In August, a formal sexual violence prevention policy was adopted by the NCAA Board of Governors. College coaches, student-athletes, and athletics administrators must now complete education each year in sexual violence prevention. As part of this new policy, the university president or chancellor, athletics director, and Title IX coordinator must attest annually that such education was provided. This also includes a declaration that:

• The school’s athletics department is knowledgeable about, integrated in, and compliant with the institutional policies and processes regarding sexual violence prevention and proper adjudication and resolution of acts of sexual violence.
• The school’s policies regarding sexual violence prevention and adjudication – plus the name and contact information for the campus Title IX coordinator – are readily available in the athletics department and are distributed to student-athletes.

Institutions that comply will be listed in a report delivered each year to the NCAA Board of Governors and published in ncaa.org

The NCAA has been engaged in addressing sexual violence prevention since 2010. This new policy, however, implements a new mandate for compliance as set forth above. This is essential information for all institutions to take proactive measures in all aspects of Title IX compliance, including athletic participation opportunities, treatment, and all forms of sex discrimination in educational programs and activities.

As we have stated before, it is critical that schools and universities stay updated on all Title IX regulatory requirements and conduct education and training of key personnel including coaches, student-athletes, and administrators. We recommend sexual violence prevention education from knowledgeable attorneys and consultants, together with comprehensive Title IX investigation training, policy development, and athletic compliance reviews.