MidAtlanticDad posted:IMO, the NCAA's PR about the "year in residence" is crap. They say it "encourages them to make decisions motivated by academics as well as athletics." The rule was introduced in 1991. I don't believe any numbers from the NCAA about increased graduation rates as a result of that rule. Heck, I can't even find any numbers to support that argument.And if the year in residence is so important, why does it only apply to D1 football, baseball, basketball and men’s ice hockey? Everyone else is using the one-time exception. Is it because those are the sports with the lowest graduation rates, or is it because those are the sports with big money? BTW, those "year in residence" kids can still practice, so how much additional free time do they really have?At least the NCAA was discussing a change to the rule this year ("four-year transfer student-athletes who meet specific grade-point average and progress-toward-degree requirements be able to compete immediately at the second school.")Seems like the simplest thing would be to allow kids to compete the next year as long as the previous coach signs off on it. That would at least solve most of the problem like pabaseballdad's kid ran into. I'm sure most of these coaches who feel like they have to over-recruit don't feel good about blocking a kid's options after they let them go.
X10! If the year in residence is so important, then why are freshmen allowed to play? there are so many inconsistencies in the NCAA rules. It's a ridiculous organization. I've come to the conclusion that they are going to screw it up no matter what they do. Maybe the best answer is to come to grips with the fact that these kids are essentially pro players- they spend over 40 hours a week at their craft (the 20 hour limit is a joke) . The coaches are paid handsomely- so are the AD's the marketing folks, even the administrative assistants, trainers, etc, etc etc are making a living off the athletics. Let the free market rule. if they are released they should become free agents, sign with the highest bidder.