Internal Audit, Sarbanes-Oxley And Athletic Departments: An Examination And Recommendations For Reform

Abstract

During the past fifteen to twenty years the integrity of intercollegiate athletics has been seriously questioned as a result of an increased awareness of problems associated with institutional controls over athletic departments.  Limited empirical evidence has been used in the debate regarding institutional controls pertaining to the athletic department.  This paper provides empirical evidence regarding the use of the internal audit function as an institutional control.  Our findings indicate that while the internal audits of athletic departments are adequate, the communication of these audit results is inadequate.  We also discuss the applicability of recent legislation, Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to colleges and universities.  Recommendations to enhance institutional controls regarding intercollegiate athletics are provided.