NCAA -- Transfers who compete during TRO will lose eligibility if decision reversed - ESPN

The NCAA added another layer of chaos to the fallout of Wednesday's federal ruling on transfer rules, saying Thursday that student-athletes who participate in games during the 14-day temporary restraining order will lose a season of eligibility if the ruling is reversed.

The NCAA published an eight-question document designed to help its membership in understanding issues stemming from Wednesday's decision. The fourth question asked whether the season of competition legislation applies to a student-athlete competing during the 14-day TRO.

«Yes,» the document states. «The 14-day TRO only enjoined Bylaw 14.5.5.1 and does not change the season of competition legislation.»

The new guidance walks back a report on Wednesday that cited an NCAA spokesperson saying athletes will not lose a year of eligibility if the ruling is overturned.

A hearing on the restraining order is scheduled for Dec. 27.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Preston Bailey in West Virginia issued a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, allowing two-time transfers to play immediately. The NCAA allows underclassmen to transfer once without sitting out a year, but a second transfer as an underclassmen requires a waiver to play immediately. The NCAA has granted waivers to certain student-athletes on a case-by-case basis.

The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by West Virginia and six other states alleging the NCAA's waiver process violated federal antitrust law.

Following Bailey's order, the NCAA released a statement:

«As a result of today's decision impacting Division I student-athletes, the Association will not enforce the year in residency requirement for multi-time transfers and will begin notifying member schools,» the statement read.

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