NCAA constitution committee introduces draft constitution, significant changes

The NCAA’s Constitution Committee has announced a draft constitution, which has been shared with NCAA schools and conferences. Current NCAA members will have a special convention on November 15 to discuss the draft constitution, which could result in major changes.

“Thanks to the feedback from member schools and conferences, advocacy groups, coaches and students, this process has been an example of how we can work together to modernize college sports and meet the needs of students engaged in intercollegiate athletics—today and for the future,” NCAA Board of Governors chair and Georgetown president Jack DeGioia said in a memo to NCAA members. “We have reached an important milestone in our efforts. Over the next two months, we will engage in the next phase of our work.”

The draft constitution includes major changes to the NCAA as we know it

There are some major changes in this Draft Constitution. Among them are a reduction in the number of members within the NCAA Board of Governors. The draft calls for the number of members to be dropped from 21 to nine in attempt to “streamline decision-making for Association-wide issues.” Those nine members would include four Division I members, one Division II member, one Division III member, two independent members, and one former student athlete.

Additionally, student athletes would have roles serving on the Board of Directors for Division I. They would also serve on Presidents Councils for Division II and Division III. Student athletes would also have voting representation.

The NIL world has already shaken up collegiate athletics as we once knew it. Now, the updated NCAA constitution would represent those changes, as well as other financial and fundamental changes.

“The draft includes new concepts while also codifying some existing priorities and principles into the constitution for the first time,” the NCAA’s announcement said. “It prohibits pay-for-play but embraces name, image and likeness benefits. It maintains existing revenue allocations and championship opportunities for each division. Each division would have oversight of its own budget, expenditures and distribution to its members. 

“The current draft constitution also underscores the importance of both physical and mental health and emphasizes diversity, inclusion and gender equity.”

After the November 15 special convention, final recommendations will be presented to the Board of Governors by December 15. The new constitution would be voted on in January. After the 2022 NCAA convention in January, any changes would be beginning on August 1 of the following school year.