This bill aims to reinforce the distinction between amateur and professional competition within intercollegiate athletics. It achieves this by amending the Higher Education Act of 1965, making an institution's eligibility for federal student financial aid programs (Title IV) contingent on its not allowing professional athletes to compete in the same sport for which they hold a professional contract. This measure is intended to prevent a perceived blurring of lines and potential disadvantage to student-athletes who are not under professional contracts. A professional athlete is defined as an individual with a binding professional sports contract for a specific sport, explicitly excluding name, image, or likeness (NIL) agreements or direct institutional compensation. However, an individual can avoid this classification by formally rescinding their professional contract in writing before receiving any compensation or rendering athletic services. The bill also includes a transition period for athletes currently competing while holding professional contracts, allowing them to finish the current academic year. Beyond institutional eligibility, the legislation establishes new criminal penalties for covered athletics officials. These officials, including coaches and athletic directors, face fines and imprisonment for knowingly recruiting, signing, or certifying the eligibility of a professional athlete to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Penalties can be enhanced for financial gain or repeated violations, though institutions themselves are not subject to criminal liability under this section. Officials can use a written determination from the Department of Education regarding an athlete's status as an affirmative defense.