Bill Overview
Title: NCAA Accountability Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes due process and notice requirements for the investigations carried out by certain intercollegiate athletic associations and related organizations. Specifically, the requirements apply to interstate athletic associations, conferences, or other organizations with authority over intercollegiate athletics or that administer intercollegiate athletics and that have at least 900 member institutions. Such organizations must establish and administer due process requirements for the investigation of any member institution, student athlete enrolled in such member institution, or other individual for infractions of the athletic association's bylaws or failure to meet the conditions and obligations of membership. The Department of Justice must establish procedures for (1) individuals and entities to file complaints, (2) the investigation of complaints that have a substantial probability of validity, and (3) the investigation of other violations of this bill.
Sponsors: Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Target Audience
Population: Student-athletes, member institutions, and staff involved in intercollegiate athletics
Estimated Size: 2500000
- The legislation impacts student-athletes who are involved in intercollegiate sports.
- Member institutions of the intercollegiate athletic associations, which can include colleges and universities, will be influenced by due process requirements.
- Other individuals, such as coaches or administrative personnel, could also be affected if they are involved in potential violations.
- The NCAA and similar athletic organizations are directly impacted as they need to adjust their investigation and compliance processes according to the act.
- Based on the NCAA membership criteria, over 1,000 institutions are likely involved, which translates to a significant global student population.
Reasoning
- The policy significantly impacts student-athletes, which is around 500,000 in the U.S.
- Member institutions, mainly colleges and universities, total around 1,000 in the NCAA framework.
- Staff, such as coaches and administrative personnel, at these institutions will also be affected, though they will be a smaller segment compared to students.
- Due to budget constraints, focus should be primarily on the most directly impacted—student-athletes and their organizations.
- Some individuals won't feel direct effects, as they are not involved in infractions or investigations.
Simulated Interviews
Student-athlete (North Carolina)
Age: 20 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy is important because sometimes investigations take forever and it's not fair.
- A clearer process could help us focus more on our sports and education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
College athletics administrator (California)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Given how much money is involved in college sports, we need fair processes.
- I support the policy as it will probably make my job easier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Student-athlete (Texas)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The process currently feels a little opaque if you ever have to go through it.
- I think it’ll help improve our trust in the system overall.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
NCAA regulatory officer (Alabama)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's going to require us to change how we investigate and oversee violations.
- More transparency and room for appeal are necessary.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Sports attorney (New York)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act makes my job easier but also potentially reduces litigation potential.
- I think students are happier with clearer and faster processes tied to any investigations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
College coach (Florida)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe it will protect us from unnecessary stress of prolonged investigations.
- Helps create a better learning and competitive environment for the students.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Student (Ohio)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy doesn't really affect me directly but might make the athletic department more accountable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
University compliance officer (Illinois)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act helps level the playing field between big and smaller colleges. It's beneficial.
- It's a chance for us to ensure we're stringent about all processes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Assistant athletic director (Indiana)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act provides reassuring clarity around processes related to violations.
- It's somewhat overwhelming to change existing protocols but will be worth it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Graduate student and athlete (Georgia)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone who may not pursue a professional athletic career, it's assuring to know the processes are becoming clearer.
- It's nice knowing my peers can rely on fair treatment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $12000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $16000000)
Year 2: $11000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $15000000)
Year 3: $10500000 (Low: $6500000, High: $14500000)
Year 5: $10500000 (Low: $6500000, High: $14500000)
Year 10: $10500000 (Low: $6500000, High: $14500000)
Year 100: $10500000 (Low: $6500000, High: $14500000)
Key Considerations
- The primary costs will arise from the DOJ's new set of responsibilities related to NCAA investigations.
- The impact on the NCAA and its member institutions involves mainly regulatory compliance rather than direct fiscal impacts.
- Establishing uniform due processes may introduce initial costs but could improve long-term operational efficiencies for athletic associations.