NCAA proposes recruiting rule changes
BY MICHAEL MAROT Associated Press
Saturday, December 22, 2012
12/22/12 at 5:26 AM
Read the proposals Read an outline of the NCAA’s proposals, which include changes to recruiting guidelines.
INDIANAPOLIS - The NCAA released a package of proposals Friday that would change the recruiting calendar, lift restrictions on how and how often coaches can contact recruits, and allow athletes to accept more money for participating in non-scholastic events.
All the proposals are expected to be voted on Jan. 19 at the NCAA's annual convention near Dallas. If approved, they could take effect Aug. 1.
This is the first detailed glimpse into how the NCAA intends to rewrite its massive rulebook and Jim Barker, chairman of the NCAA rules committee working on the plan, said the goal is "smarter rules and tougher enforcement."
If the package is approved, the overall result would provide coaches with more leeway in recruiting. The hope is that athletes will build more meaningful relationships with their coaches, and they will get more opportunities to showcase their skills in front of college and pro scouts.
One key recommendation would create a uniform recruiting calendar for all sports and allow coaches to begin contacting potential recruits after July 1 of their sophomore year, though coaches would still have to abide by the no-contact periods.
"The rules group believes that the uniform recruiting date will create significant ease of administration on campus, make the rules more understandable and allow for better recruiting decisions from both the coach and prospective student-athlete," said Barker.
Other proposals would allow:
- Athletes to accept up to $300 per year beyond their own expenses to attend non-scholastic events, receive expenses and "reasonable benefits" associated with practices and competition with national teams, including tryouts;
- Schools to provide normal expenses, including travel expenses, for athletes representing the school at events such as goodwill tours and media appearances;
- Amateur teams or event sponsors to award money beyond an athlete's expenses based on the performance of that athlete or team in all sports, not just tennis;
- Schools, conferences or the NCAA to pay for medical expenses and any related expenses for the athlete.
Barker acknowledged this is only the first phase of recommendations. The working group is expected to focus next on financial aid, playing and practice season rules.
