Behind the Blue Disk

NCAA Rules Enforcement: Committees on Infractions

do the committees on infractions do? Each of the three NCAA divisions has its own committee on infractions. The committees are independent decision-making bodies that decide if NCAA rules have been broken and what the appropriate penalties should be.

Who makes up the committees? The Division I committee has seven representatives from member schools and three from the general public. At least two must be women. There are seven members on the Division II committee and five on the Division III committee. They also have representation from the general public. Public representatives are normally lawyers who have no connection to the NCAA or the school.

How often do the committees meet? The Division I Committee on Infractions meets usually six times per year for two or three days. The Divisions II and III committees meet as needed.

Who attends a committee on infractions hearing? Since the hearings are private, attendance is limited to school leadership and athletics representatives, NCAA enforcement staff members, individuals named in the allegations and respective legal counsels.

How does an infractions hearing work? The process varies slightly by division. Generally, pertinent information is presented, specific allegations are debated one-by-one and the involved parties provide opening and closing statements. Committee members ask questions throughout. When the hearing is concluded, the committee discusses the case privately to determine if violations occurred. Its standard of proof is whether the information is credible, persuasive and of a nature that reasonable people would rely upon in the conduct of serious affairs.

How are penalties determined? Penalties are assessed case-by-case and vary depending on the severity of the violations. Penalties include probationary periods, recruiting restrictions, scholarship reductions, vacation of records and bans on postseason competition.

What is the time frame for handing down a decision after the hearing? It typically takes from eight to 12 weeks to write the report and announce penalties.

Whom can the committees on infractions punish? Depending on the case, penalties can be applied across entire athletics departments or target specific individuals. Usually, it is a combination of both. Current and former coaches can face punishment for major infractions. The committee also can require schools to discipline involved individuals. Although rare, student-athletes may also face penalties. Normally, a student-athlete’s penalty is handled by the school or through the student-athlete reinstatement process.

What about boosters? If a booster is named in a violation, the school may be required to disassociate the booster from its athletics program. The degree and length of time for the disassociation depends on the severity of the violation and varies by case.