The Division I board of directors announced this week a major change for the NCAA. The board agreed to raise the historical Academic Progress Rate (APR) cutline from 900 to 930. The APR is an NCAA metric that “indicate(s) the success of collegiate athletic teams in moving student athletes towards graduation.” It is calculated based on athletes being academically eligible and for staying with the institution. Adjustments are made when an athlete transfers schools or leaves to pursue a professional athletic career.
This change is one of potentially many changes to come out of a two-day retreat of over 50 university presidents. The retreat was organized by Mark Emmert, NCAA president. Also in attendance were a number of conference commissioners, athletic directors, and select others. In addition to the APR adjustment, the presidential group plans to reevaluate the 434 page NCAA rule book. Currently there are strict guidelines regarding social media and leveraging other forms of technology to communicate between coaches and prospects.
The current rules on social media and recruiting for Divisions I and II include no “comments about possible recruits on an institution’s social media page or a page belonging to someone affiliated with the institution” including photos of recruits. Additionally, communicating via text messaging, Instant Messaging, chat room and message boards (including recruits’ Facebook walls) are not allowed. The rule for Twitter is a little looser, allowing coaches to Tweet as long as they do not reach out to a specific individual. Division III has some slight variations including allowing coaches and schools to advertise their programs on social media pages. However as with Divisions I and II, no individual contact can be made with potential recruits.
Other rules and guidelines will be reconsidered as well, and it is likely that some big changes are on the way. It is expected that regardless of what changes, the penalties for noncompliance (especially as related to severe violations) will be stricter and better enforced. Emmert says he hopes to have the rule book updated by next April. Ref. espn.com, espn.com, ncaa.org, wikipedia.org
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