Work rules relaxed for athletes who have time for employment

A new NCAA rule will allow student-athletes to work during this school year and not be subject to a cap on earnings by the NCAA or count against their cost of attendance ceiling.

The student-athlete must be paid an amount commensurate with the going rate in that locality for similar services and not include any remuneration because of the student’s publicity, reputation, fame or personal following that he or she has obtained because of athletic ability.

Many football players say they are already putting in 18-hour days between their sport and schoolwork, though NCAA rules say coaches can demand only 20 hours a week of their players’ time. A USA Today investigation found that rule is constantly ignored. A 2006 study by the University of Nebraska said coaches do not follow those rules.

A random survey by the Bradenton Herald of area players going back to the 1990s found everyone in agreement. Bradenton Christian head football coach Allan Gerber, who coached at the Football Championship Series level (I-AA), said the 20-hour rule is repeatedly broken or circumvented, that players have to work out and watch film -- because if they don’t, they jeopardize their playing time.

“The 20-hour rule is broken every week in every program across the country,” Gerber said. “You are talking about math that really doesn’t work.”

This story was originally published August 17, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Work rules relaxed for athletes who have time for employment."