There are a lot of things about the NCAA I don't like.
In general however I don't like the changes people propose to make it even more like a business and the student athletes employees. I'd rather see reform to make sure the schools are doing a better job of educating the student-athletes.
Some possible suggestions:
- Make scholarships non-revocable except in cases of dismissal standards used for the entire student body.
- Make scholarships continue past the athletic eligibility period if the student has yet to complete their degree.
- Make sure student athletes are free to pursue any major without restriction by the athletic department--this is one of the most problematic issues I've seen where many schools pressure or threaten athletes with loss of scholarship if they want to pursue a "tougher" degree that could interfere with sports.
- Review and potentially introduce new standards reducing allowed practice/team time if it is interfering with the ability of student athletes to pursue their degrees.
All valid points. The 2 big outcries for reform come from Football & Basketball.
In terms of time, I can see that the fall schedule for a football player being very demanding. Players are likely having to take a lighter load, but then take a regular load in the Winter session and should take summer school courses to make up for the lighter fall schedule. They do have spring practice, but that should still be limited to a point where the athletes can get their credits done.
Basketball & hockey, they go like from the fall through to March/early April for the finals. Regular season for teams ends in early to mid part of March. Not sure why hockey players can be drafted and go to school yet basketball players can't. We know that the elite players in hockey leave school after their FR or SO years. Then there's the group of drafted players who opt to turn pro after their Junior season. Mainly due to development because as seniors they would be the oldest group, thus the challenge isn't as great for them so they need to try the next level at either the AHL or NHL. The other ones will a lower chance at the NHL finish out their senior year.
Basketball is 1 and done for the best players, no different than for hockey. Players will leave when they fell that they are ready for the next level.
Now, how can they find the time necessary to do their schooling?
If the NCAA is going to stand and say that they provide an education opportunity for their athletes, then I agree that the athletes need to be able to take the courses necessary to complete their desired degree so long as they quality to get into the program. Out of the 168 hours a week, how much time should an athlete be required to play the game, practice, study the game, and work out.