CASE 6
National Collegiate Athletic Association Ethics
and Compliance Program
CASE NOTE FOR INSTRUCTORS
This case examines the role of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as the ethical
of the constitution explain the expectations of ethical conduct and the disciplinary actions that will take
place for violations. The NCAA takes the enforcement of rules seriously and tries to ensure the penalties
fit the violation if misconduct does occur. The organization also makes sure the penalties are handed
down in a timely manner, not only to indicate the seriousness of the infraction but also to maintain a
credible and effective enforcement program.
work, and/or were not supervised by a professor. This seems to indicate a lack of institutional control.
This case should demonstrate that corporate culture and business ethics is not limited to businesses, but
also applies to schools, nonprofit organizations, government institutions, and so on. As a result, it is
crucial that these organizations take the same precautions against misconduct as for-profit businesses.
This case should also help students gain a better idea of the NCAA and its role in regulating college
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
1. How does the NCAA encourage collegiate football programs to develop a culture of ethics and
compliance?
The NCAA strives to objectively set forth and enforce standards of conduct. It also encourages and
helps universities establish their own systems of compliance and control, since the ultimate
responsibility lies with the universities and the cultures they create. Even when colleges impose
2. Is it a valid criticism that the NCAA is based more on compliance than ethical values?
Students’ answers may vary and all responses should be supported by reasoning. Criticisms of the
compliance approach may include that because it is based entirely on a punishment and reward
system, it may not encourage universities to go beyond the minimum requirements of compliance. On
3. How can student-athletes, coaches, and university administrators demonstrate a proactive response to
ethics and compliance?
Students’ answers will vary. Some answers may include having less of a focus on revenue generation
and more of a focus on the development of athletes as educated and ethical citizens. Instituting an
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
