What role does the NCAA play in college athletics?

The NCAA plays a crucial role in college athletics by establishing rules and regulations for sports played at the collegiate level. These rules cover a wide range of areas, including eligibility requirements for student-athletes, guidelines for recruiting, and standards for competition and safety. This regulatory framework is essential in maintaining a level playing field, ensuring fair play and integrity within college sports. The NCAA's guidelines also help protect the welfare of student-athletes, setting limits on how much time they can commit to sports in relation to their academic responsibilities. Through governance, the NCAA seeks to enhance the experience of the student-athlete and maintain standards across member institutions.