The NCAA, or National Collegiate Athletic Association, is a nonprofit organization in the United States that regulates student athletes and oversees intercollegiate athletics across various colleges and universities. Founded in 1906, the NCAA establishes rules and guidelines to maintain fairness in competition, promote the welfare of student-athletes, and ensure academic integrity in college sports. It is responsible for organizing national championships in numerous sports and managing the overall governance of college athletics. The NCAA is divided into three divisions (Division I, Division II, and Division III), each with its own set of rules regarding recruitment, scholarships, and eligibility. The NCAA plays a significant role in the landscape of American sports, impacting the training and development of young athletes as well as the financial dynamics of college programs.