The National College Athletic Association, or NCAA, was first formed in 1906. At that time, football players were often injured and sometimes killed during play--in 1905 alone, there was a staggering total of eighteen deaths. Because President Theodore Roosevelt expressed concern about the unfortunate level of violence associated with football, more than sixty representatives from different colleges met to discuss the issues plaguing their beloved game. This meeting allowed for the creation of the NCAA, a body formed specifically to oversee and regulate college football.

Around that time, the NCAA made several changes to the game. For instance, playing time was limited to a total of sixty minutes. In addition, interlocked interference was prohibited, as was any pulling or pushing of the ball carrier. As a result, the number of deaths and injuries attributed to college ball began to decrease.

However, the NCAA was not only concerned with the safety of the game, and the organization instituted other changes as well. The forward pass, a move that had been previously banned, was allowed, and a neutral zone was created. It was also at this time that the idea of dividing the yard lines by ten was indoctrinated into official play.

Since its inception in 1906, the NCAA has become a nationally recognized organization with an exceptional amount of power. Because of the popularity of college ball (huge numbers turn out for big games and even more tune in at home on their television sets), NCAA football authorities make decisions that affect hundreds, thousands, even millions of individuals. It is for that reason that its members must spend years working their way up the ladder of advancement.