The recruiting process is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most student-athletes. College coaches, however, recruit hundreds of players each year. Therefore, it is paramount that student-athletes and their parents are educated on the process, especially when athletic scholarships are involved. A new law will take effect in Connecticut on January 1, 2012, that seeks to bridge the information gap between student-athletes and the coaches recruiting them. “An Act Requiring Full Disclosure to Prospective Athletes Being Recruited to Institutions of Higher Education,” better known as the “Student-Athletes’ Right to Know Act,” requires Connecticut colleges and universities to post specific information concerning athletic scholarships on their athletic department websites.
On its face, this law is a passive attempt to require colleges and universities to disclose fully the details of what is and is not covered by an athletic scholarship. Student-athletes must visit these athletic department websites, locate the hyperlink concerning the Student-Athletes’ Right to Know Act, click on it and wade through the details. But a closer examination reveals the value of this law: educating student-athletes on the crucial questions that need to be asked of coaches before accepting a scholarship offer.
The following are a few issues covered in the Student-Athletes’ Right to Know Act that should be part of any discussions between prospective Division I student-athletes and the coaches recruiting these athletes:
1. SCHOLARSHIP RENEWAL
The four-year athletic scholarship or “full-ride” is a myth. Scholarships are limited to one year by the NCAA, and must be renewed for the following year. Student-athletes must ask coaches about the university’s policy concerning the renewal of scholarships, including, but not limited to, circumstances where student-athletes are injured, coaching changes occur or athletic performance falls below expectations. On a similar note, student- athletes should inquire about over-signing practices, where the university commits to more student- athletes than it has available scholarships, and how that circumstance might potentially affect current student-athletes.
2. TRANSFER RULES
No one considers the possibility of a transfer during the recruiting process. However, student-athletes should discuss the process of requesting a release from the respective university to explore transfer opportunities. Universities sometimes refuse to grant such a release, or grant a limited release, excluding universities in its league or other rivals, and any such restrictions should be made clear during the recruiting process. Establishing the policy at the outset can prevent confusion and protect the student-athletes’ rights should they seek to transfer in the future.
3. MEDICAL EXPENSES
Injuries are a reality of collegiate athletics. Therefore, student-athletes need to know whether medical insurance will be provided and what limits are associated with that coverage. Student-athletes must inquire as to what athletically-related medical expenses will be paid, including deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance. In addition, the duration of insurance coverage should be communicated. Lastly, the availability of a second opinion from a physician not associated with the athletic program should be discussed. For more information, please contact Daniel B. Fitzgerald (dfitzgerald@brodywilk.com).