What is the NCAA?
The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) is a U.S. organization that oversees athletes from over 1,000 colleges and universities. The NCAA regulates and organizes the athletic programs of its member schools, promoting fair and safe competition for student-athletes.
The NCAA is divided into three divisions, each with different levels of competition and rules:
- Division I: This division includes the largest and often most well-known schools with the biggest athletic budgets. Division I programs offer the most athletic scholarships and the competition is the most intense.
- Division II: Schools in Division II are typically mid-sized institutions that strive to balance athletic and academic commitments. They also offer athletic scholarships, but to a lesser extent than Division I.
- Division III: Division III primarily consists of smaller schools that emphasize the academic experience. No athletic scholarships are offered in this division, and the focus is on the overall development of the student-athlete.
The NCAA plays a crucial role in ensuring integrity and equity in college sports, providing opportunities for student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically.