NCAA regulations require Flagler to hire a compliance officer

By Martin Vazquez

With Flagler College moving into NCAA Division II, the college needs to make sure that all rules and regulations are followed as best as they can be.

When a new college moves into the NCAA, they are automatically put on probation their first year until they meet all requirements that are laid in front of them. To make sure the transfer into Division II is smooth schools have now started hiring compliance officers to police the student-athletes and the program itself.

“The compliance officer is the person assigned to make sure the rules and regulations are followed. They also protect the athletes,” said Daniel Stewart, dean of student services. “They are involved with everything from eligibility to financial aid to recruiting.”

Flagler is attempting to find a compliance officer by advertising through the NCAA. They have had a good number of applicants for the position as well. “We are looking for someone who is proactive,” Stewart said. “Not an enforcer.”

While there have been many applicants, the frontrunner will meet with President William T. Abare, Jr. soon, according to Stewart.

The timetable for hiring a compliance officer is beginning to shrink and the decision should come sooner rather than later. “We would like to have one on board in the beginning of May,” Stewart said.