NCAA

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Sport	College sports
Founded	1906
No. of teams	1,268 (across all divisions)
Country	United States
Headquarters	Indianapolis, Indiana

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a non-profit organization which regulates athletes of 1,268 North American institutions and conferences. It also organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and helps more than 480,000 college student-athletes who compete annually in college sports. The organization is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

History

The NCAA was founded in 1906 to protect young people from the dangerous and exploitative athletic practices of the time. Since its establishment, it has grown to become a key institution in college sports, overseeing important aspects such as eligibility, recruiting, and scholarships.

Structure

The NCAA is divided into three divisions to create a more level playing field among colleges:

• NCAA Division I, which includes the largest and most competitive schools that often have bigger budgets to support their athletic programs.
• NCAA Division II, which consists of mid-sized colleges that offer fewer athletic scholarships than Division I schools.
• NCAA Division III, which is made up of colleges that do not offer athletic scholarships and emphasize the overall college experience of the student-athlete.

Each division is governed by its own set of rules and regulations that ensure fair play and student-athlete welfare.

Championships

The NCAA hosts championships in several sports across its three divisions. Some of the most popular include the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship, commonly known as "March Madness," and the College Football Playoff for Division I FBS football teams.

Student-Athlete Eligibility and Scholarships

Eligibility for competition is a core principle of the NCAA, which maintains strict guidelines on amateurism, academic performance, and recruitment. Scholarships are also regulated to ensure fair distribution and to maintain the amateur status of the athletes.

Controversies

The NCAA has faced criticism and legal challenges related to its stance on amateurism, particularly regarding whether student-athletes should be compensated for their sports participation beyond scholarships. The debate over "pay for play" and the use of athletes' likenesses for commercial purposes continues to evolve.

Impact on Higher Education

The NCAA significantly influences higher education in the U.S. by promoting athletics as a part of the educational experience. It helps in building community and school spirit, and in many cases, generates significant revenue for the colleges.

See also

• List of NCAA institutions
• List of NCAA conferences
• College athlete recruitment