Legislation is in place to regulate the use of on campus basketball facilities. At present, boys (or men’s as described by the NCAA) basketball is subject to new restrictions on use. Virtually identical legislation covering girls/women’s basketball is on its way to implementation.

In general, the legislation now prohibits the use of on campus basketball facilities for non-scholastic boys/men’s basketball events or practices that include prospective student-athletes (anyone that has started classes for the seventh grade). This extends to off campus sites that are regularly used by the institution for practices or competition. The legislation affects all NCAA Division I member institutions.

Assuming the companion legislation is approved covering the girls/woman’s game, the same restrictions will be in place.

An institution may host basketball-related events that are part of officially recognized state multi-sports events (state games).

Institutions may host a non-scholastic event that involves men’s prospective student athletes as long as the athletes reside within a 50 mile radius of campus.

Events that do not include prospective student-athletes may continue to take place, although it is recognized that younger age group competition and practice does not generally take place on college or university campuses.

Some might say this is a case of the actions of the few impacting the actions of the many, but it will certainly bring to an end a significant number of on-campus events/tournaments that showcase prospective student-athletes. No distinction is made between not-for-profit and for-profit sponsoring organizations. We realize this will have a negative impact on a significant number of room night producing events.

The NCAA, like the NASC, is a member service organization. This legislation is a reflection of the desires of membership.  The situation is a reminder that it often takes more than a successful bid to get business. The events themselves must be conducted properly and ethically to insure their continued success.

-Don