Restricted-Earnings Coaches Win Ruling

In a decision that could affect the NCAA’s recent cost-cutting reforms, a federal judge Wednesday issued an order that effectively ends salary restrictions for Division I assistant basketball coaches.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Vratil of Kansas granted a summary judgment to 83 restricted-earnings coaches, who filed a class-action suit against the NCAA in 1993 claiming the collegiate sports governing body violated federal antitrust laws by limiting their ability to earn a living.

The NCAA countered that as a voluntary organization it could regulate its membership without antitrust constraints.

The restricted-earnings coaching category was created in 1991 to fight the escalating costs of collegiate athletics. It turned the graduate assistant position--the third assistant in most major programs--into one restricted to no more than $16,000 a year, $12,000 during the season, $4,000 in summer.

“There were so many limitations on what you could do that [they made] sure you’re economical advantages were gone,” said Pete Herrmann, formerly coach at Navy who is Virginia’s restricted-earnings assistant.

“This is a real start to get back what is important . . . compensation for full-time hours.”

Vratil’s ruling will be followed by a written opinion, at which time the NCAA will decide its next move, said John J. Kitchin, the group’s attorney.

If the decision stands, Kitchin does not expect it to have a major impact on the NCAA’s ability to regulate intercollegiate athletics.

However, the outcome could have repercussions as the NCAA continues to try to govern the marketplace in terms of shoe contracts, summer camps and other avenues of revenue for coaches.

Jerry Roth, a Beverly Hills attorney now practicing in Allentown, Pa., who brought the original complaint, said he has filed a companion suit on behalf of Division 1 baseball coaches, including the restricted-earnings assistants at UCLA and USC.