Supporting student-athletes: Understanding NCAA core guarantees

1. Mental Health

The NCAA’s mental health core guarantee requires programs to provide care and foster an environment with accessible resources and open engagement, as mandated by NCAA Bylaw 16.4.2. During college, most student-athletes are experiencing physical growth, brain development, and social changes. As student-athletes gain independence, they establish health behaviors that often last into adulthood. Thus, their coaches, athletic staff, and peers play a critical role in facilitating healthy, positive team environments that teach important mental skills and build dedicated team relationships, including awareness of the consequences of hazing.

Prioritizing mental health improves athlete well-being, performance, and retention. Early intervention reduces risks associated with stress, social media exposure, and pressures related to NIL and sports wagering. Key actions for compliance include:

• Designating mental health professionals for the athletic department
• Providing annual training for coaches, staff, and student-athletes on mental health awareness
• Implementing confidential reporting and referral systems
• Monitoring utilization of mental health services and adjusting programs as needed to meet student-athletes’ needs

2. Financial literacy

Financial literacy is another NCAA core guarantee, mandated under NCAA Bylaws 16.3.1.1 and 16.3.1.2, ensuring student-athletes gain essential skills to manage their finances, especially as NIL opportunities expand. Effective financial education protects both athletes and institutions from reputational and compliance risks.

Key compliance actions

• Implement targeted programs: Develop and deliver financial literacy workshops covering budgeting, saving, debt management, and tax basics. Tailor content to address NIL-related scenarios and common financial pitfalls.
• Leverage  partnerships: Collaborate with reputable financial institutions and advisors to provide up-to-date resources and personalized guidance.
• Monitor outcomes: Track participation rates and assess improvements in financial decision-making among student-athletes. Use feedback to refine program content.

Best practices

1. Checklist for program review
   Ensure financial literacy training is mandatory for all student-athletes
   Include NIL-specific modules
   External financial experts (e.g., financial advisors) are vetted for compliance and ethics
2. Metrics to track
   Number of athletes completing training
   Pre- and post-training assessment scores
   Reported financial issues or compliance breaches

3. Career preparation

Career preparation equips student-athletes to explore diverse professional pathways, develop transferable skills, and access career development resources that foster long-term success beyond graduation. To support this commitment, the NCAA requires institutions to provide academic counseling, tutoring, and career planning services, while also regulating athletic participation to promote academic achievement and mental wellness. Student-athlete welfare extends beyond athletic performance, and institutions should prioritize balance, independence, and readiness for life after college.

Athletic obligations should not hamper student-athletes’ career development. Because a low percentage of student-athletes play in professional sports, additional career preparation and support is necessary to help those who don’t go on to play professionally. Risks of unemployment, poor mental health and a difficult transition from the role of student-athlete can become reality after graduation.

Many universities and colleges have programs to help student-athletes transition from college athletics into careers following graduation. Tangible tools like resumé-building and personal branding can be used not only to help student-athletes succeed during their time at school but also to carry with them into their careers after college. 

4. Transfer requirements

The NCAA’s transfer requirements provide clarity and fairness for student-athletes navigating transfers while protecting academic and athletic continuity. Student-athletes transfer for various reasons, such as coaching changes, academic programs, NIL opportunities, or playing time. Transfers can introduce challenges, including potential disruptions to team stability and shifts in dynamics during designated transfer windows.

Under NCAA Bylaw 14.5, the NCAA regulates transfer eligibility, Transfer Portal procedures, and competition conditions to ensure fairness and competitive equity. Institutions are encouraged to educate student-athletes on transfer requirements, including criteria, notifications, exceptions, and graduate transfers, to support informed decisions and reduce tension.

5. NIL opportunities

Few developments have reshaped college athletics as dramatically as NIL rights. What began as an opportunity for athletes has rapidly become a defining test of an institution’s compliance maturity and competitive readiness. As athletes gain the ability to monetize their name, image, and likeness, institutions must provide education that empowers them to navigate this evolving environment responsibly and in compliance with NCAA rules.

Under NCAA Bylaw 16.3.1.2, institutions must provide NIL education as part of life-skills programming. This education focuses on contract literacy, tax compliance, brand management and digital safety, helping athletes understand key terms, avoid predatory clauses, and comply with NCAA rules prohibiting pay-for-play.

Delivering NIL education consistently across all sports programs is critical to avoid impermissible inducements or booster involvement that could violate NCAA rules. Recent developments, including the June 2025 House v. NCAA settlement, add complexity with revenue sharing, mandatory NIL disclosure, and fair-market-value standards, making robust NIL compliance frameworks more important than ever. Effective NIL training and support protects athletic program integrity while empowering athletes to navigate endorsement opportunities responsibly.

To support compliance and athlete success, institutions should:

• Offer workshops on contracts, negotiation and risk identification
• Educate athletes on tax obligations and recordkeeping
• Provide guidance on branding, intellectual property rights and digital safety
• Ensure equitable NIL education across all programs and genders
• Offer resources for evolving NIL revenue-sharing requirements

6. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are essential to building stronger teams and delivering better outcomes. These principles are guaranteed under the NCAA Constitution (Article 1), which calls on institutions to create inclusive environments and provide education that fosters respect for every individual. Federal laws reinforce these obligations, including Title VII, which prohibits employment discrimination, and Title IX, which bars sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. DEIB is more than a mandate; it’s a competitive advantage. Inclusive environments strengthen team cohesion, deepen trust, and enhance performance both on and off the field.

Division I institutions must complete a DEIB review every four years to assess demographics, policies, and compliance. While the NCAA does not grade these reviews, they serve as a roadmap for continuous improvement and accountability. Institutions should conduct regular DEIB audits to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines, strengthen institutional practices, and prevent discrimination and harassment.

DEIB education should be integrated into professional development as ongoing, meaningful training rather than a “check-the-box” exercise. Training equips staff and coaches with practical tools to foster inclusion and address bias. A strong DEIB culture builds trust and belonging, strengthens team culture, and protects student-athletes.

On Feb. 21, 2025, the NCAA issued a blanket waiver to provide relief to member schools from DEIB requirements, as necessary. Despite the waiver, it remains important for schools to ensure their DEIB program is compliant with the NCAA Constitution and Titles VII and IX.

7. Sexual violence prevention

Protecting student‑athletes begins with an unwavering commitment to safety and transparency. Sexual violence prevention isn’t simply a compliance requirement; it’s an essential pillar of institutional integrity. NCAA Bylaw 16.3.1.2 requires institutions to provide prevention programming that equips student-athletes with education and resources to reduce risk and respond effectively.

Effective programs should include Title IX resources, clear reporting protocols, and accessible misconduct policies for both student-athletes and staff. These measures not only meet compliance requirements but also build trust and strengthen team culture.

To ensure a safe environment for student-athletes, institutions should:

• Align policies with federal and state laws, institutional guidelines and NCAA standards
• Partner with prevention resource centers to deliver education and personalized support
• Establish secure reporting channels and assign trained prevention professionals within athletic programs

8. Strength and conditioning

Strength and conditioning programs are the heartbeat of athletic success; where performance, resilience, and competitive edge are built rep by rep. A well-designed program not only elevates performance but also reduces injuries, helping student-athletes stay healthy and available throughout the season. Properly supervised training promotes long-term physical well-being and ensures compliance with NCAA standards for athlete care. These programs also foster trust and accountability by demonstrating the institution’s commitment to holistic development.

Neglecting this requirement can lead to preventable injuries, liability issues, and diminished competitive success, making it critical for institutions to prioritize qualified staff, evidence-based practices, and continuous evaluation of strength and conditioning protocols.

9. Nutrition

Athletes can only perform at their highest level when they understand how to fuel their bodies for training, recovery, and competition. Teaching nutrition is key to the success of college athletic programs. When nutrition is treated as a core part of development, not an afterthought, it strengthens performance, reduces injuries, and supports the overall well-being of the student-athletes who represent the program.

Proper nutrition also ensures compliance with NCAA standards for drug education and testing procedures. Institutions should engage qualified nutrition specialists to guide healthy eating habits, monitor risks, and provide education on safe supplement use. Nutrition is the foundation for peak performance, injury prevention, and mental resilience, making it critical for institutions to prioritize evidence-based practices and deliver targeted training for every student-athlete.

Conclusion

The NCAA’s core guarantees represent a significant evolution in how institutions must support student-athletes, both as students and developing professionals. From scholarship protections and extended healthcare coverage to degree completion and comprehensive life-skills programming, these mandates establish a clear baseline of care and accountability. Compliance requires intentional strategy, cross-departmental coordination, and measurable program effectiveness.

As the regulatory landscape continues to shift, institutions that treat these core guarantees as a strategic priority will be best positioned to protect their student-athletes, their reputations, and their competitive standing. By investing in robust oversight, qualified professionals, and continuous improvement, institutions can move beyond basic compliance and demonstrate a meaningful commitment to the student-athlete experience. The core guarantees set the standard; it is up to each institution to fully realize their promise.