The governance structure of college sports is described as quasi-federalist, with power shared among which entities?

• A. NCAA national office, conferences, and member schools
• B. NCAA committees only
• C. State athletic commissions
• D. Student-athlete unions

Answer: (A)

The governance of college sports operates as a layered, shared system where power rests with three interconnected levels. The NCAA national office sets overarching rules, enforces compliance, and runs national championships. Conferences govern their member institutions within their leagues, shaping schedules, eligibility interpretations within that group, and how revenue is distributed. Member schools participate through representation and voting, helping set policy and implementing rules at the institutional level. This tri-level arrangement mirrors federalism because no single body holds all authority; each level has its own responsibilities and interacts with the others to maintain the system. Choices that focus only on NCAA committees, rely on state athletic commissions, or involve student-athlete unions miss the essential roles of conferences and member schools within the national framework.