The Athletic Association existed in some form on Trinity's campus from 1873 until the early 1970s. The group consisted of students, faculty, and alumni that worked together to govern athletics and the use of athletic spaces on Trinity's campus. In addition to allocating funds, the group recognized sports teams and reserved seats for students during games. They officially formed in 1873 as a way to prevent misuse of the College gymnasium and to gather funds to make repairs and alterations. To maintain organization, the group would meet throughout the school year to allocate funds and make rules about the use of facilities.

All students were technically a part of the Association upon paying tuition to the school, and this allowed them to attend all Trinity sporting events and try out for athletic teams. For a period of time starting in 1914, every student was required to pay ten dollars each term to remain a member of the Association. If unable to pay, students would have to appear in front of a committee that would make accommodations if they viewed the inability to pay as a worthy reason.

Eventually, the group developed an official constitution that listed their rules and jurisdictions. The 1935 version of this constitution found in the Trinity Tripod details that while every student was technically a part of the Association, there also existed an “Athletic Advisory Council” within the Association that carried out the duties of the larger group. The Council was made up of three students, three faculty members, and three alumni. The students were elected by the general student body, with the school Senate overlooking the election. Faculty members were appointed by other faculty members, and alumni were elected by the Alumni Association.

With the exception of most of the 1990s, the Athletic Advisory Council has continued to exist as a faculty committee. The current Athletic Advisory Committee consists of two elected faculty members and the NCAA-mandated Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) who is a faculty member appointed by the president in consultation with the Athletics Director (AD) and the Dean of Students. The Committee supports and advises Trinity's AD and FAR on matters related to student-athletes.

Trinity College Faculty Manual, 2021.

Trinity College Handbook, 1956-1957.

Trinity Tripod, 10/15/1947.

Trinity Tripod, 04/22/1941.

Trinity Tripod, 05/07/1935.

Trinity Tripod, 01/31/1923.

Trinity Tablet, May 1873.