On Friday, President Donald Trump issued an executive directive focused on bringing “order, fairness and stability” back to collegiate athletics nationwide.
The presidential order instructs federal departments to strengthen enforcement of regulations governing student transfers, athletic eligibility, and compensation arrangements by examining whether rule violations should disqualify universities from receiving federal funding and contracts.
The directive also instructs relevant athletic governing organizations to revise current policies to restore financial balance and safeguard the future of collegiate sports programs, particularly women’s athletics and Olympic competitions through:
— creating transparent, uniform, and equitable eligibility requirements, including a five-year competition timeframe;
— developing organized transfer policies to maintain academic and athletic consistency;
— guaranteeing healthcare coverage for college athletes;
— establishing revenue distribution systems that preserve and expand opportunities for women’s and Olympic athletic programs;
— prohibiting inappropriate financial deals including compensation-for-participation agreements coordinated by collectives and comparable organizations; and
— creating safeguards against unethical agent behavior.
The executive order instructs the General Services Administrator and Education Department to expand data gathering throughout college athletics to verify compliance and directs the Federal Trade Commission Chairman and Attorney General to pursue proper enforcement measures.
Additionally, the order urges Congress to “quickly” enact legislation addressing these concerns.
