REPORT OF THE

NCAA DIVISION I CHAMPIONSHIPS/COMPETITION CABINET SUBCOMMITTEE EXAMINING THE USE OF MALE PRACTICE PLAYERS

The NCAA Division I Subcommittee Examining the Use of Male Practice Players submits the following report from its June 19, 2007, conference call and June 26, 2007, meeting:

ACTION ITEM.

1. Recommendation: The subcommittee recommended that the Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet support the following plan to address the Division I Management Council’s charge to examine the use of male practice players:

a. Statement of Expectation. That a statement of expectations be developed regarding the use of male practice players. This statement shall assist institutions in examining their own practices to ensure the practices does not diminish positive participation opportunities for women and helps to enhance the participation experience of all involved. Institutions shall be encouraged to review this statement in relation to their institutional practices to determine if these expectations are adequately being met. (See Attachment.)

b. Education Materials. That the educational materials regarding current NCAA regulations pertaining to the permissible use of male practice players be disseminated to the Division I membership to ensure that the practice is in compliance with existing legislation. Survey results appeared to indicate there is not a consistent understanding in the Division I membership regarding existing regulations. Accordingly, efforts must be made to further publicize the current regulations to ensure more uniformity in practice. Educational materials should be provided to coaches, administrators, student-athletes and faculty athletic representatives. Additionally, that an assessment tool be developed to assist institutions in reviewing the practice of the use of male practice players.

c. Best Practices. That coaches associations be encouraged to work with their memberships to identify best practices regarding the use of male practice players mindful of the fact the focus of these practices should be on establishing positive participation opportunities for women.

d. Periodic Oversight. That the practice of institutions using male practice players be periodically reviewed to assess trends and to ensure that women’s participation opportunities are not being negatively impacted. This assessment process may include membership surveys, student-athlete exit interviews, and further discussions with the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

2. Rationale. The subcommittee believes the examination regarding the use of male practice players over the course of the past year has been healthy for Division I. As a result of this examination, the Division has a better understanding of the current landscape regarding the use of such practice players, there is more transparency regarding the practice and there is an enhanced level of awareness regarding this issue. Based on the survey results, membership feedback and the subcommittee’s own examination, the subcommittee does not believe that establishing legislative parameters will result in positively enhancing participation opportunities for women. Rather, the subcommittee believes that participation opportunities can best be enhanced by establishing a clear set of expectations regarding the use of male practice players. These expectations will not only help shape the practice at the national level, but will ensure the practice is reviewed and discussed at the campus level.

Further, the subcommittee believes that the Division I membership would benefit from the development of comprehensive and clear educational materials regarding permissible use of male practice players. As currently, there does not appear to be a consistent understanding.

Last, the subcommittee believes, the practice of using male practice players should be periodically reviewed to ensure positive participation opportunities for women are being promoted and trends are being reviewed.

3. Estimated Budget Impact. None.

4. Student-Athlete Impact. None.

Committee Chair: Chris Hoyles, Pacific-10 Conference

Staff liaisons: Joni Comstock, Championships

Beth DeBauche, Governance