Has the scholarship level always been at 63 since 1-AA/FCS was created? Discussion!

[buffalobill]

Any knowledge on how that was arrived at would be interesting! Thanks in advance!

[Eagle22]

I don't remember the exact years but prior to 1975 the upper limit was 105 scholarships, then in 1978 it was reduced to 95 ... the same year I-AA was created. I-AA couldn't have 95, but I don't remember what that number was. I-A was reduced from 95 to 85 in 1992.

I think at one time I-AA was at 65, but that is just a guess.

I do know around 1994 or so there were several proposals to reduce I-AA scholarships from 63 to as low as 45. Some other proposals suggested 55 as a ceiling.

[hebmskebm]

I don't think the 63 limit on scholarships offered is going to change anytime soon. I do think however that the "counter" minimum for FBS games is going to eventually drop to a number lower than what it is today, for numerous reasons.

[Bogus Megapardus]

In 1973, the first modern limit for D-I football was set by the NCAA at 105 scholarships. When 1-AA was formed in 1978, the 1-A limit was lowered to 95 scholarships and the newly-formed 1-AA was allowed 70 scholarships. In 1991, NCAA legislation gradually lowered the scholarship level for I-A from 95 to 85, I-AA from 70 to 63 and Division II from 40 to 36.

Some interesting historical reading:

http://articles.courant.com/1993-09-02/sports/0000005273_1_scholarships-gender-equity-division-i-aa-football

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/330301/DIV-I-AA-PRESIDENTS-TO-DECIDE-IF-FOOTBALL-KEEPS-SCHOLARSHIPS.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/330553/DIV-I-AA-PRESIDENTS-REFUSE-TO-REDUCE-FOOTBALL-SCHOLARSHIPS.html

[DFW HOYA]

For discussion: what would the subdivision be today if the 95/70 rule is still in place?

[JayJ79]

For discussion: what would the subdivision be today if the 95/70 rule is still in place?

FBS schools would be able to "stockpile" more athletes (there would still be transfers seeking playing time, but FBS schools would have 10 more scholarships to work with as far as recruiting), so the disparity between subdivisions would probably be greater.

within the subdivision itself, there would be more disparity between schools, as not all programs would be able to afford the full 70 (just as not every program today affords the full 63), and more programs may have dropped football entirely (or gone the limited/no athletic scholly route)

[Mr. C]

In 1973, the first modern limit for D-I football was set by the NCAA at 105 scholarships. When 1-AA was formed in 1978, the 1-A limit was lowered to 95 scholarships and the newly-formed 1-AA was allowed 70 scholarships. In 1991, NCAA legislation gradually lowered the scholarship level for I-A from 95 to 85, I-AA from 70 to 63 and Division II from 40 to 36.

Some interesting historical reading:

http://articles.courant.com/1993-09-02/sports/0000005273_1_scholarships-gender-equity-division-i-aa-football

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/330301/DIV-I-AA-PRESIDENTS-TO-DECIDE-IF-FOOTBALL-KEEPS-SCHOLARSHIPS.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/330553/DIV-I-AA-PRESIDENTS-REFUSE-TO-REDUCE-FOOTBALL-SCHOLARSHIPS.html

Ironic to think that the caliber of play in FCS actually improved with the LOWERING of scholarship levels, due largely to the fact that I-A levels were reduced to 85.