In the next step toward reversing two pieces of the massive recruiting deregulation passed in January, the NCAA has now suspended two of its proposals. This follows a recommendation by the NCAA Working Group earlier this month that this action be taken. Specifically, the Working Group that was in charge of the many new rules changes enacted regarding recruiting recommended that:
- Prop. No. RWG-11-2, which eliminated the definition of recruiting coordination functions that must be performed only be a head or assistant coach, be suspended until appropriate modifications can be made. The concept will be considered as the membership ponders its approach to non-coaching personnel.
- Prop. No. RWG-13-5-A, which eliminated restrictions on printed materials sent to prospects other than general correspondence, be suspended to allow for a broader discussion of the rule.
The following is a description of the “Override process” for new rules, according to the NCAA:
Override process continues
The override process for Prop. No. RWG-13-3 continues, with a deadline of 5 p.m. March 20. As of Monday afternoon, 48 schools had requested an override of that proposal, which deregulated communication with recruits.
If 75 schools request an override, the Board must review the proposal in question. If 125 schools request an override the proposals are suspended until the Board review. If the Board declines to change its position on the proposals, the full membership votes on them through an online process.
Monday’s Board action initiates another 60-day override period of the two rules that were suspended . As of Monday afternoon, 66 schools had requested an override of the proposal that eliminated the definition of recruiting coordination functions that must be performed only by a head or assistant coach, and 70 schools had requested an override of the proposal that eliminated restrictions on printed materials sent to prospects.
Schools have until May 17 to request an override of the Board’s March 18 action.
The official suspension of the rules, announced today, means that they will not go into effect until appropriate modifications are made. The concern among coaches and administrators was that by deregulating these rules, any person could be hired to become involved in a recruiting effort. This would potentially lead to a recruiting arms race that would overwhelm both the prospects and the athletics departments.
