Double ET some clarification from me. I did NOT sign the petition. However, by definition if the ability to be on an athletics team is a privilege, then it can be terminated at will. There are NCAA protections for scholarships depending on what was promised ect, but none of that applies in this cause.
Agreed, and to clarify my comment that not everyone can walk on was basically extrapolating out the argument that any student has a right under YSU established policy in the student guide book. The problems that exist with this statement are that there is a roster limitation as I explained and yes conceivably the coach would want to keep the most talented group on the limited roster size so some wouldn't "make the cut". But beyond that there are additional limitations to the right for all students to try out.
Example 1, NCAA eligibility requirements would come into play for any athlete. If you for example are working on a second bachelor's degree and are in your third year, even if you are 23, you are not eligible to play (all your years of eligibility are gone even if you haven't played because the clock starts from when you first enroll for your first bachelor's degree).
Example 2, if it is a privilege and not a right, then YSU is not required to ensure that you even get a tryout. YSU can simply deny your request, and not provide you with a reason (although they likely will).
Examples of it having been identified as a privilege:
I acknowledge that I can access the student-athlete handbook via the YSU web site at
http://www.ysusports.com/information/compliance/handbook. I understand that I can print and obtain a hardcopy of the handbook free of charge in the Jermaine Hopkins Center for Academics.
I am fully aware that participation in athletics at YSU is a privilege, not a right. My signature below verifies that I understand and do hereby agree to abide by these Student-Athlete Policies, Procedures, Rights and Responsibilities. I understand that nothing in this policy restricts my constitutionally granted rights, including the freedom of speech and religion. Finally, I understand and agree that failure to meet any of the University or Athletics Departments requirements, and/or violations of any policies may result in disciplinary measures, including but not limited to: reprimand, suspension, counseling, reduction and/or cancellation of athletic grant-in-aid and/or dismissal from my team.
As to your academic research competition, that is a different matter. Different rules apply. While both are extra circular activities, NCAA athletic regulations do NOT have an impact on academic research competitions. That being said, I could provide a couple of reasonable examples as to why one could deny a student participation in your above scenario. Let us assume that there can be only a finite number of team members. The individual student that scored the highest is notoriously unreliable. You know your team has a good shot at winning the competition regardless if that person is on the team. You could bar the student from joining.
This is a completely separate argument though and maybe you can't. Because the rules are different. You aren't signing the same agreement that you are above for athletics. Different circumstances and rules mean that although both are extra circular you may not be able to evaluate both situations the same way.
