March 5, 2012

Tweet

In an effort to better understand the issues and challenges that have arisen from the fast-rising world of summer 7-on-7 high school football games, the USC athletic department is bringing together collegiate leaders and coaches for a summit themed "The Impact Of 7-On-7 Organizations On College Football Recruiting" on Tuesday, March 6, at the Galen Center.

Among those expected to attend the invitation-only event are athletic directors, compliance officers and head football coaches from the Pac-12 and Big Ten member institutions, as well as NCAA Enforcement staff, representatives from the Pac-12, SEC, Big 12 and Big Ten conference offices, operators of 7-on-7 organizations and high school coaches.

USC attendees will include athletic director Pat Haden, vice president for athletic compliance Dave Roberts, associate vice president for athletic compliance Ellen Ferris, faculty athletic representative Clare Pastore, head football coach Lane Kiffin and senior associate athletic director Mark Jackson.

"Obviously, 7-on-7 football is a hot-button topic," said Haden. "We decided to organize this summit so that we can pick the brains of our peers throughout the Pac-12 and other conferences and also hear from those at the NCAA level, from the operators of 7-on-7 organizations and from the high school level. Our goal is to provide a constructive dialogue and exchange of ideas between all of the participants and to come up with some practical suggestions to improve the situation."

7-on-7 football has presented challenges similar to those of AAU summer high school basketball, including the influence of third parties, the potential for amateurism and NCAA violations regarding apparel, equipment and travel, the presence of agents and the lack of oversight from high school officials and from parents and collegiate recruiting concerns.