REPORT OF THE
DIVISION III STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

1. ACTION ITEMS.

a. Committee Composition -- Minority Representation (NCAA Bylaw 21.8.6.9.1).

    1. Recommendation. Sponsor legislation to amend NCAA Bylaw 21.8.6.9.1 (Composition of Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) to increase the minimum number of ethnic minorities on the committee to six (or 25 percent).

(2) Rationale. Presently, three ethnic minorities serve on the committee. Committee members believe this number is too low and not representative of the overall student-athlete population in Division III.

(3) Budget Impact. None.

b. Association-Wide Committees -- SAAC Member Voting Rights.

    1. Recommendation. Sponsor legislation to permit the three (one from each division) student-athletes serving on specified Association-wide committees to serve as full committee members. Further, the three student-athletes shall have one combined vote. (Attachment)

    2. Rationale. The primary focus in intercollegiate athletics should be the student-athlete. Therefore, student-athletes should have direct input in the management of intercollegiate athletics. Student-athlete involvement and voting responsibilities will lead to a more active role for student-athletes within the governance process. Input from student-athletes has been used throughout the legislative process, and management decisions by each division have been made after considering student-athlete input. Student-athletes should have voting responsibilities on issues that ultimately will affect their lives. Pursuant to Constitution 2.2.6, it is the responsibility of each member institution to involve student-athletes in matters that affect their lives, and the Association's governance structure should be held to the same standard. Voting rights will demonstrate to student-athletes, the membership, the media and the general public that the Association is committed to involving student-athletes in matters that affect them. Student-athletes already vote on some committees and in various divisions. This legislative change will ensure that student-athletes have voting rights within the governance structure on all Association-wide committees.

    3. Budget Impact. There is none, inasmuch as student-athletes are participating in committee meetings in an advisory capacity.

2. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS.

a. Division III SAAC Position on Confederate Flag.

The committee passed a motion to not hold any future meetings in states that have the confederate flag as part of their official state flag. The committee members believe the confederate flag is offensive to the African-American population. Therefore, the committee does not want to subject its African-American members to this symbolism.

b. New Member Orientation.

As a part of the SAAC new member orientation, SAAC reviewed the NCAA governance structure, the Division III strategic plan and the SAAC policies and procedures document. Also discussed was a typical meeting format, as well as expectations and responsibilities of committee members. In addition, SAAC reviewed the SAAC Conference Partnership Program, which is intended to increase communication with all Division III student-athletes within each conference. SAAC plans to develop a more comprehensive orientation for new members. In addition, the committee amended its SAAC Policies and Procedures document for the term of office section and for the chair and vice-chair section. Further discussion on this topic was tabled until the committee’s next meeting.

c. Exempted Scrimmage Referral.

The committee discussed a referral from the Division III Interpretations and Legislation Committee (ILC) regarding exempted scrimmages. The committee is in agreement with the ILC's rationale inasmuch as there should be consistent scrimmage opportunities available in all sports.

 

Committee Chair: Megan Stevens, State University of New York at Cortland

Staff Liaisons: Susan Peal; Tim Clark