Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Are NCAA Transfer Rules Fair to Student Athletes?
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: February 5, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
There are many reasons why a student athlete may want to transfer from his or her current college or university.
Firstly, playing time is an issue that is paramount among transfers, as a lack of time on the field could hurt their chances of playing at the next level – this has been done by some of the best NFL players ever (Troy Aikman and Randy Moss among others). They also may not feel they are a good fit on the team or the school might not be what they expected. No matter the reason, student athletes generally have to sit out a year before being able to play somewhere else and coaches could be able to put restrictions on where the athlete can transfer.
For example, Oklahoma State University football coach Mike Gundy blocked quarterback Wes Lunt from transferring to 37 schools, three of which were in his top five. Gundy eventually relented on this decision, but NCAA rules say that he didn’t have to. The same rules don’t apply to coaches – as they are able to move from school to school freely, which is where the controversy comes into play.
Transfer Exceptions
The general rule for athletes that want to transfer from one four-year institution to another is that they must spend one academic year in residence before becoming eligible for competition. However, there are some exceptions, including:
- Graduate exception: This is for students that have graduated with at least a bachelor’s degree with one season of competition left. The student’s previous school must also not renew his or her athletic scholarship.
- Family hardship waiver: This is for students that experience specific family hardships, such as a seriously ill family member. Factors that are considered in approval include the nature of the illness as well as the athlete’s responsibilities related to the care of family member.
Even if students meet the criteria of these exceptions, the NCAA doesn’t always approve waivers. With athlete transfers – or lack thereof – making news nearly every year, it will be interesting to see if the NCAA changes its rules moving forward.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
Breach of Contract Explained: Types and Consequences
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
Author: Brittany P. Tarabour
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.