Which of the following best describes the purpose of establishing roster and scholarship limits?

• A. To increase total scholarship numbers
• B. To ensure fair competition and gender equity
• C. To allow unlimited roster sizes
• D. To eliminate revenue sharing

Answer: (B)

Roster and scholarship limits are put in place to promote fair competition and gender equity in intercollegiate athletics. By capping how many athletes a team can carry and how many scholarships can be awarded, programs can’t gain an overwhelming advantage simply by fielding a larger squad or spending more on aid. This helps keep competition balanced across schools and supports equal athletic opportunities for men’s and women’s programs, aligning with equity goals like Title IX. Allowing unlimited rosters or unbounded scholarships would tilt the field toward wealthier programs and undermine fairness, which is why the goal is to maintain a level playing field rather than expand resources or opportunities indiscriminately.