University of Oklahoma Athletics
Compliance Corner: January 2013
January 30, 2013 | Athletics
Jan. 30, 2013
Rule changes have been presented and approved by the NCAA Board of Directors at the 2013 NCAA National Convention. Although approved, all new legislation is subject to institutional override prior to March 20, 2013.
These changes present a mammoth change in the culture of recruiting beginning August 2013. The NCAA leadership has placed the emphasis on each institution to determine individual commitment to their competitive emphasis in intercollegiate athletics. A number of the legislative initiatives will require deliberations regarding cost/benefit analysis for each sport and student-athlete.
Outside of recruiting, new legislation has been adopted to expand the academic and medical services that each institution may provide. Replacing the previous list of restrictions with the discretion to provide reasonable services in the best interest of the student-athlete.
These few changes ultimately create a competitive advantage for those NCAA Division I members that have the financial resources to provide their coaches and staff with the resources to be creative and flexible in fully utilizing the autonomy granted.
A few of the big changes are:
• Removal of calling and texting restrictions to prospects and prospects' parents (unlimited calls and texts).
• Allowing non-coaching sport staff members to initiate calls and texts to prospects.
• Elimination of recruiting material restrictions, allowing each institution to decide what printed materials are appropriate and effective.
• Permitting an institution to employ prospects at institutional camps/clinics if they have signed their commitment to attend.
• Providing academic support, career counseling and personal development services to enhance the success of the student-athlete.
• Flexibility for institutions to provide student-athletes with medical and related expenses and services that will protect and enhance the health, safety and mental and physical well-being of the student-athletes.
The deregulation of previously restrictive legislation presents financial challenges to maintain recruiting and competitive advantages. Sooner Club members' continued physical and financial support is appreciated and is reflected in the ongoing success of our student-athletes.
As always, your cooperation and understanding is essential to the success of our programs. We hope you find this information helpful, and as always, please contact the Athletics Compliance Department at (405) 325-7004 with any questions. We appreciate your support of OU Athletics and your help in ensuring we operate within NCAA rules and regulations.
Related Links: OU Compliance Online
