Big Eight Conference Officers for 1977-78 RAY E. CHAPEL, Chairman WILLIAM H. BAUGHN, Secretary CHARLES M. NEINAS, Commissioner MEMBERSHIP Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa W. ROBERT PARKS, President JOHN P. MAHLSTEDE, Faculty Representative Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas ROBERT R. SNELL, Faculty Representative Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma RAY E. CHAPEL, Faculty Representative University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas J. HAMMOND McNISH, Faculty Representative University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska KEITH L. BROMAN, Faculty Representative University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma DANIEL G. GIBBENS, Faculty Representative R-27 Brentwood Drive, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074 Allen Field House, Lawrence, Kansas 66045 R-405/377-4130 B-405/624-5733 R-303/494-0828 B-303/492-7931 R-913/842-3860 B-913/864-3143 R-314/445-5079 B-314/882-6501 INDEX This book should include sixty-one (61) pages. As the book is updated during the academic year, There appears to be confusion about CAA procedures in this area when evaluated in comparison with established practices followed at the institutional and conference level. Several members of the Collegiate Commissioners Association have voiced their concern to NCAA representatives in the past. For example, the Big Eight Conference reserves the right to declare student-athletes ineligible for competition. However, we do offer individuals the opportunity to appear before the Conference's faculty representatives and athletic directors before assessing a penalty which could jeopardize the future eligibility of such student-athletes. It may be true that the individual student is not a member of the NCAA, but the same situation applies to the Big Eight Conference which is composed of eight menber institutions and not individual students or coaches. When the final adjudicating body is to act upon that individual's future eligibility, it appears not only fair, but sportsmanlike, to provide that individual with an opportunity to present his own case before those who will sit in judgement on his future involvement in intercollegiate athletics. While I recognize that such a procedure could be time consuning at the national level, the right to be heard by those who will render final judgement should be provided to any student-athlete. In conclusion, may I again urge Congress not to become involved in matters of this nature through enactment of federal legislation. If this Committee concludes that there is a need for adjustments in the NCAA enforcement program, it would be my suggestion that the NCAA be encouraged to appoint an impartial and objective committee, composed of knowledgeable persons not directly connected with the Association's enforcement program, to conduct a constructive review of the current practice: and procedures. If necessary, such a committee could report its findings to this Committee as well as to the NCAA membership. This suggestion is offered in a positive manner in an effort to provide for a meaningful analysis as to the effectiveness of the NCAA enforcement program in detering future abuses in athletics and in ensuring a sense of fair play in determining violations and assessing penalties. colleges and universities, the coaches, the student-athletes, and the NCAA, itself, would all benefit from such an exercise. The |