Last Updated:

2024-04-03 06:33:49

National Collegiate Athletic Association

Regulates college athletics in the US and Canada.

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Regulates college athletics in the US and Canada.

The NCAA oversees student athletics in over 1,100 schools in the US and one in Canada. It is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II, and Division III. Division I and II schools can offer scholarships to athletes, while Division III schools cannot. The NCAA generates significant revenue, primarily from the Division I men's basketball tournament. The organization has faced criticism for restricting benefits to collegiate athletes, leading to comparisons to a cartel.

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1852

Start of intercollegiate sports in the US

Intercollegiate sports began in the United States in 1852 with a challenge race in rowing between crews from Harvard and Yale universities, laying the foundation for collegiate athletics in the country.

1905-01-01

Theodore Roosevelt Raises the Football Safety Issue

In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt raised concerns about the safety of football in order to protect the sport. This initiative was driven by his son's involvement in the Harvard Football team.

1905-10-09

Theodore Roosevelt's Meeting on Football Reform

In 1905, Theodore Roosevelt invited collegiate football leaders to the White House to discuss reforming or abolishing the game due to the high number of deaths and injuries during the season.

1905-12-09

Formation of Reform Conference by Thirteen Football-Playing Schools

On December 9, 1905, thirteen football-playing schools agreed to participate in a reform conference initiated by New York University Chancellor Henry M. MacCracken.

1905-12-28

Formation of Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States

On December 28, 1905, 62 colleges and universities in New York became charter members of the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States, which later evolved into the NCAA.

1906-03-31

Formation of the NCAA

The NCAA was officially established on March 31, 1906, as the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (IAAUS), which later became the NCAA in 1910. It was a response to the injuries and deaths in college football, leading to reforms and the organization of 62 higher-education institutions.

1906-12-29

First IAAUS convention at Murray Hill Hotel

The inaugural IAAUS convention takes place at the Murray Hill Hotel in New York City, marking the first report of the Football Rules Committee.

1907

James Naismith steps down as men’s basketball coach

In 1907, James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, resigns from his position as the men's basketball coach at the University of Kansas after coaching the team since 1898.

1909

IAAUS football rules change after football-related deaths

In 1909, the rules of football under the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (IAAUS) are altered due to 33 deaths related to football. This change comes in response to a movement that aimed to ban the sport altogether.

1910

Formation of the NCAA

In 1910, the Intercollegiate Athletic Association was renamed the NCAA, marking the establishment of the organization to oversee all intercollegiate athletic events.

1921-06-17

IAAUS becomes NCAA

On June 17, 1921, the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (IAAUS) transformed into the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

1933

Manufacture of the National Federation Basketball

The H.V. Porter Films document the process of manufacturing the National Federation Basketball around 1933.

1937

Formation of Two-Year College Sports Association

In 1937, track and field coaches in Fresno, California initiated the movement to establish a sports association specifically for America's two-year colleges.

1942

NCAA gains enforcement powers

It was not until 1942 that the NCAA acquired significant powers to enforce its rules, solidifying its authority in regulating collegiate athletics.

1948

Adoption of NCAA Sanity Code

In 1948, after World War II, the NCAA adopted the 'Sanity Code' to regulate financial aid, recruitment, and academic standards in college sports to maintain amateurism. Despite efforts, abuses persisted, leading to the realization of the need for full-time professional leadership.

1950

Growth of NCAA Membership and Championships

By 1950, both the membership and championships of the NCAA were expanding, indicating the increasing popularity and significance of college sports. This growth highlighted the need for effective leadership within the Association.

1955-07

NCAA Headquarters Moved to Kansas City

In July 1955, the modern era of the NCAA began when its executive director, Walter Byers, moved the headquarters from Chicago to Kansas City to separate the NCAA from individual conference influences.

1957

Split of NCAA into University Division and College Division

In 1957, the NCAA was divided into the University Division and College Division, which later split into Divisions II and III in 1973. This split affected the organization and structure of collegiate sports.

1960

Ohio State University wins NCAA championship

In 1960, Ohio State University, led by players like Havlicek, Lucas, and Knight, clinched the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship.

1968-07-03

Creation of NCAA Divisions

On July 3, 1968, the NCAA established two divisions. The University Division consisted of teams that would later form Division I, while the College Division included teams that would become Divisions II and III.

1972-08-09

Educational Amendment Act, Title IX

The Educational Amendment Act, Title IX was passed on August 9, 1972, ensuring that women are not discriminated against in participating in athletics.

1973

Divisional Split of NCAA Membership

In 1973, the National Collegiate Athletic Association divided its membership into Divisions I, II, and III, granting each division legislative powers and organizing separate championships.

1974

Dartmouth changes mascot from Indians to Big Green

In 1974, Dartmouth College changed its mascot from Indians to Big Green.

1975-11-03

Women Athletics

Originally administered by the AIAW, women's athletics were merged with the NCAA on November 3, 1975.

1977

US Congress Investigates NCAA after Tarkanian Case

Prompted by the Tarkanian Case, the US Congress initiated an investigation into the NCAA in 1977. This investigation led to the NCAA's internal files becoming public record.

1978

Creation of Football Subdivisions I-A and I-AA

In 1978, Division I members of the NCAA voted to establish subdivisions I-A and I-AA in football, later renamed as the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Football Championship Subdivision in 2007.

1980

Establishment of Women's Championships in Divisions II and III

At the 1980 Convention, Divisions II and III of the NCAA set up 10 championships specifically for women's sports.

1981-11

First Women's NCAA Champions Crowned

In November 1981, the first women's teams were awarded NCAA championship titles, marking a significant milestone in women's sports history.

1982

Incorporation of Women's Athletics in NCAA

By 1982, all divisions of the NCAA offered national championship events for women's athletics, marking the inclusion of women's sports under the governance of the NCAA. This expansion was a significant step towards gender equality in collegiate athletics.

1983

Start of NCAA Athletic Programs for Women

The year 1983 marked the beginning of NCAA athletic programs and competitions specifically designed for women, showcasing the organization's commitment to gender equality in sports.

1984-01

NCAA Membership Actions Voting

At the NCAA Convention in January 1984, two proposals were voted on to address the crisis of integrity in collegiate sports. The American Council on Education proposed a presidential board empowered to veto NCAA membership actions, while the NCAA Council suggested a presidential commission with advisory powers.

1985-08-10

Importance of GPA, Proposition 48

On August 10, 1985, Proposition 48 highlighted the importance of GPA in collegiate athletics.

1986-09-06

Minimum GPA Requirement for Student-Athletes

In 1986, student-athletes were mandated to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify for college athletics participation.

1987-09-07

Death-Penalty Scandal

In 1987, a scandal known as the 'Death-penalty' rocked the college athletics world, impacting various teams and programs.

1987-10-01

Walter Byers Retires

After serving as the head of the NCAA, Walter Byers retired on October 1, 1987.

1988-01

Defeat of PC Proposals and Restoration of Basketball Scholarships

In January 1988, proposals to cut athletic financial aid, coaching staff sizes, and practice/playing seasons were defeated. Additionally, two basketball scholarships that were previously eliminated were restored.

1989-06-18

Knight Commission

The Knight Commission, established in 1989, aimed to promote reforms in college sports to ensure the educational mission of universities. It focused on addressing issues related to commercialization, academic integrity, and the overall well-being of student-athletes.

1990-01

Passing of Graduation Reporting Proposal and Need-Based Non-Athletic Aid Proposal

In January 1990, proposals for reporting graduation rates and providing need-based non-athletic aid were passed at the NCAA annual meeting.

1991-05-09

Presidents Commission Hearings on Academic Standards

The Presidents Commission held hearings to develop stronger academic standards for student-athletes, lasting for 13 years and implementing initiatives such as restricting coaching staff sizes and setting more demanding academic standards for Divisions I and II.

1994

Richard D. Schultz becomes NCAA President

Richard D. Schultz took over as the President of the NCAA in 1994 after Walter Byers. He held the position for six years.

1996

Chattanooga changes mascot from Moccasins to Mocs

In 1996, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga changed its mascot from Moccasins to Mocs, suggestive of mockingbirds.

1997

Miami (OH) changes mascot from Redskins to RedHawks

In 1997, Miami University in Ohio changed its mascot from Redskins to RedHawks.

1998

Title Change to President for NCAA Administrator

In 1998, the title of the NCAA administrator was changed from Executive Director to President.

1999

NCAA National Office Moves to Indianapolis

Under the leadership of Cedric Dempsey, the NCAA national office was relocated to Indianapolis in 1999.

2000-01

Inauguration of Water Polo in NCAA Report

Water polo was first included in the NCAA report in the 2000-01 season with 46 teams participating.

2001-02

Change in NCAA Trophies

Starting from the 2001-02 season, the NCAA trophies for various sports underwent a modification.

2002

Sounding the Death Knell for In Loco Parentis

In this publication, Carter, W. Burlette addresses the concept of 'In Loco Parentis' within the NCAA, signaling a shift or change in the traditional role of the organization in loco parentis.

2003-01

Myles Brand becomes NCAA Chief Executive

In January 2003, Myles Brand transitioned from his position at Indiana University to become the first university president to serve as the NCAA's chief executive. He implemented significant academic reforms in Divisions I and II, improved presidential involvement in governance, and advocated for fiscal reform, diversity, and inclusion.

2005

NCAA acquires rights to NIT competition

The NCAA took over all rights to the NIT competition in 2005, bringing it under its operational umbrella and expanding its control in collegiate sports.

2006

Renaming of Divisions I-A and I-AA to FBS and FCS

In 2006, Divisions I-A and I-AA of NCAA football were respectively renamed the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), reflecting the changes in the college football landscape.

2007-08

Revision of NCAA Trophies

In the 2007-08 season, further changes were made to the design of NCAA trophies for non-Division I FBS football sports.

2008-11-03

NCAA deal with IMG

In 2008, the NCAA made a deal with IMG granting them the rights to sell marketing packages for 88 NCAA Championships. These packages were specifically designed for retail promotions.

2009-09-16

Death of Myles Brand

Myles Brand passed away on September 16, 2009, after battling cancer. His leadership and contributions to the NCAA left a lasting impact on the organization's direction and values.

2009-11-03

Simon-Fraser University joins NCAA

Simon Fraser University, based in Burnaby, Canada, made history by becoming the first non-United States institution to become a member of the NCAA.

2010-10-05

Mark A. Emmert becomes NCAA President

Mark A. Emmert, president at the University of Washington, assumed the role of NCAA president on October 5, 2010.

2012

Champions of Respect document commissioned by NCAA

In 2012, the LGBTQ Subcommittee of the NCAA association-wide Committee on Women's Athletics and the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee commissioned Champions of Respect, a document that promotes inclusion and equality for LGBTQ student-athletes, coaches, and administrators in intercollegiate athletics.

2013

Establishment of NCAA Sport Science Institute

In 2013, the NCAA created the Sport Science Institute to lead health and safety initiatives within the organization.

2014-03

O'Bannon v. NCAA Antitrust Lawsuit

Four players filed a class action antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA, alleging that the organization and its dominant conferences formed an unlawful cartel. The suit challenged NCAA scholarship value caps and their impact on player earning power.

2015-02-17

Commercialization of Intercollegiate Athletics

The commercialization of intercollegiate athletics has been a long-standing issue, with colleges competing to raise awareness and interest through successful athletic programs.

2015-02-19

Controversies in Collegiate Athletics

Despite efforts to address controversies and implement new standards, problems still persist in collegiate athletics today.

2015-07-01

Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act revised

Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act, allowing businesses to discriminate based on sexual orientation, was revised after pressure from the NCAA. The revised bill prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.

2016-09-12

NCAA pulls championship events out of North Carolina

The NCAA announced the removal of seven planned championship events from North Carolina due to the state passing a law requiring the use of public restrooms based on sex assigned at birth. This decision reflected the NCAA's commitment to inclusivity.

2017-04

Amendment of Diversity and Inclusion Statement by NCAA

The NCAA Board of Governors amended the Diversity and Inclusion Statement in April 2017 to further emphasize the commitment to diversity, inclusion, and gender equity.

2017-09

Sweeping Changes by NCAA's Board of Governors

Following the recommendations of the Commission on College Basketball, the NCAA's Board of Governors and Division I Board of Directors implemented significant changes to promote integrity, accountability, and prioritize student-athletes' interests in basketball.

2017-12

NCAA Division I Football Signing Period

In the 2017-18 school year, the NCAA introduced a three-day signing period in mid-December for high school students to sign a letter of intent to play football for Division I colleges.

2018-10-01

Inclusion and Diversity Campaign

A week-long program held in October 2018 to promote diversity and inclusion within intercollegiate athletics through social media platforms. The NCAA aimed to address the controversy surrounding diversity levels in intercollegiate athletics.

2020-03

NCAA Cancels Winter and Spring Championships

In March 2020, due to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA made the unprecedented decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring championships, including the Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships. This decision was made just days before selections were to be finalized.

2021-05-06

Georgia Bill 617 Signed into Law

Governor Brian Kemp signed Bill 617 into law on May 6, 2021, granting collegiate athletes the ability to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness.

2021-06-21

Supreme Court Ruling on NCAA Restrictions

On June 21, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in NCAA v. Alston that the NCAA's restrictions on education-related payments violated anti-trust regulations, potentially paving the way for future cases on direct compensation.

2021-07-01

First Day of NIL Rule Change

On the first day of the NIL rule change, various athletes signed deals to profit from their names, images, and likenesses, marking a significant shift in collegiate athlete compensation.

2022-01-19

NCAA approves new policy for transgender athletes

The NCAA approved a new policy for transgender athletes, replacing their previous policy from 2011. The new policy defers the governance of transgender athlete participation to the rules of the sport's national governing body, international federation policy, or IOC policy criteria.

2022-05-30

NCAA Championships Leaders

As of May 30, 2022, Stanford, UCLA, and USC hold the record for the most NCAA team championships in men's and women's sports.

2023

New NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Membership Requirements

In 2023, the NCAA introduced new requirements for FBS membership, which will be implemented in 2027-28. FBS institutions will need to fund 210 full scholarships across all NCAA sports, spend a minimum of $6 million annually on scholarships, and provide at least 90% of the required scholarships across 16 sports, including football.

2024

NCAA Centennial Celebration

The NCAA is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 with various events and activities to commemorate its first century.

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National Collegiate Athletic Association