NCAA Considers Stronger Penalties Against Schools for Improper DI Transfers

To prevent athletes from transferring to an NCAA Division I program without entering the Transfer Portal through the required notification process, the Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Subcommittee recently recommended that the Division I Cabinet impose significant penalties on any university that allows an athlete to join its team outside of the established portal procedures.

Under current rules, an athlete may still transfer to another university and remain eligible without entering the Transfer Portal, provided the athlete and their family follow the conditions and steps listed below.

• The athlete must apply and be admitted to the new university through the normal transfer admissions process, just like any other student. The athletic department may not assist in facilitating the transfer.
• The athlete may not communicate with athletic department staff members at the new school — either directly or through family members or third parties.
• The athlete may not join the team or participate in athletically related activities until they are officially enrolled and attending classes at the university.

However, if this recommendation is approved by the Division I Cabinet in April, the following penalties could be imposed:

• The head football coach would be prohibited from all coaching, recruiting, and administrative duties for six games.
• The university would be fined an amount equal to 20% of its football program budget.
• The football program’s roster limit would be reduced for the following season.

Just days after the Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee issued its recommendation, the Division I Cabinet signaled its support for the proposal.

The Cabinet also endorsed the idea of applying a similar penalty structure across all Division I sports programs, not just football.

A formal vote of the full Cabinet membership is expected to occur in mid-April.

For questions about this action and the potential impact on your athlete, write to rick@informedathlete.com or call us at 913-766-1235.