Indiana implements 'bill of rights' for athletes

[Abdullah the Butcher]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/2014/06/27/indiana-university-bill-of-rights-for-athletes-fred-glass/11506377/

 

 

All full-scholarship sports at Indiana (men's and women's basketball, football, volleyball and women's tennis) will offer multiyear scholarships. Players in sports that offer partial scholarships will still agree to terms on a yearly basis but the amount can't be reduced "for reasons of illness, injury (or) because they're not good enough," Glass said.

"Our view is, most ADs have long-term contracts, most presidents have long-term contracts, most coaches have long-term contracts; shouldn't student-athletes?" Glass added.

From this point forward, Indiana will cover the cost of education with its full scholarships, picking up the tab on items, such as one-time fees, that it does not currently pay for. Sports with partial scholarships will also cover certain fees, such as the cost of books.

Glass added that, should cost of attendance scholarships gain NCAA approval, Indiana's scholarships would increase to that level of financial support.

"The cost of attendance piece, we're not permitted to do that under NCAA rules," Glass said. "But it's something that, when it happens and I'm confident it will happen it's just something we should do."

The bill of rights clearly spells out Indiana's comprehensive health coverage for all athletes, including extended coverage to non-scholarship athletes. Walk-ons previously had to cover certain fees, including physical exams.

Indiana will also take advantage of relaxed NCAA rules on what food it can provide to athletes to offer more snacks and nutritional support. All student-athletes will have access to training tables and other food offered by the university.

Every Indiana athlete will be provided certain NCAA-approved extras, including a personal iPad and a blazer for formal occasions.