What does the NCAA refer to as an "athletic scholarship"?

The NCAA defines an "athletic scholarship" as financial aid awarded specifically for participation in athletics. This type of scholarship is designed to support student-athletes in pursuing their education while competing at the collegiate level. Athletic scholarships are typically offered by college and university athletic programs and can cover tuition, fees, room and board, and other educational expenses.

This definition highlights the primary purpose of athletic scholarships, which is to incentivize and facilitate student-athletes' engagement in college sports while ensuring they can also effectively focus on their academic responsibilities. The funding provided through these scholarships is a key factor in helping recruit and retain talented athletes, allowing institutions to build and sustain competitive sports programs.

The other options refer to different forms of scholarships or financial aid that do not specifically relate to athletics. For example, financial aid awarded for academic achievement pertains to merit-based scholarships that reward students for their academic performance. Community service-based scholarships emphasize contributions to the community, rather than athletic participation. Financial incentives for coaching staff relate to compensation for their roles in advancing athletic programs, not to the support of student-athletes themselves.