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(DAILY_WILDCAT)

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By Arlie Rahn
Arizona Daily Wildcat
April 24, 1998

NCAA student-athlete work decision gets mixed reviews


Wednesday's announcement of new NCAA legislation allowing student-athletes to work part time has received mixed responses from Arizona's athletic department. While the coaches, players and administrators feel this could be a good situation if properly monitored, they also acknowledge the potential for abuse.

"I think the concept of allowing athletes to work is a good thing, but I'm not sure how the NCAA will be able to ensure people follow the rules," UA head softball coach Mike Candrea said.

Starting in August, Division I student-athletes who have been at a university for more than one year will be allowed to earn up to $2,000 a year in part-time work. Athletic departments nationwide will play an active part in not only placing athletes in positions, but also ensuring the rules are followed.

"We really need to be careful and make sure that not only the job, but also such things as pay-rate are handled correctly. Because if it does turn out to be a phony job, it will be a rules violation like anything else," UA athletic director Jim Livengood said. "But the important thing is that our athletes now have the opportunity to earn up to $2,000 and that is a good thing."

UA senior associate athletic director Kathleen "Rocky" LaRose was one of the many administrators who helped fine-tune the bill. The measure was originally passed last year, but was then delayed to allow some revisions.

"I think this new legislation will be better than the previous idea. That one had no restrictions on earnings and had many loopholes and problems," LaRose said. "I think the $2,000 restriction has leveled the playing field and we will work in this new system with our current CATS LIFE program."

The Links to Internships and Future Employment program (LIFE) was responsible for placing over 60 student-athletes in summer internship positions last year. Allowing part-time positions should increase that number, CATS personal development director Becky Bell said.

"I think we will play a much bigger role in helping student-athletes find positions not only in the summer but also in the school year," Bell said. "We are really trying to encourage athletes to find positions that are career-related and are looking for support from the community."

While this decision may open some doors for career opportunity, it also creates new recruiting and compliance issues.

"This could really create some issues for potential recruits in that they now want to see what kind of job you can get them in the future," UA volleyball coach Dave Rubio said. "With the tremendous amount of pressure to win at this level, there is also a good chance people can abuse something like this."

Gymnast Nancy Milberger also foresees problems in allowing athletes access to part-time jobs.

"In some senses, I think this is a good thing because many athletes are living paycheck to paycheck," said Milberger, a senior majoring in management information systems. "But on the other hand there is a lot to keep track of. It seems like there are always ways of getting around things - just look at the recent textbook scandal."

Even without focusing on the loopholes in the program, problems still arise in finding time for athletes to study, practice and work.

"I just don't see how an athlete has the time to work during the school year," sophomore guard Josh Pastner said. "Personally, I think that athletes should spend as much time as possible working on their game and bettering their performance. But, if they can find time, I think it could be a good opportunity to have a job during school."

Do you think allowing student athletes to have part-time positions will be a good thing?

 

[Picture]

Wildcat File Photo
Arizona Daily Wildcat

Jim Livengood

UA athletic director Jim Livengood: "I think it will, but we have to be careful and make sure we do it the right way. I mean, we can't have athletes painting the same building over and over or cutting artificial turf and say they are working real jobs."

Wildcat File Photo
Arizona Daily Wildcat

Dave Rubio

Volleyball head coach Dave Rubio: "I really don't know how much time athletes will have to work during the school year with things like schoolwork and practice to take care of. But if it is properly monitored, it might work out."

Wildcat File Photo
Arizona Daily Wildcat

Jim Livengood

Sophomore quarterback Keith Smith: "I think it is a good thing. It allows athletes to be treated like a real college student and gives us the same opportunities."

 


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