“Additional flexibility in this area can and must continue to support college sports as a part of higher education.
Specifically, the board said modernization should occur within the following principles and guidelines:.
Maintain the priorities of education and the collegiate experience to provide opportunities for student-athlete success.
The board’s action was based on comprehensive recommendations from the NCAA Board of Governors Federal and State Legislation Working Group, which includes presidents, commissioners, athletics directors, administrators and student-athletes.
The board asked each division to create any new rules beginning immediately, but no later than January 2021.
“As a national governing body, the NCAA is uniquely positioned to modify its rules to ensure fairness and a level playing field for student-athletes,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said.
“The board’s action today creates a path to enhance opportunities for student-athletes while ensuring they compete against students and not professionals. »