Dejaño calls for stronger protection of recruited student-athletes

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A Cebu sports official is calling for stricter safeguards for student-athletes recruited by universities and colleges, warning that many young athletes are left vulnerable due to verbal agreements, unclear commitments, and sudden program changes.

In a position paper, Dr. Rhoel James Timothy O. Dejaño, chairman of both the Cebu City Sports Commission and the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission, said provincial athletes who move to major urban schools often do so on the strength of promises involving education, training, and financial support, only to face uncertainty when circumstances shift.

Dejaño, a sports medicine physician for nearly three decades, said he has repeatedly seen athletes return home after short stints in schools due to coaching changes, injuries, academic issues, or the loss of promised benefits.

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“Many talented athletes from the provinces are recruited by major universities in large urban centers, with promises of educational opportunities, athletic development, and the possibility of improving their families’ lives,” Dejaño said.

He said the lack of written and formal agreements remain a major gap in protecting student-athletes, especially those from the provinces who are recruited by top universities.

“The commitments made are frequently verbal, informal, and undocumented, leaving athletes with little protection when disputes arise,” he noted.

Dejaño added that athletes often approach him after losing scholarships or benefits, only to find that no formal documentation exists to support what was initially promised.

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“One of the first questions I ask is whether they have any documentation outlining the commitments made during the recruitment process. Unfortunately, the answer is almost always the same: there is no written agreement,” he said.

He also pointed out the imbalance of power between institutions and young athletes who are still adjusting to academic and competitive demands.

“The power imbalance between a young student-athlete and a large educational institution becomes painfully evident. The school can alter its priorities with minimal consequence, while the athlete bears the full burden of disrupted education, lost opportunities, emotional distress, and financial hardship,” Dejaño said.

Mandatory written recruitment agreements

To address these concerns, he is pushing for mandatory written recruitment agreements covering all scholarship and support details, including housing, allowances, meals, and academic assistance.

“A written agreement would promote transparency, reduce misunderstandings, and provide protection for both the athlete and the institution,” he said.

Dejaño also noted the need for due process before athletes are removed from teams or lose financial support.

“Fair procedures should include written notice, clear documentation of the reasons for dismissal, an opportunity for corrective action when appropriate, and access to an appeals process,” he said.

Injuries

On injuries, he argued that athletes should not lose their scholarships due to competition-related setbacks.

“Scholarship protection, medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and continued academic support should be guaranteed during the recovery period,” Dejaño said.

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He further stressed that universities must take responsibility for the overall welfare of recruited student athletes, including medical and mental health support.

“Competitive success should never come at the expense of athlete safety and well-being,” he said.

Dejaño also called for national standards and possible legislation to institutionalize protections for student-athletes.

“The absence of uniform regulations allows inconsistent practices to persist across different schools and athletic programs,” he said, adding that a proposed Student-Athlete Protection Act could establish an Athlete Bill of Rights covering scholarships, health care, due process, and grievance mechanisms.

Trust and responsibility

He said the issue ultimately goes beyond sports results and focuses on trust and responsibility.

“At its core, this issue is not simply about sports. It is about trust, responsibility, and human dignity,” he said.

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Dejaño added that universities should be judged not only by titles and sports glory, but by how they treat the athletes under their care.

“The measure of a successful athletic program should not be determined solely by championships won or games played. It should also be measured by how well it protects, develops, educates, and safeguards the young people entrusted to its care,” he concluded.

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