COLUMBUS, Ohio – College football’s so-called Power Five conferences have sent the NCAA their plans for providing greater benefits for student-athletes as part of a new autonomy system for the largest and wealthiest conferences.
The Big Ten has promised to redefine “full grant-in-aid” to meet the federal government’s definition of cost of education and honor full scholarship commitments, even if a player is no longer able to compete; ensure that scholarships are available for life and improve medical insurance for athletes.
“The Big Ten has also agreed to address additional student-athlete welfare issues including, but not limited to, health and safety, time demands and comprehensive academic support by way of a resolution that creates a specific pathway and timeline for implementation,” spokesman Scott Chipman said.
The new governance structure for the Big Ten, Pac 12, Big 12, SEC, ACC, allowing them to pass legislation separate from other Division I leagues, took effect Wednesday.