Athletics Veritas is a weekly series aimed at helping higher education executives, faculty, and other stakeholders stay tuned in on trending national issues impacting college athletics, especially NCAA Division I. Athletics Veritas is created by senior DI athletic administrators around the nation.
Term-In-Ology: The Winter Coat Litmus Test
Winter is almost here. Can Division I schools buy their student-athletes winter coats? Yes, Division I member institutions may purchase winter coats (and gloves and hats) for eligible student-athletes who may need winter gear to manage in colder temperatures. Winter gear (especially for student-athletes from southern states or international student-athletes from countries in tropical climates) is a quintessential example of a valid use of an institution’s NCAA’s Student Assistance Fund (SAF) allocation.
NCAA SAF monies are intended to support student-athletes’ health, well-being, and personal development. Division I athletics departments may consult their financial aid offices for any impact the purchase of winter gear has on a student-athlete’s cost of attendance.
Athletics Veritas is presented for information purposes only and should not be considered advice or counsel on NCAA compliance matters. For guidance on NCAA rules and processes, always consult your university’s athletics compliance office, conference office, and/or the NCAA.
