Governance & Enforcement
Enforcement That Operates at the Speed of the Sport.
A seven-stage process designed for speed, fairness, and institutional credibility — with full due process protections at every stage.
Enforcement Mandate
Why Enforcement Is the Foundation
Governance without enforcement is aspiration. The CFGC was built on the principle that rules without consequences are merely suggestions — and that college football can no longer afford a governance model built on suggestions.
The CFGC derives its enforcement authority through membership agreements — legally binding instruments that delegate specific investigative and adjudicative powers to the Council. This model eliminates the structural conflicts of interest that prevent conferences from impartially investigating cross-conference disputes.
Jurisdiction
What CFGC Can Enforce
- Cross-conference coaching tampering
- NIL collectives with cross-conference recruiting patterns
- Transfer portal conduct between conference-affiliated institutions
- Cross-conference recruiting violations
- Academic eligibility manipulation involving multi-conference transfers
- Any bylaw category delegated by affiliated conferences through membership agreements
Process
Seven-Stage Enforcement Process
Intake & Preliminary Review
Complaints received through formal channels, AI monitoring alerts, or conference referrals. The Director of Investigations conducts an initial assessment to determine jurisdiction and merit.
Intake & Preliminary Review
Complaints received through formal channels, AI monitoring alerts, or conference referrals. The Director of Investigations conducts an initial assessment to determine jurisdiction and merit.
Formal Investigation
A comprehensive investigation is opened with written notice to all parties. Investigators gather evidence, interview witnesses, and compile a complete factual record.
Formal Investigation
A comprehensive investigation is opened with written notice to all parties. Investigators gather evidence, interview witnesses, and compile a complete factual record.
Preliminary Assessment
The investigative team presents findings to the Commissioner. Institutions receive the preliminary assessment and have the right to submit a written response.
Preliminary Assessment
The investigative team presents findings to the Commissioner. Institutions receive the preliminary assessment and have the right to submit a written response.
Investigative Report
A formal Investigative Report is issued, incorporating institutional responses. All affected parties receive full access to the report before any sanctions are proposed.
Investigative Report
A formal Investigative Report is issued, incorporating institutional responses. All affected parties receive full access to the report before any sanctions are proposed.
Sanctions Determination
The Commissioner determines appropriate sanctions based on the severity, intent, and impact of the violation. Institutions receive the proposed sanctions and rationale.
Sanctions Determination
The Commissioner determines appropriate sanctions based on the severity, intent, and impact of the violation. Institutions receive the proposed sanctions and rationale.
Response & Resolution
Institutions may accept the findings and sanctions, or exercise their right to respond with additional evidence, mitigating factors, or legal arguments.
Response & Resolution
Institutions may accept the findings and sanctions, or exercise their right to respond with additional evidence, mitigating factors, or legal arguments.
Appeal to Independent Arbitration
Any institution may appeal final sanctions to an independent arbitration panel composed of individuals with no affiliation to any member conference or institution.
Appeal to Independent Arbitration
Any institution may appeal final sanctions to an independent arbitration panel composed of individuals with no affiliation to any member conference or institution.
Sanctions
Sanctions Framework
| Category | First / Standard | Repeat / Escalated |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching Tampering | $100K + public censure | $1M + postseason + recruiting sanctions |
| NIL Pay-for-Play | Agreement nullification + $250K | Up to $2M + competitive + recruiting sanctions |
| Transfer Portal | Public censure + $50K | $500K + loss of portal privileges |
| Recruiting Violation | Public censure + corrective plan | $500K + recruiting restrictions |
| Non-Cooperation | $250K + enhanced monitoring | Membership suspension + NCAA referral |
| Systemic / Pattern | Full investigation + TBD | Up to $5M + postseason ineligibility |
Due Process
Due Process Protections
Every institution and individual subject to CFGC enforcement action is entitled to the following protections at every stage of the process.
Written notice of investigation and all allegations
Right to submit a written response to the Preliminary Assessment
Full access to the Investigative Report before any sanctions are proposed
Right to respond to proposed sanctions with additional evidence or legal arguments
Right to appeal final sanctions to an independent arbitration panel
Right to counsel at any stage of the enforcement process
Governance Built for Credibility.
Learn how CFGC's AI platform accelerates investigations while maintaining evidentiary rigor.