The NCAA has been planning to slim/modify its rulebook for the better part of two years. Frankly, it seemed like it was never going to happen.
But on Saturday, the Association adopted a whopping 25 proposals with the intention of shifting its focus to better supporting student-athletes and modifying recruiting rules that are more enforceable.
You can check out the release from the NCAA HERE.
One of the big changes is that athletes will be able to receive "$300 more than actual and necessary expenses, provided the expenses come from an otherwise permissible source.” The debate on paying athletes more than the value of an athletic scholarship has been picking up interest over the past couple of years. The idea of compensating athletes at “market value” is unrealistic, but this is a step in the right direction for anyone who favors extra money for athletes.
Additionally, both student-athletes and recruits will be allowed to receive “actual and necessary expenses for training, coaching, health insurance and the like from a governmental entity.” Athletes and recruits can also receive “actual and necessary expenses” for athletes representing an institution during practices/competition as well as noncompetitive events.
Certain recruiting restrictions have also been eased or lifted altogether. For one, the NCAA will eliminate restrictions on methods and modes of communicating with prospects during the recruiting process. In other words, text messaging, instant messaging, social media messaging -- these will all be permissible and unlimited so long as the communication is private.
So, yes, butt dialing is no longer considered an NCAA issue. However, exactly when a coach can begin butt dialing contacting a recruit is still up for vote.
Speaking of coaches, the NCAA lifted restrictions on which staff members contact recruits. This will no longer be limited to a head coach and assistants. The only restriction is that non-coaching staff members cannot recruit off-campus. However, the NCAA did remove the limits on the number of coaches who can recruit off-campus at any one time. That was the so-called “baton rule.”
All 25 proposals go into effect on Aug. 1 of this year.
There’s more to be done and the USA Today has a good look into what lies ahead for the NCAA Rules Working Group. But this is a start. Loosening some of the recruiting restrictions that were simply outdated and more trouble than they were worth was a necessity.