The More You Know...

In an effort to both educate our readers, stump trivia buffs, and help Lane Kiffin remain gainfully employed, we at OTP will periodically select a few NCAA Division I Athletics compliance bylaws for our knowledge-seeking readers. I'm emerging from the Statcave (think Batcave, only 1,500 times less likely to impress the ladies) to bring you some rules on recruiting:

Bylaw 13.6.4 An official visit to an institution shall not exceed 48 hours.

So, Lane, when you're done pissing off principals in Florida, keep in mind that you only have 48 hours during a student-athlete's visit to Tennessee.

Bylaw 13.6.7.7.1 A luncheon, dinner, or brunch at the home of an institutional staff member (e.g., the athletics director, a coach, a faculty member, or the institution's president) may be held for a prospective student-athlete on an official visit, provided the entertainment is on a scale comparable to that of normal student life, is not excessive in nature and occurs on only one occasion.

Anyone else see the gray area here? Would you consider the bi-monthly orgy brunch at the AD's house "excessive in nature"? Neither would I. (By the way, I've been to one. The food is generally bland and stale, and it's mostly finger-foods...)

Bylaw 13.5.2.2.2 The institution or representatives of its athletics interests shall not provide an automobile for use during the official visit by the prospective student-athlete or student host.

No joyriding during my visit? No thanks, Kiffin.

Well, that's it for another "The More You Know...". I'll be back next week.

Edge. Out.

The More You Know...

In an effort to both educate our readers, stump trivia buffs, and help Lane Kiffin remain gainfully employed, we at OTP will periodically select a few NCAA Division I Athletics compliance bylaws for our knowledge-seeking readers. Today's first lesson? High school all-star football games.

Bylaw 14.6 A student athlete shall be denied the first year of intercollegiate athletics competition if, following completion of high school eligibility in the student-athlete's sport and prior to the student-athlete's high school graduation, the student-athlete competes in more than two all-star football contests or two all-star basketball contests.

Interesting, huh? Show of hands... how many knew that? Today's second lesson concerns recruiting (some refer to this as "Chapter 4: Kelvin Samson Ruined This for Everyone"):

Bylaw 13.4.1.2 Electronically transmitted correspondence that may be sent to a prospective student-athlete (or the prospective student-athlete's parents or legal guardians) is limited to electronic email and facsimiles. All other forms of electronically transmitted correspondence (e.g., Instant Messenger, text messaging) are prohibited...

So, Lane, be very careful about Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. Use those to show off pics of your new dog, your mood today, what you ate for dinner, or to express your feelings through someone's song lyrics. If I was your compliance officer I'd advise you avoid speaking one-on-one with anyone. Our last lesson: Utah - your proposed "championship" game against Florida wouldn't have been entirely legal.

Bylaw 17.11.8.2 A member institution shall not participate in any noncollegiate or nonconference-sponsored postseason football game unless it has been licensed by the Championships/Sports Management Cabinet...

There you have it. A nice hot injection of knowledge into your brain. Now, have a nice weekend, and be ready for more next week.