Apr 1, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on during the spring game at Michigan Stadium. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The NCAA board of directors on Thursday reversed a decision on football satellite camps and waived the ban that was put in place earlier this month after some schools complained about the practice.
The satellite camps were called into question during the past few months by Alabama coach Nick Saban and several conferences, including the SEC, who spoke out against them. The camps and clinics are used mainly during the summer by northern schools, primarily the Big Ten, in the South and fertile recruiting regions.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and Ohio State coach Urban Meyer were among those complained after the ban, which restricted coaches from working at camps outside of a 50-mile radius from their schools, was put in place. Harbaugh made headlines last season by conducting satellite camps and working at clinics in the South.
“It’s clear that the membership has differing views on this subject, and the Council appreciates the Board’s insights into this important issue,” said Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips, who serves as the council chairman. “This review will provide an opportunity to identify the most effective ways prospective student-athletes can have their academic and athletic credentials evaluated by schools across the country.”
The SEC said in a statement that it disagreed with the reversal, but its schools will be permitted to hold summer camps. The ACC also will allow its coaches to work at the camps.
“While we are disappointed with the NCAA governance process result, we respect the Board of Directors’ decision and are confident SEC football programs will continue to be highly effective in their recruiting efforts,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said.
The NCAA said in a statement that it will ask the Division I council, which enacted the ban, to research the FBS recruiting process and report back to the board of directors with recommendations by Sept. 1.
“The Board of Directors is interested in a holistic review of the football recruiting environment, and camps are a piece of that puzzle,” said South Carolina president Harris Pastides, who serves as the chairman of the board of directors. “We share the council’s interest in improving the camp environment, and we support the council’s efforts to create a model that emphasizes the scholastic environment as an appropriate place for recruiting future student-athletes.”
