INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA has passed a proposal that will impose tougher sanctions on programs and hold coaches more accountable for rule-breaking.

The board’s decision Tuesday concludes an effort that began in August 2011 when university leaders met with NCAA President Mark Emmert at a retreat in Indianapolis in the midst of one of the most scandalous years in college sports history.

School chancellors and presidents promised then to get tough on rule-breakers — and now they have.

Under the new legislation, programs that commit the most egregious violations could face postseason bans of two to four years and fines totaling millions. Head coaches also could be suspended for up to one full season for violations committed by their assistants if they cannot prove they were unaware of the infractions.

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