March 24, 2011

STUDENT ATHLETE “RIGHT TO KNOW” BILL APPROVED BY HOUSE

Representative Patricia Dillon’s (D-New Haven) legislation to clearly disclose to student athletes the fine print of their scholarship agreements with any Connecticut institute of higher learning was approved by the House of Representatives Tuesday.

The legislation (HB 5415) affects recruiting for athletic scholarships, which unlike academic scholarships, are subject to NCAA rules. The legislation standardizes the information that schools must disclose to recruits and their families concerning such issues as sports-related medical expenses and the standards for athletic scholarship renewal. Since 1973, NCAA policy has been that athletic scholarships are binding for one year only, subject to renewal.

Most schools already provide this information on their websites. This legislation would require a link to that information be provided to recruits.

Rep. Dillon said, “This legislation will provide families with the information they need to make an informed choice. Many families believe that athletic scholarships are binding for four years, when in fact they are binding for one year only, subject to renewal.”

The legislation also assists schools by standardizing the information that must be shared with recruits.

Dr. Allen Sack, a constituent of Rep. Dillon’s and former scholarship athlete at the University of Notre Dame, assisted Rep Dillon in researching the issue.

The legislation, modeled after the California Student-Athletes’ Right to Know Act (AB 2079), awaits action by the Senate.