Gymkana Material, 1933-42, 1947 | University of Illinois Archives

The Athletic Association was chartered as a not-for-profit corporation in 1892 and the first director was named in 1896 to supervise operations and finances. Regulations for the Government of Athletics provided that "the election of captains of athletic teams hiring of trainers, coaches, and schedules of all games and contacts shall be approved by the Board."¹ In February, 1916, the Constitution directed that the director of physical education, with the approval of the Board, "Shall arrange for all necessary coaches, trainers, and all other employees for properly conducting the affairs of the Association, and he shall arrange games with other institutions."² A constitutional revision in February, 1922 did not affect the status of the coaches. In 1926, the By-Laws set up an Athletic Council.³ Section 4 of Article VIII made the captains and coaches "associate members of the Council, without the right to vote" but "entitled to attend meetings of the Council and to discuss matters relative to their respective interests."⁴ The By-Laws amended July 25, 1941, did not alter this arrangement. Under the 1976 amended By-Laws "the head coaches of the intercollegiate varsity athletic teams of the Association may be invited to attend meetings of the Council to discuss matters relative to their respective sports."⁵

1. Regulations for the Government of Athletics, 1896, Article VI, Sec. 4, p. 5.

2. Constitution of Athletic Association of University of Illinois and Conference Rules of Eligibility, as Revised February, 1916, Article VII, p. 19.

3. By-Laws of the Athletic Association of the University of Illinois (adopted Dec. 2, 1924; amended Sept. 14, 1926 and corrected Nov. 1, 1928), Article VIII, Section 1, p. 5.

4. By-Laws of the Athletic Association of the University of Illinois, Article VIII, Section 4, p. 6.

5. By-Laws of the Athletic Association (approved by the Board of Trustees, April 14, 1976). Article VIII, Section 4, p. 8.