Earlier this year, we reported on a bill in the California Legislature that sought to change how college coaches recruited athletes in that state. On Thursday evening, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law the measure, known as the Student-Athletes’ Right to Know Act.
The new law requires coaches who recruit in California to disclose, among other things, institutional and NCAA policies on medical expenses, scholarship renewals, and transfers for athletes. Supporters of the measure say it will help athletes and their families better understand the implications of accepting an athletics scholarship—and will hold universities accountable for the promises their coaches make.
“This law is a milestone in college athletes’ struggle to secure basic protections,” Ramogi Huma, president of the National College Players Association, an advocacy group of current and former Division I athletes, said in an e-mail today. “This is only the beginning. We will take this fight to other states next year.”
4 Responses to In California, ‘Athletes’ Rights’ Measure Becomes Law
lslerner - October 1, 2010 at 4:55 pm
This will be a step forward for the small number of “student-athletes” who actually know how to read!
cmsmw - October 4, 2010 at 7:12 am
Except for the uncalled-for swipe — athletes are apparently the last group for which stereotypes are acceptable in academe — I agree that this is indeed a step forward.
hennypenny - October 4, 2010 at 12:54 pm
I have found the student-athletes in my courses to be among the most successful. They are organized, respectful, and hard-working. This is especially true for the “non-revenue” sports, where the temptation for athletic programs to exploit young people is less of an issue.Organized sports can be an important aspect of one’s education. It’s a pity that not everyone can recognize this fact.hp (a proud former student-athlete)
syd80 - October 4, 2010 at 6:03 pm
As a former student-athlete at a university in a major conference, I also agree that this is a needed step. Many of the athletes recruited do not understand the terms under which they are being contracted to play. Many of them sign after hearing exaggerated to impossible promises from their coaches about their development as athletes, their promised accomplishments and their other obligations. As a side note, having taught at this same institution for a few years and had major-sport athletes “funneled” into my courses because I had been an athlete, I can say I loved having them- they were disciplined and respectful, did their work, and knew I would call their coaches directly if there were any problems!