FINANCIAL AID -- MAXIMUM INSTITUTION GRANT-IN-AID LIMITATIONS BY SPORT -- COUNTERS -- AID AFTER DEPARTURE OF HEAD COACH -- CONTINUED PARTICIPATION FOR ONE ACADEMIC YEAR

Status: Adopted Final

Intent: To specify that a student-athlete who receives athletically related institutional aid in subsequent academic years after the departure of a head coach from the institution is not a counter in a year in which he or she does not participate in intercollegiate athletics, provided: (a) The student-athletes participated in the applicable sport and received athletically related institutional financial aid during the coach's tenure at the institution; and (2) The student-athlete does not participate in the applicable sport beyond the next regular academic year (including completion of the championship season in spring sports) after the departure of the head coach.

Bylaws: Amend 15.5.1, as follows:

Source: Atlantic 10 Conference

Effective Date:Immediate

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: Financial Aid

Rationale: In sports, such as basketball, in which it is common for a coach to leave later in the academic year, the time frame for a student-athlete to decide whether to remain at the institution is compressed. Current legislation only allows an institution to provide athletics aid to a student-athlete (and not count it) if the student-athlete does not participate in the subsequent academic year. Adding an additional year to the application of this exception provides the student-athlete and the new head coach with a full year after the departure of the previous head coach to make a decision regarding continued participation. Allowing an institution to provide noncountable financial support to a student-athlete after both parties have had sufficient time to consider options, encourages academic success and student-athlete well-being. This proposal furthers the Division I Commitment to Student-Athlete Well-Being and the Commitment to Sound Academic Standards.

Estimated Budget Impact: Will vary based on the number of scholarships provided to noncounters.

Impact on Student-Athlete's Time (Academic and/or Athletics): None.

Position Statement(s):

Men's Basketball Oversight Committee	Opposes	Committee feels the current legislation works well and does not feel the proposal is necessary.
Women's Basketball Oversight Committee	Supports
Football Oversight Committee	No Formal Position	Committee notes that further discussion should occur, consideration and research is necessary before establishing positions on significant financial aid changes.
Student-Athlete Experience Committee	Supports
Committee on Academics	Supports	Committee notes less disruptive to academic enrollment and may help with retention efforts when institutions face coaching changes.
Legislative Committee	Supports

History

Aug 24, 2018:	Submitted to National Office
Sep 28, 2018:	In Progress
Feb 7, 2019:	Ready for Vote
Apr 19, 2019:	Adopted by Council
May 1, 2019:	No Board Action
May 1, 2019:	Adopted Final

Legislative References

Division	Number	Title
I	15.5.1	Counters.
I	15.5.1.7	Aid After Departure of Head Coach.