Law Summary
Declaration of Policy
- State recognizes the right to quality education for all citizens.
- Physical education, sports programs, and competitions are promoted.
- State aims to protect and promote student-athletes' rights as students first.
- Ensures student-athletes balance education with sports development.
Definition of Terms
- Athletic association: Organizations governing inter-school sports programs (e.g., UAAP, NCAA).
- School: State-recognized educational institutions (grade school to technical-vocational).
- Student-athlete: Enrolled student, member of school athletic teams, representing in inter-school competitions, must be full-time and in good standing.
Residency of Student-Athletes
- No residency requirement for high school graduates enrolling in colleges/universities.
- High school transfers generally exempt from residency, but up to one-year residency may be imposed to prevent player piracy.
- College/university transfers may have a max of one-year residency before competing.
- Same rules apply to Filipino student-athletes transferring from abroad.
- Schools cannot impose penalties such as administrative charges, tuition fees for scholarships, withholding grades, or other punishments due solely to transfer.
Benefits and Incentives
- Schools may grant:
- Tuition, fees, books.
- Full board and lodging.
- Uniforms, equipment, supplies.
- Monthly living allowance standardized by athletic associations.
- Medical services, insurance.
- Other benefits enhancing academic and athletic performance.
Commercialization of Student-Athletes
- Schools prohibited from offering benefits beyond those enumerated that commercialize student-athletes or contradict amateurism.
Authority of DepED and CHED
- DepED supervises basic education institutions.
- CHED supervises higher education institutions.
- Both regulate and oversee school athletic associations to protect student-athlete rights.
- Authorized to handle complaints against schools and athletic associations.
- May consult Philippine Sports Commission for technical input.
Prosecution of Action
- Complaints may be filed by student-athletes, guardians, schools, alumni, or representatives.
- Liable parties include school officials, coaches, administrators, alumni, representatives, and associations.
- Athletic associations may investigate complaints and impose penalties such as suspension or banning.
- Written complaints may be filed directly to DepED or CHED if associations fail to act.
- Appeals from association decisions go to DepED or CHED within 15 days.
- Sanctions:
- Schools: suspension or fines from PHP 100,000 to PHP 1,000,000.
- Associations: fines within the same range.
- Remedies under the Act do not preclude court actions.
- Injunctive relief may be sought when no other remedy is available.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- DepED and CHED, in consultation with PSC, to promulgate rules within 90 days from approval.
- Rules take effect 30 days after publication in two national newspapers.
Implementing Agencies
- DepED and CHED tasked with implementing the Act.
Separability Clause
- Unconstitutional provisions do not affect the validity of the remainder of the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Laws or regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or amended.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.