NCAA to overhaul violation and enforcement structure

The NCAA is close to passing a new four-tier penalty structure that would replace its current major/secondary system, USA Today's George Schroeder and Dan Wolken is reporting.

The new system would be more specific when it comes to penalty severity between minor and major violations: a football program exceeding the allowed practice time will not be the same as a player getting caught taking money from boosters (both scenarios have been deemed as major violations in the past).

The new system will also hold head coaches more responsible for their players and assistant coaches.

The document reads, "A head coach is presumed responsible for major/Level I and Level II violations (e.g. academic fraud, recruiting inducements) occurring within his or her program unless the coach can show that he or she promoted an atmosphere of compliance and monitored his or her staff."

For college basketball, there are new guidelines stating coaches can be suspended for violations ranging from illegal contact with recruits and giving team gear to prospects.

Meanwhile, football coaches can face suspension for holding 7-on-7 on campus or providing written scholarship offers before Aug. 1 of a prospect's senior year.

Coaches could avoid penalties if they can document vigilance about potential red flags.

For more on the new NCAA system, visit the SB Nation blog Team Speed Kills.