LSDBi
Division I Proposal - 2019-15
AWARDS, BENEFITS AND EXPENSES -- MEDICAL EXPENSES -- MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND RESOURCES
Status: Adopted Final
Intent: To require an institution to make mental health services and resources available to its student-athletes through the department of athletics and/or the institution's health services or counseling services department, as specified.
Bylaws: Amend 16.4, as follows:
16.4 Medical Expenses. An institution, conference or the NCAA may provide medical and related expenses and services to a student-athlete. [R]
[16.4.1 unchanged.]
16.4.2 Mental Health Services and Resources. An institution shall make mental health services and resources available to its student-athletes. Such services and resources may be provided by the department of athletics and/or the institution’s health services or counseling services department. Provision of services and resources should be consistent with the Interassociation Consensus: Mental Health Best Practices. In addition, an institution must distribute mental health educational materials and resources to student-athletes, including those transitioning out of their sport, coaches, athletics administrators and other athletics personnel throughout the year. Such educational materials and resources must include a guide to the mental health services and resources available at the institution and information regarding how to access them.
16.4.2.1 Application to Nonautonomy Conferences. A member institution of a conference other than the five conferences named in Constitution 5.3.2.1.1 shall apply the provisions of Bylaw 16.4.2.
Source: NCAA Division I Board of Directors
Effective Date:August 1, 2019
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Awards, Benefits and Expenses
Rationale: As mental health issues are increasingly prevalent among college students, including student-athletes, it is appropriate for conferences and institutions to make a concerted effort to strengthen any existing mental health education and resources already offered to their student-athlete populations. While institutions have generally taken steps to improve their mental health education and resources for the general student population, participation in college athletics can pose its own unique pressures and difficulties that require specialized attention. To that end, athletics departments can play a central role in the creation of an environment that wholly supports mental health wellness for their student-athletes. A commitment to provide mental health services and resources in a manner that is consistent with the current Interassociation Consensus: Mental Health Best Practices guidelines will ensure that athletics departments make mental health care and treatment available to student-athletes in response to those unique pressures and difficulties.
Estimated Budget Impact: Will vary depending on services and resources available to student-athletes.
Impact on Student-Athlete's Time (Academic and/or Athletics): None.
History
| May 1, 2019: | Adopted by Board Final | |
| May 1, 2019: | Adopted Final |
Legislative References
| Division | Number | Title |
|---|---|---|
| I | 16.4 | Medical Expenses. |
| I | 16.4.2 | Mental Health Services and Resources. |
| I | 16.4.2.1 | Application to Nonautonomy Conferences. |