iStock/Thinkstock(INDIANAPOLIS) — The NCAA on Thursday rescinded a recently introduced rule prohibiting Division I football coaches from holding camps or clinics away from their school.
The rule, introduced earlier this month, came after some major programs held camps in areas rich in recruiting prospects. Supporters of the rule said it would keep coaches on campus with their current student-athletes and steer recruiting towards the academic environment, while critics said the camps would be an opportunity for unrecruited student-athletes to be noticed by big time coaches.
The NCAA Division I Board of Governors asked the Division I Council to conduct a broad assessment of the football recruiting environment, and to consider the entire model, including alterations to camps and clinics.
University of Alabama coach Nick Saban has spoken out against satellite camps prior to the initial ruling.
The Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conferences had already banned their own coaches from working camps more than 50 miles from their schools. The ban on satellite camps would thus have been considered a win for those conferences, forcing other schools to follow the same rules.
Actual recruiting activities are prohibited at camps and clinics, but they have been considered a chance for coaches to provide instruction to young athletes and generate revenue.
The Council’s recommendations are expected by September 1.
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