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
conscience of college football. Students will see how vital this oversight is in college football culture as
football contributes significantly to the influx of revenue to its universities and colleges. As is most often
The NCAA was formed under the premise of protecting student athletes from being exploited or
endangered. There are three divisions under the NCAA’s authority, and universities can choose which
division they wish to be a member of depending on the level of competitiveness they desire. Universities
are given the freedom to enact their own rules and policies that are based on the principles set forth by the
In some cases, traditional football culture has become toxic and affects not only coaches, players, and the
administration, but also their surrounding communities. This is evidenced in the examples of the Penn
State, Ohio State, and University of Arkansas scandals discussed in more detail in the case.
Universities that have a stronger ethical culture engage in self-reporting violations to the NCAA and are
Case 6: National Collegiate Athletic Association Ethics and Compliance Program 93
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.
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
2. Is it a valid criticism that the NCAA is based more on compliance than ethical values?
Student’s 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
94 Case 6: National Collegiate Athletic Association Ethics and Compliance Program
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
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES