NCAA COMMITTEE ON WOMEN'S ATHLETICS (CWA)
1. NON-LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM.
Division I only.
? Division I Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) research survey.
(1) Recommendation. Endorse a forthcoming senior woman administrator (SWA) survey to be conducted by Bonnie Tiell, Tiffin University.
(2) Rationale. The Division I survey will parallel those already conducted in Divisions II and III. Survey results, including all phases of the research, will be provided to the Division I governance structure and the CWA. The CWA is particularly interested to review the research results regarding variations in the role of SWAs at Division I institutions.
(3) Budget Impact. None.
2. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS.
Association-wide.
a. Research initiative requests. The research staff reviewed ongoing data collection associated with gender equity in athletics (e.g., the biennial NCAA Gender Equity Report, Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act form), as well as forthcoming efforts to gauge the comprehensive collegiate experience of student-athletes. Information also was provided about the process by which Association-wide committees may request new research initiatives. The committee noted its future budget items will be prioritized according to the NCAA strategic plan.
b. Emerging sports update. The committee received an update about emerging sports requirements and the history of emerging sports sponsorship. The committee noted the role of national governing bodies in maintaining and increasing emerging sports opportunities. A subcommittee was appointed the task of reviewing when emerging sports status should be retained or removed (NCAA Bylaw 20.02.5.2).
c. Health and safety update. A staff liaison to the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS) presented an overview of health and safety issues, including items related to emerging sports. The committee noted its desire to collaborate with the CSMAS to ensure equitable care and proper guidelines are provided for emerging sports. Staff also reviewed concerns that cheerleading injuries sustained during cheering competitions not associated with intercollegiate athletic events are not covered under the catastrophic insurance plan. Relevant health and safety issues will be addressed at the April 25-26 Gender Equity and Issues Forum.
d. SWA update. The committee received an overview of the SWA survey results conducted in Divisions II and III by Bonnie Tiell. Among other conclusions, the committee noted the perception gap between athletics directors and SWAs about the role of the SWA. The committee supports a forthcoming Division I survey. A subcommittee was appointed the task of examining the consistency of each division's SWA bylaws, as well as reviewing existing SWA resources.
e. Awards for combined championships. The committee received an update regarding a previous proposal from the NCAA Men's and Women's Fencing Committee to provide separate awards for women's and men's fencing teams competing in the combined championship. Staff provided an overview of the impact on women's and men's championships participation opportunities under the current structure. The committee requested additional information to determine whether splitting the combined championship into separate women's and men's championships would negatively impact the sport, and whether other sports with combined championships have similar concerns regarding awards.
f. NCAA Woman of the Year. Staff provided an update about the 2004 and upcoming 2005 award dinners. A subcommittee was appointed the task of conducting an exhaustive evaluation of the nominations and selections process, as well as the award dinner program.
g. National study on collegiate sports wagering and associated behaviors update. Staff provided an overview of the sports wagering survey results. The committee noted the effect of sports wagering on women's athletics and the extent to which women administrators are responsible for educational programs addressing these behaviors.
e.h. c. NCAA National Office
Gender-Equity Plan. The national office gender-equity plan has been finalized
and placed with the human resources department for implementation. The
committee was asked to provide suggestions to help monitor the plan.?????
g.
Branding and communications update. The committee received an update on the national office promotional plan for women's athletics and detailed championships promotional levels, models and support. Staff noted 25th anniversary of women's championships celebration plans are scheduled to begin fall 2005 in conjunction with the NCAA centennial celebration.
i. Transgender issues in intercollegiate athletics. The committee will consider the need for NCAA guidelines regarding transgender athletes.
j. Review of male practice players. A subcommittee was appointed the task of assessing the use of male players for women's athletics practices. The subcommittee will gather information related to the prevalence of male practice players and the implications for women's participation opportunities.
Division I Only.
k. Management Council composition. The committee noted the impending lack of a CWA representative on the Division I Management Council after the Council's April 2005 meeting, despite legislation requiring such representation. The committee noted the item has been referred to the Division I Management Council governance subcommittee.
Division II Only.
l. Proposed football model. The committee requested staff examine the implications of a proposed model for football in the NCAA structure for Title IX compliance to ensure the provision of comparable opportunities for women.
Committee Chair: Darlene Bailey, Southwest Missouri State University.
Staff Liaisons: Rosie Stallman, education services; Jan Gentry, enforcement services;
and Matthew Stach, education services.