Problem Statement Rough Draft

One of the most prevalent issues amongst NCAA sports is the fact that student athletes, who are competing in an effort to promote their respective schools, may not receive pay from their school for their athletic participation, and because of this do not have the ability to access funds for personal use. Although college athletes do receive scholarships and monetary benefits not received by other students, their sport and studies do not allow time for a part time job, as many other students may have if they so choose. The college will provide food, lodging, and other benefits necessary to the athlete’s sport or studies, but may not provide money for anything else. This places student athletes at a disadvantage with regards to spending money. In order to have a well-rounded college experience, students need to be able to afford leisurely activities and events.

            The reason colleges may not reimburse student athletes for their athletic endeavors is because of NCAA Bylaw 12.1.2, which states that a student athlete is not eligible for participation in college sports if he or she has ever “Taken pay, or the promise of pay, for competing in that sport” (2012, p. 2). This clearly states that if a college athlete were to receive payment for competition in their sport, it would result in a loss of eligibility to compete in any NCAA sporting events. This rule is in place to make competition fair amongst all universities, no matter the budget of the Athletic Department. The reasoning behind this rule is that if colleges were to be able to pay their athletes, the bigger schools with greater athletic budgets would be able to buy out the best athletes, thus making the competition unfair. However, the primary reason that the NCAA exists is to protect student athletes, and to ensure that they are given the greatest chance of success possible. Although it is important to keep athletics competitive across all divisions and attempt to allow all schools, not matter their size or budget, an equal chance of success, it is more important to protect the actual competitors of collegiate sports.

            NCAA Bylaw 12.1.2 does not support student athletes. These student athletes, particularly in sports that provide a high income such as football or basketball, are not fairly reimbursed for their time, work, and the use of their name and character. It should not be allowed for a school to utilize the name of their students and make millions of dollars off of their character and athletic performance, as is the case of some high-profile athletes, and for these students to not receive monetary reimbursement of the same proportions that the school receives. Because these student athletes work so hard for no pay, this Bylaw also increases the chances that student athletes will violate other NCAA policies, as they have not other way to earn spending money. It is not uncommon to hear on the radio or see on ESPN news coverage of a student athlete that was caught for violating NCAA policies in order to make a profit. Common examples of this are the selling of autographs, or “rigging” games in order to make a profit by gambling. This should make it so obvious that if these student athletes are willing to risk their life’s work, both academically and financially, then they are desperate for money. Although room, board, and education are provided for student athletes through scholarships, other necessities such as travel to the school and back to the student’s home, as well as money for food on weekends when school cafeterias are closed down are not provided. The fact that these basic needs of college students are not provided proves that the inclusion of Bylaw 12.1.2 is exploiting college athletes.