What is considered a "secondary violation" by the NCAA?

A secondary violation is primarily characterized as a minor infraction that does not provide a substantial competitive advantage to the involved parties. These types of violations highlight situations where there has been a breach of NCAA regulations, but the impact is deemed minimal in terms of any benefits gained. This distinction is important within NCAA compliance, as it reflects the organization's understanding that not all rule violations carry equal weight or consequences.

In contrast, a serious infraction that leads to formal sanctions indicates a much more severe violation that significantly impacts the integrity of college sports. It often involves deliberate actions and can result in serious repercussions such as loss of scholarships, postseason bans, or other disciplinary measures.

A violation that has been corrected before reporting does not fit the definition of a secondary violation, as the primary focus of secondary violations is on those incidents that occur without a corrective action taken prior to disclosure. Lastly, while an unintentional breach of NCAA rules can lead to a secondary violation classification, the essence of a secondary violation concerns its minor nature and minimal competitive advantage, rather than simply being unintentional. Thus, the accurate definition centers on the assessment of impact rather than the intent behind the violation.