Spring Student-Athletes Could Be Granted Extra Year

The NCAA plans to grant spring sports student-athletes an additional year of eligibility in the wake of cancelled spring championships.

Georgia Tech Athletics

The NCAA plans to grant spring sports student-athletes an extra year of eligibility in response to the cancellations of all remaining winter and spring championships amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Division I Council Coordination Committee agrees eligibility relief is appropriate for spring sports: pic.twitter.com/u7hwYOyTDV

— NCAA News (@NCAA_PR) March 13, 2020

According to Stadium's Jeff Goodman, the NCAA will also decide on additional eligibility for winter sport student-athletes. 

Players in spring sports get another year of eligibility.

NCAA looking into what to do with those who played winter sports. https://t.co/7YXwFpV4pM

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 13, 2020

Prior to the committee's decision, the NCAA announced on Thursday the cancellation of March Madness as well as all other winter and spring championships due to the coronavirus global outbreak. 

The NCAA's potential resolution benefits the senior student-athletes whose final year at their respected institutions came to an abrupt standstill. Many athletes will use the postseason as a possibility to improve their stocks in their sports' upcoming draft. 

The eligibility relief, while the correct thing to do, could cause potential problems that have yet to be addressed. The question regarding scholarship caps remains unanswered. 

On Friday, the NCAA also banned in-person recruiting from coaches until at least April 15. 

Related links:

Three Georgia Tech Seniors Affected by Halted Seasons

ACC Suspends All Athletics Activities Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak

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