The NCAA has passed a waiver to allow the College Football Playoff (CFP) to provide better monetary travel compensation for participating student-athletes' families.
Speaking with ESPN, CFP Executive Director Bill Hancock said the final details of the arrangement are not complete. But with the National Title game less than a week away, it was important just to increase what they could give to families that had to travel from great distances to see their sons play.
The CFP is set to pay up to $1,250 per parent or guardian of student-athletes who are participating in the National Championship game in Dallas, Texas on Monday, Jan. 12. The previous travel compensation total was $800 for families.
Joshua Perry, an Ohio State linebacker, told ESPN his parents saw him play in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans and will be in Dallas.
"Every little bit helps," he said. "A lot of families will definitely appreciate it."
Oregon coach Mark Helfrich and Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has been among several other coaches who have wanted a raise in travel compensation for important games, which are almost always played at a neutral site. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith backed up Meyer recently and said he was working on such a proposal.
Glad to see the NCAA did the right thing and will help assist w/ expenses so our player's parents can get to Dallas to see their sons play
— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) January 6, 2015
CONTINUED: ...I will initiate NCAA legislation to allow us to provide more financial assistance in the future for postseason trips. — gene smith (@OSU_AD) January 3, 2015
STATEMENT: I have always been in agreement with Coach Meyer. I wish we could help the families of players more than we currently can... More
— gene smith (@OSU_AD) January 3, 2015
I need to compliment NCAA Pres. Mark Emmert and VP Mark Lewis. They heard our plea. Fortunately it came together... pic.twitter.com/q7RW4lzypb — gene smith (@OSU_AD) January 6, 2015
On Tuesday, the NCAA announced a pilot program to increase monetary travel compensation for families of student athletes playing in men's and women's Final Four basketball games. The waiver for the CFP was passed to get immediate help for the families of the football players.
"Championship experiences like the Final Four create memories of a lifetime for student-athletes, and we want to make sure their families are there to support and celebrate with them," NCAA President Mark Emmert said in the release. "From multiyear scholarships to opportunities to return to school and complete their degree on scholarship, we have been dedicated to further improving the student-athlete experience since our presidential retreat in August 2011.
"Providing travel expenses for student-athletes' families is another example of this progress."
