Woolard comments on new NCAA legislation

Posted Oct 28, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Oct 28, 2011 at 10:01 PM

The University of South Florida provided comments from director of athletics Doug Woolard regarding the new NCAA legislation approved Thursday, which included adding a $2,000 cost-of-attendance stipend for scholarship athletes, the use of multi-year scholarships, implementing tougher academic standards, and changes to basketball recruiting.

General comments from Woolard: “The new legislation adopted by member schools and the NCAA Board of Directors sends a strong message that student-athlete welfare must remain at the forefront of decisions we make.”

Regarding permissive legislation allowing multi-year scholarships and for student-athletes to receive an additional $2,000 in athletics aid: “USF is supportive of the adjustments made related to the provision and permissible amount of scholarships. Multi-year scholarships will enable student-athletes, and their families, to more effectively plan for the funding of their college educations.

“The new legislation that will allow full-scholarship student-athletes to receive additional athletics aid up to the cost of attendance or $2,000 (whichever is less) will enable universities to provide athletics aid that more closely aligns with the true cost of a college education. Currently, NCAA rules cap a “full scholarship” at the cost of tuition, fees, room, board and books.  The new legislation essentially provides the flexibility to account for modest incidental expenses related to a student-athlete’s enrollment - e.g. school supplies, transportation to and from campus, etc.”

Regarding increased academic standards: “I believe the increased academic and initial eligibility standards will benefit all student-athletes by ensuring greater academic preparedness and increasing the likelihood of graduation. Further, I applaud the NCAA membership’s initiative to tie participation in postseason competition to satisfactory academic performance. These changes send a strong message that is consistent with the core values of the NCAA and of the University of South Florida.’

Regarding basketball recruiting changes: “I like the changes related to Division I men’s basketball. The greater flexibility provided coaches in communication - both the ability to talk to prospective student-athletes and fund official recruiting visits earlier in a prospect’s career and in the method of communication - will improve the recruitment process.’