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Tanner Fleming
Dr. Wanda White
ENGL 1102
-- April 2014
The NCAA: What You Dont See
There is a correlation between success throughout collegiate athletic programs and
university enrollment and revenue. The NCAA has opened doors for revenues across the nations
from their ongoing income. It is a major organization which has intentions of developing profit
for not only themselves, but for the respective schools that represent them. Most people see the
NCAA as a gateway for high school athletes to find themselves attending college for with full-
tuition scholarships. However, there are a variety of methods the organization continues to
flourish profitably which generates revenue for educational programs. The primary function of
the NCAA is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an essential part of the educational system
and to make athletes apart of the student body. Because of this, the NCAA has positive benefits
on the athletes themselves, but the schools they are a part of.
NCAA effect on athletes (Part One):
Scholarships Thousands of collegiate scholarships are granted to high school students each
and every year. A Division 1A athlete is automatically granted a full-tuition scholarship
regardless of their sport. While the 2A division is allowed to award students partial athletic
scholarships while they still have the opportunity to cover the rest of their tuition through
academics. There are more than seven million high school athletes, but there are college
roster spots for just two percent of them. Getting to the NCAA Division 1 level is even
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tougher. Just one percent of those seven million student-athletes receive full ride
scholarships.
Programs: What Are The Other Opportunities?
Interview with Jarred Barr (Charlotte Football)
How do you feel the NCAA has benefitted you as a student-athlete? Im going to get a good
education because of the opportunity I have to play football here at Charlotte. And being
involved in athletics has shown me a lot about teamwork, which transitions well with my
education when it comes to working with others. Ive also learned a lot about brotherhood. Ive
made my best friends out here because of football.
What other opportunities have you been exposed to through your athletic experience? Well, we
are required to participate in community service. Honestly, I probably wouldnt do that if I were
just a student here. Ive also gotten into FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) which has
played a big role in my life lately and it is something I truly appreciate.
Whats The Experience?
How does it keep athletes out of trouble?
Thousands of college students participate in illegal drug use and alcohol abuse throughout
their duration of education at their respective school. The NCAA conducts random drug tests
multiple times a year throughout collegiate athletic programs across the nation. They also require
the schools to conduct their own at a minimum of twice a year for all student-athletes. Although
the purpose may not be to reprimand athletes that participate in illegal activity, it is a necessary
objective to promote the success and ongoing benefits that the NCAA permits. A student-athlete
now has to think carefully before participating in these illegal activities because a failed drug test
could also mean a revoked scholarship.
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Athletes spend several hours a week involved in their sport whether it is through training
and conditioning, practice, meeting, team activities, or even studying. Being a collegiate athlete
implicates a schedule that is not always ideal for leisure or social life. Often students may feel
that resorting to drugs and alcohol is what may be best for them and their lifestyle. However, it
may be logical to say that a busier schedule is a more beneficial schedule in this matter if there is
no time to find a little trouble.
NCAA effect on universities (Part Two):
Enrollment
Experience
Revenues
Sponsors
NCAA effect on businesses (Part Three):
Sponsors (exposure)
Conclusion -