A lot of people are confused about what the NCAA is. To help reduce that confusion, this Web site uses the following terms:
- The "membership" or "members"
-- The colleges, universities and conferences that make up the NCAA.
The members appoint volunteer representatives that serve on committees
which introduce and vote on rules called bylaws. The members also
establish programs to govern, promote and further the purposes and
goals of intercollegiate athletics.
- The "national office"
-- Approximately 350 paid professionals that implement the rules and
programs established by the membership. The national office staff is
located primarily at the headquarters office in Indianapolis, Indiana.
- The "Association"
- The entire organization comprised of members and staff. Many believe
the Association rules college athletics; however, it is actually a
bottom-up organization in which the members rule the Association.
