Discussion B: Multi-Year Scholarships

It is important that student-athletes and sport administrators understand the legal issues inherent in the various relationships between institutions of higher education and other stakeholders.

Much of the relationship between a college athletics department and a student-athlete is contractual in nature. Under the National Letter of Intent program, most college athletics departments require student-athletes to enter one-year, renewable contracts to compete in athletics at the school in exchange for a scholarship. This week’s focus will be upon the various contracts, including the National Letter of Intent and the Statement of Financial Assistance, that govern the relationship between college athletics department and the student-athlete.

Until 2012, the NCAA did not allow universities to offer college athletes multi-year scholarships. Rather, schools could only offer college athletes 1-year, renewable scholarships.

· Should colleges be required to offer multi-year scholarships? Why or why not, based upon last week’s lesson related to the business of college sports?

· What contractual issues could arise if a school offers a student-athlete a multi-year scholarship and the athlete decides to transfer?

Post a 500-essay explaining whether it is a good policy for colleges to offer student athletes multi-year scholarships. Support your decision.