NCAA will not change transfer waiver process

The association has relaxed some rules to help the athletes, but the NCAA said Friday it will consider transfer waivers case-by-case and take into account how the moves will affect the athletes, their new schools and their former schools.

The statement amplified remarks made earlier this week by NCAA president Myles Brand during an appearance at the University of Rhode Island.

Brand said then the NCAA would not bend a rule that requires Division I basketball, football and hockey players to sit a one year if they transfer to another Division I school. Brand said relaxing that rule could lead to the new school taking the entire team as its own, an action he called “athletic looting.”

The NCAA said Friday that relaxing the transfer rule also could deprive teammates left behind and athletes at schools receiving a large influx of new players of the opportunity to play.

“We believe that suspending this (transfer) rule, even on a temporary basis, would take participation opportunities away,” the news release said. “It could create an open season for recruiters hoping to attract prized student-athletes to other schools.”

A school already can seek a waiver of the normal transfer rules for student-athletes in extenuating circumstances, the agency said, and those applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

NCAA officials had discussed with affected schools and coaches the possibility of granting blanket waivers to all student-athletes in the hurricane zone.

“Their message was clear: Most plan to continue with their athletics seasons and NCAA rules changes should protect their ability to do that,” the NCAA said.

The NCAA has eased some other rules, including those prohibiting athletes from taking financial assistance from outside sources, and those that require students to be enrolled full time at their college and university. Those at schools that are not in session will be allowed to attend classes elsewhere and still compete for their original institutions.

In other sports, Division I athletes may transfer and play immediately at other Division I schools if they receive releases from the original universities.