What are NCAA Level 1 violation penalties? A closer look at college football rule book amid Sherrone Moore controversy
The NCAA has a tiered system to classify rule violations within college athletics. The framework, which replaced a previous two-tier model in 2013, categorizes infractions into four levels.
Level III and IV violations are generally considered minor and typically do not result in significant penalties. However, Level I and II violations, which represent more severe breaches of NCAA rules, can lead to substantial punishments for both institutions and individuals.
Michigan Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore is currently under scrutiny as the NCAA prepares to release its findings on a sign-stealing investigation of the program. The potential consequences for Moore and Michigan will depend on the severity of the violations.
Understanding NCAA Level 1 violations and penalties
Level I violations in the NCAA represent the most severe category of rule infractions. These breaches are defined as those that significantly jeopardize the integrity of college athletics as outlined in the association's bylaws. This includes a range of misconduct, including academic fraud, lack of institutional control, and non-cooperation with NCAA investigations.
Additionally, head coach responsibility violations, recruiting violations, unethical conduct, and booster involvement in unauthorized activities are Level I offenses. The NCAA's website describes Level 1 violations as the following:
“Violations that seriously undermine or threaten the integrity of the NCAA collegiate model as set forth in the Constitution and bylaws, including any violation that provides or is intended to provide a substantial or extensive recruiting, competitive or other advantage, or a substantial or extensive impermissible benefit.”
As per the NCAA website, the penalties for such can include:
- Bans from regular-season competition
- Suspensions for staff, players, board members etc.
- Institutional loss of voting privilege
- Loss of membership in the association
- Loss of records, individual/team awards
- Fines
Implications and potential penalties for Sherrone Moore
Sherrone Moore was Michigan's offensive coordinator when the sign-stealing investigation was launched in 2023, and subsequently took over as interim head coach during Jim Harbaugh's suspension.
The NCAA's Notice of Allegations (NOA) draft indicates that seven Michigan staff members, including Sherrone Moore, Chris Partridge, Harbaugh, and Denard Robinson, are accused of rule violations. Partridge, Harbaugh, and Connor Stalions are facing Level I charges.
Moore is implicated in deleting over 50 text messages with key figure Connor Stalions on the same day the sign-stealing allegations surfaced. This action could result in a show-cause order and potential suspension, as per ESPN.
Complicating matters is Moore's prior involvement in a recruiting violation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This previous infraction could lead to the NCAA considering him a repeat offender. And also, it could potentially increase the severity of any punishment.
A Michigan spokesperson released the following statement to ESPN:
"Our athletic department and university continue to cooperate with the NCAA regarding our ongoing investigation. We do not have an update to share regarding its status at this time."
While Michigan's other coaching staff could be unaffected by the immediate fallout, the NCAA's ongoing investigation holds potential consequences for both Michigan and Central Michigan. Calls for accountability have emerged, with many advocating for a formal apology from Michigan to Michigan State.