The NCAA’s top governing board voted unanimously to allow student-athletes the opportunity to benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness on Tuesday.
The NCAA went on to say these benefits must be attained in a manner consistent with the collegiate model. The NCAA has directed each of its three divisions to immediately consider updates to relevant bylaws and policies, according to the chair of the board, Michael V Drake.
Drake said he feels this move was made because the NCAA has to embrace change.
“We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes,” Drake said. “Additional flexibility in this area can and must continue to support college sports as a part of higher education. This modernization for the future is a natural extension of the numerous steps NCAA members have taken in recent years to improve support for student-athletes, including the full cost of attendance and guaranteed scholarships.”
Below is the listed guidelines and principals the NCAA wants this modernization to follow, specifically:
Assure student-athletes are treated similarly to non-athlete students unless a compelling reason exists to differentiate.
Maintain the priorities of education and the collegiate experience to provide opportunities for student-athlete success.
Ensure rules are transparent, focused and enforceable and facilitate fair and balanced competition.
Make clear the distinction between collegiate and professional opportunities.
Make clear that compensation for athletics performance or participation is impermissible.
Reaffirm that student-athletes are students first and not employees of the university.
Enhance principles of diversity, inclusion and gender equity.
Protect the recruiting environment and prohibit inducements to select, remain at, or transfer to a specific institution.
The NCAA said they gathered input from athletic directors, presidents, commissioner and student-athletes before making this decision. The NCAA is also asking each of its divisions to create new rules 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.”
Only time will tell how Division 1 football interprets this rule and put guidelines in place to police it.
