Differences between eligibility and enforcement

The NCAA makes a purposeful distinction between determining student-athlete responsibility through an eligibility decision and university culpability through the infractions process.

Institutions are accountable for rules violations through the infractions process. Student-athletes are responsible for rules violations through the eligibility process.

Reinstatement decisions are independent of the NCAA enforcement structure and typically are made once the facts of the student-athlete’s involvement are determined. The reinstatement process is likely to conclude before an investigation closes.

An enforcement investigation could affect student-athlete eligibility, which is why the reinstatement process must be addressed by institutional officials as soon as they are aware of violations.

The NCAA looks at each student-athlete eligibility decision based on its merits. In making the decision, the staff and Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee examine a number of factors, including guidelines established by the membership for what conditions should be applied based on the nature and scope of the violation. Decision-makers also consider mitigating factors to determine if relief from the guidelines should be provided.

The easiest way to think about the two processes is this: Enforcement involves violations involving an institution or its employees. The eligibility process is triggered when a student-athlete has culpability for a violation.

Last Updated: Jan 21, 2013