Op-Ed: Why the #SameGameSameRules victory matters

By Dr. Christopher Parker
President and CEO, NJCAA

Let me start by saying thanks to everyone involved. This was a team effort in all possible ways. The NJCAA also appreciates leaders of the NCAA understanding that we are all better off for collectively aligning all student-athletes' academic and athletic ambitions. This philosophy alone solves many challenges holistically. 

So why does this matter? Well to start, it provides the opportunity for a young man or woman who attended a two-year college the same access point to play Division 1 sports as his or her peer who may be transferring from another four-year college. The student still must be admitted by the college, but at least the requirements are the same. Those of us who have worked at both levels understand that English 111 or English 101 is the same class taught at the community college that is also taught on the university level. Matter of fact, most states require the curriculum to be identical by their state board of higher education. Same Class, Same Rules.

But we are talking about D1 eligibility for playing sports and one misconception is around what changed and what did not change. These rule changes allow a two-year college student-athlete to transfer to a four-year institution with a 2.0 GPA, instead of the previously more stringent 2.5 GPA, and credit hour requirements based on terms of enrollment that mirror the requirements for a four-year transfer.  Additional requirements of graduation and core course requirements still apply to nonqualifiers.

When it comes to the Academic Progress Rate (APR) rulings, four-year colleges will not be negatively affected for students who transfer back to a two-year college before returning to a four-year college. Previously, four-year colleges could be impacted negatively and thus on often occasions, students were disincentivized for returning to a two-year college for a year before moving back to the four-year level.  That rule has also changed. Think about what that means for a student-athlete. Sometimes the best decision academically, athletically and personally is to return to a two-year college, regroup, develop and prepare for the next opportunity. A student should not feel pressured to remain in a situation that is not working simply because an institution could face an APR consequence. Now, the decision can be centered where it belongs—on what is best for the student-athlete. Same Opportunity, Same Rules.

I have personally told the leadership of the NCAA that I feel for them when it comes to constant litigation. They make a rule and then they get sued for it. Well right now, we are all looking major changes to college sports directly in the eye -- The 5-for-5 eligibility ruling, the restricted D1 roster sizes, as well as, the potential for high school students being removed from the MLB draft -- All of these are impacting future and current student-athletes collectively. 

So, while these changes are taking place, the #SameGameSameRules initiative will continue to create seamless pathways for students of all backgrounds and especially those who make a life choice to attend a two-year college at any point in their academic and athletic careers. For that I am thankful and for that, it is why it matters!