People are often surprised when they learn about the democratic process that defines the governance structure of the NCAA. Rules aren’t made by staff members, but rather by representatives from the Association’s membership.

At the Division I level, the Board of Directors is responsible for approving new legislation. If member institutions are in opposition to the Board’s decision, 30 override votes will make the Board reconsider its original decision. If the Board upholds its initial stance, the legislation is voted upon at the annual NCAA Convention. In Divisions II and III, member institutions get the final say on legislation in a one-institution, one-vote capacity.

Why is this history lesson important? Because the Division I membership has sent three pieces of legislation back to the Board of Directors to reconsider at its August meeting. The Board will review its decisions to eliminate electronic messaging (other than e-mail and fax) as a recruiting tool, to change the distribution of financial aid to baseball student-athletes and to amend dates-of-competition legislation in men’s and women’s golf.

On today’s edition of Mondays With Myles, NCAA President Myles Brand weighs in on the Division I process.

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