified therein, shall apply to all teams in sports recognized by the member institution as varsity intercollegiate sports and that involve all-male teams, mixed teams of males and females, and all-female teams. To be recognized as a varsity sport, the following conditions must be met:
Once an institution evidences an intent or commitment to sponsor a sport on a varsity level (e.g., official announcement that competition will be conducted on a varsity basis, employment of individuals to coach the varsity team), the institution must begin applying NCAA recruiting regulations to the applicable sport.
An active member shall administer annually, on a form prescribed by the Legislative Committee, a signed statement for each student-athlete that provides information prescribed in Bylaw 12.7.2.
An active member shall administer annually, a drugtesting consent form for each student-athlete (per Bylaw 12.02.14) pursuant to Bylaw 12.7.3 and shall ensure compliance with the following elements of the NCAA Drug-Testing Program:
An active member institution must certify insurance coverage for medical expenses resulting from athletically related injuries sustained by the following individuals while participating in a covered event:
Such insurance coverage must be of equal or greater value than the deductible of the NCAA Catastrophic Injury Insurance Program and may be provided through the following sources:
For purposes of this provision, athletically related injuries are injuries that are a direct result of participation in a covered event.
A covered event includes the following:
The active member institution shall administer annually a statement for each student-athlete to voluntarily sign that provides information prescribed in Bylaw 12.7.4.
Pursuant to directions of the Board of Directors or the annual Convention, active members shall refrain from athletics competition with designated institutions as required under the provisions of the Association’s infractions process (see Bylaw 19).
Active members agree to establish and maintain high standards of personal honor, eligibility and fair play.
Active members are obligated to publish their progress-toward-degree requirements for student-athletes (see Bylaw 14.4.1).
Active members are obligated to establish policies in all sports concerning student-athletes’ missed class time due to participation in intercollegiate athletics and in athletics competition scheduled during final examination periods.
A member institution shall not be eligible to enter a team or individual competitors in an NCAA championship unless its president or chancellor makes an annual institutional eligibility certification [see Bylaw 18.4.2.1-(d)] attesting that the conditions specified have been satisfied.
An institution shall submit financial data detailing operating revenues, expenses and capital related to its intercollegiate athletics program to the NCAA on an annual basis in accordance with the financial reporting policies and procedures. The required data shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
The report shall be subject to annual agreed-on verification procedures approved by the membership (in addition to any regular financial reporting policies and procedures of the institution) and conducted by a qualified independent accountant who is not a staff member of the institution and who is selected by the institution’s chancellor or president or by an institutional administrator from outside the athletics department designated by the chancellor or president. The independent accountant shall verify the accuracy and completeness of the data prior to submission to the institution’s chancellor or president and the NCAA. The institution’s chancellor or president shall certify the financial report prior to submission to the NCAA.
An active member institution shall designate a team physician for all or each of its intercollegiate teams. The team physician shall be a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) with a current license in good standing to practice medicine in the state in which the institution is located. The team physician shall be authorized to oversee the medical services for injuries and illnesses incidental to a student-athlete’s participation in intercollegiate athletics.
An active member institution shall establish an administrative structure that provides independent medical care and affirms the unchallengeable autonomous authority of primary athletics health care providers (team physicians and athletic trainers) to determine medical management and return-to-play decisions related to student-athletes. An active institution shall designate an athletics health care administrator to oversee the institution’s athletic health care administration and delivery.
An active member institution shall have a concussion management plan for its student-athletes. The plan shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
An institution shall submit its Concussion Safety Protocol to the Concussion Safety Protocol Committee by May 1 of each year. The protocol shall be consistent with the Interassociation Consensus: Diagnosis and Management of Sport-Related Concussion Best Practices and shall include:
An institution shall provide information to the Concussion Safety Protocol Committee, as the committee may request, concerning any incident in which a student-athlete may have suffered a concussion.
An active member institution shall submit data detailing student- athlete catastrophic fatalities, near fatalities and catastrophic injuries (e.g., injuries and illnesses related to head, neck, spine, cardiac, pulmonary, heat, sickle cell trait, eyes) to the NCAA on an annual basis pursuant to policies and procedures that govern such data as determined by the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports.
An active member institution shall complete a student-athlete health and safety survey on an annual basis pursuant to policies and procedures as determined by the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports.
For agreements that may involve the use of a student-athlete’s name or likeness, an institution shall include language in all licensing, marketing, sponsorship, advertising, broadcast and other commercial agreements that outlines the commercial entity’s obligation to comply with relevant NCAA legislation, interpretations and policies on the use of a student-athlete’s name or likeness.
An institution shall maintain written policies for its licensing, marketing, sponsorship, advertising, broadcast and other commercial agreements that may involve the use of a studentathlete’s name or likeness. Such policies shall be made available for examination on request by an NCAA staff member or an authorized representative of the NCAA.
The membership of any active member failing to maintain the academic or athletics standards required for such membership or failing to meet the conditions and obligations of membership may be suspended, terminated or otherwise disciplined by a vote of two-thirds of the delegates present and voting at an annual Convention. Membership shall not be suspended or terminated unless:
All rights and privileges of the member shall cease upon any termination or suspension of active membership.
If an active member’s accreditation is removed by its regional accrediting agency, it shall immediately forfeit its membership in the Association.
If an active member fails to pay its annual dues for one year, its membership shall be automatically terminated.
A member institution may be placed in a restricted membership category if the institution or its sports team(s) has failed to comply with the established requirements of the academic performance program.
Any active member whose membership has been terminated (see Constitution 3.2.5.1) may have it reinstated by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any annual Convention.
Any active member whose membership has been suspended may be reinstated to good standing in accordance with the terms, if any, of the suspension action, or at any time after six months from the date of such suspension, by vote of a majority of t
Disciplinary or corrective actions other than suspension or termination of membership may be effected during the period between annual Conventions for violation of NCAA rules (see Bylaw 19).
Disciplined members shall resume good standing in accordance with the terms of the disciplinary action taken, or may be restored to good standing at any time by a majority vote of the members of the Committee on Infractions present and voting. If fewer than eight members are present, any committee action requires a favorable vote of at least four committee members. Disciplined members also may be restored to good standing at the annual Convention, by vote of a majority of the members present and voting.
A member conference shall be both a competitive and a legislative body on the conference level (see Constitution 3.02.1 and 3.02.2).
Conference membership is available to duly elected athletics conferences of colleges and universities that conduct conference competition and determine a champion in one or more sports in which the Association conducts championships or for which it is responsible for providing playing rules for intercollegiate competition.
All of the members of the conference shall be active members of Division I or be engaged in the reclassification process pursuant to Bylaw 20.5.
Member conferences shall be entitled to all of the privileges of active members except the right to compete as such in NCAA championships. A copy of NCAA Champion magazine shall be sent to each member of the NCAA.
Only those member conferences that meet the criteria of Bylaw 20.02.5 shall be permitted to vote on issues before the Association.
Conference championship competition shall be conducted in football in order for the conference to vote on issues pertaining only to football.
Member conferences may use the registered marks of the Association (the Association’s name, logo or other insignia) only in accordance with guidelines established by the Board of Governors.
An athletics conference desiring to become a member conference shall make application on a form available from the national office by June 1 for membership effective August 1 of the following academic year. A check in the appropriate amount for annual dues (see Constitution 3.7.2) shall accompany the application. Should the applicant fail election, the dues paid shall be refunded.
Athletics conferences may be elected as member conferences by a majority vote of the delegates present and voting at an annual Convention or by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, effective the following August 1.
The member conferences of this Association agree to administer their athletics programs in accordance with the constitution, bylaws and other legislation of the Association.
Member conferences shall conduct conference competition and determine a champion in one or more sports in which the Association conducts championships or for which it is responsible for providing playing rules for intercollegiate competition.
A multisport conference shall provide oversight of the officiating programs for selecting, training and assigning officials for its men’s and women’s basketball programs.
A multisport conference shall have a comprehensive compliance program.
Each conference shall establish a studentathlete advisory committee for its member institutions’ student-athletes. The composition and duties of the committee shall be determined by the conference.
For agreements that may involve the use of a student-athlete’s name or likeness, a conference shall include language in all licensing, marketing, sponsorship, advertising, broadcast and other commercial agreements that outline the commercial entity’s obligation to comply with relevant NCAA legislation, interpretations and policies on the use of a student-athlete’s name or likeness.
A conference shall maintain written policies for its licensing, marketing, sponsorship, advertising, broadcast and other commercial agreements that may involve the use of a studentathlete’s name or likeness. Such policies shall be made available for examination on request by an NCAA staff member or an authorized representative of the NCAA.
A conference shall maintain a written policy regarding teams that are subject to a postseason restriction pursuant to the academic performance program (see Bylaw 14.8) with respect to the conference’s automatic qualification for postseason/championships and revenue distribution. The policy shall be made available for examination upon request by an NCAA staff member or an authorized representative of the NCAA.
The membership of any member conference failing to maintain the academic or athletics standards required for membership or failing to meet the conditions and obligations of membership may be suspended or terminated or the member conference otherwise disciplined by a vote of two-thirds of the delegates present and voting at an annual Convention. Membership shall not be suspended or terminated unless:
All rights and privileges of the member shall cease upon any termination or suspension of conference membership.
If a member conference fails to pay its annual dues for one year, its membership shall be automatically terminated.
Any member conference whose membership has been terminated (see Constitution 3.3.5.1) may have it reinstated by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any annual Convention.
Any member conference whose membership has been suspended may be reinstated to good standing in accordance with the terms, if any, of the suspension action, or at any time after six months from the date of such suspension, by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors or by vote of the majority of the members present and voting at any annual Convention.
Disciplinary or corrective actions other than suspension or termination of membership may be effected during the period between annual Conventions for violation of NCAA rules (see Bylaw 19).
Disciplined members shall resume good standing under the terms of disciplinary action taken or, at the annual Convention, by majority vote of the members present and voting.
Affiliated membership is available to a duly elected coaches or sports association whose function and purpose are directly related to one or more sports in which the NCAA conducts championships or an emerging sport for women. Affiliated membership is also available to an association that consists of college/university administrators and has a direct connection to either the NCAA or its member institutions.
An affiliated member shall be entitled to be represented by one nonvoting delegate at any Convention of the Association and shall have such other privileges as may be accorded to affiliated members by the bylaws of the Association. A copy of NCAA Champion magazine shall be sent to each member of the NCAA.
An affiliated member may use the registered marks of the Association (the Association’s name, logo or other insignia) only if such use is approved by the NCAA staff in accordance with guidelines established by the Board of Governors.
A group or association desiring to become an affiliated member shall make application on a form available from the national office. A check in the appropriate amount for annual dues (see Constitution 3.7.2) shall accompany the application. Should the applicant fail election, the dues paid shall be refunded.
Groups or associations may be granted affiliated membership by the NCAA staff in accordance with guidelines established by the NCAA president.
An affiliated member is responsible for observing the principles set forth in the constitution and bylaws of the Association.
The function and purpose of the affiliated member must be directly related to one or more sports in which the Association conducts championships or an emerging sport for women, or must be directly related to either the NCAA or its member institutions.
The membership of any affiliated member failing to meet the conditions and obligations of membership or failing to support and adhere to the purposes and policies of the Association (see Constitution 1) may be suspended or terminated or the affiliated member otherwise disciplined through the following procedure:
All rights and privileges of the affiliated member shall cease upon any termination or suspension of affiliated membership.
If an affiliated member fails to pay its annual dues for one year, its membership shall be automatically terminated.
Any affiliated member whose membership has been terminated may have it reinstated by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Governors.
Any affiliated member whose membership has been suspended may be reinstated to good standing in accordance with the terms, if any, of the suspension action, or at any time after six months from the date of such suspension, by vote of a majority of the Board of Governors or by vote of the majority of the members present and voting at any annual Convention.
Disciplined members shall resume good standing in accordance with the terms of disciplinary action taken, or may be restored to good standing at any time by a vote of at least three members of the Board of Governors present and voting or, at the annual Convention, by vote of a majority of the members present and voting.
The annual dues of the various classes of membership shall be recommended to the membership by the Board of Governors.
The annual dues for various classes of membership shall be:
Active Members $ 1,800.00
Member Conferences $ 900.00
Affiliated Members $ 500.00
Dues are payable September 1 of each year. A member shall not be permitted to vote at a Convention of the Association if its dues are not paid for that year. To be eligible to compete in NCAA championships, dues shall be paid in accordance with Bylaw 31.2.1.2. Membership is terminated if a member fails to pay dues for one year (see Constitution 3.2.5.3, 3.3.5.2 and 3.4.5.2).