Is it Necessary? Exploring University Student-Athletes’ Perceptions on the “C0 Rule”

Purpose: The Korea University Sport Federation (KUSF) introduced the “C0 Rule” in 2017, requiring student-athletes to meet minimum GPA standards to compete. While designed to balance academics and athletics, the rule has generated concerns about fairness, training limitations, and career impacts. With these backgrounds, this study examines student-athletes’ perceptions of the C0. Research design, data, and methodology: A qualitative design was employed, using in-depth interview with six student-athletes across football, baseball, and volleyball, supplemented by archival policy analysis of U.S. (NCAA) and German systems. Collecting Data were thematically analyzed. Findings revealed both benefits (academic motivation, career preparedness) and drawbacks (reduced playing opportunities, training constraints, identity conflict). Results: Challenges included academic–athletic balance, inequities in playing time, and career stage disparities. The C0 Rule fosters holistic development but requires policy revisions and supportive measures to ensure equitable opportunities for all athletes. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for more flexible and supportive policies that ensure equity across different athlete groups. A balanced approach is essential to sustain both academic achievement and athletic excellence in collegiate sport.