NO. 1-6	RESOLUTION – REVIEW OF CHAMPIONSHIPS
[Division III, roll call]
"Whereas, national championships have evolved as important components of Division III; and "Whereas, a major portion of the Division III budget is allocated for national tournament operations; and "Whereas, principles of fairness are fundamental to the operation of NCAA tournaments; and "Whereas, the mission statement for Division III mandates equitable competitive opportunities for student-athletes; and "Whereas, the Division III vision statement expresses the need for a shared vision among its constituents that values fairness and equity for operating its programs; and "Whereas, the Division III strategic plan calls for periodic review of structural issues affecting sports committees; and "Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the conduct of Division III national tournaments be examined at the conference and institutional levels and the Division III Presidents and Management Councils address principles of fair access, student welfare and management of the national tournaments, and bring to the 2003 NCAA Convention legislation that addresses discrepancies in philosophy and conduct of the tournaments, including a recommendation regarding the current ratio system for bracket allocations."
Source: All members of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin and Calvin College, Greensboro College, Messiah College and Mount Union College.

NO. 1-7				DEFINITION OF STUDENT-ATHLETE
Intent: To specify that an individual becomes a student-athlete once he or she participates on an intercollegiate team under the jurisdiction of the athletics department. Further, to specify that an individual is no longer a student-athlete if he or she chooses not to participate the following playing season, withdraws or is dismissed from the certifying institution or after all intercollegiate eligibility has been exhausted, whichever occurs first.
A. Bylaws: Amend 12.02.5, page 55, as follows:
[Division III]
		"12.02.5 Student-Athlete. A student-athlete is a student whose enrollment was solicited by a member of the athletics staff or other representative of athletics interests with a view toward the student’s ultimate participation in the intercollegiate athletics program. Any other student individual becomes a student-athlete only when the student reports for individual participates on an intercollegiate squad team that is under the jurisdiction of the athletics department, as specified in Constitution 3.2.4.4. A student is not deemed a student-athlete solely on the basis of prior high-school athletics participation. An individual remains a student-athlete until he or she does not participate in the team’s next immediate playing season, withdraws or is dismissed from the certifying institution or until all intercollegiate eligibility has been exhausted, whichever occurs first."
B. Bylaws: Amend 13.02.2, page 70, as follows:
[Division III]
	"13.02.2 Student-Athlete. An individual becomes a student-athlete only when either of the following conditions are satisfied:
	"(a)		The individual's enrollment was enlisted by a member of the athletic staff or other representative of the institution's athletics interests that are viewed towards the student's ultimate participation in the intercollegiate athletics program and the student-athlete attends the first day of class while enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program of studies or;
	"(b)		Tthe individual participates in on an intercollegiate squad team practice or contest that is under the jurisdiction of the athletics department. An individual remains a student-athlete until he or she does not participate in the team’s next immediate playing season, withdraws or is dismissed from the certifying institution or until all intercollegiate eligibility has been exhausted, whichever occurs first."
Source: All members of the Northwest Conference.
Effective Date: August 1, 2002.
Rationale: Under the current legislation, an individual becomes a student-athlete when he or she reports for practice under the jurisdiction of the athletics department or was recruited by the certifying institution and attends the first day of classes. In addition, once an individual becomes a student-athlete, that status is retained indefinitely. The Northwest Conference believes that an individual should become a student-athlete only when he or she participates for an intercollegiate team under the jurisdiction of the athletics department. Such status should not be tied to recruitment, as is currently the case. Further, status as a student-athlete should not be retained if the individual chooses not to participate in team’s next immediate playing season, withdraws or is dismissed from the institution or after all intercollegiate eligibility has been exhausted, whichever occurs first. For example, if an individual participates in football during his first year of enrollment, he becomes a student-athlete but loses that status if he chooses not to participate in football in year two (the following year) or withdraws or is dismissed from the institution or when his intercollegiate eligibility has been exhausted.
Primary Contact Person: Name: Arleigh Dodson, Commissioner Address: Northwest Conference 6059 S. W. Seville Lake Grove, Oregon 97035 Telephone Number: 503/636-5376

NO. 1-8		PLAYING AND PRACTICE SEASONS – DEFINITIONS
Intent: To clarify that an institution is charged with a contest or date of competition if the institution’s team competes against an outside team as opposed to competing against another institution’s team.
A. Bylaws: Amend 17.02.2, page 132, as follows:
[Division III]
	"17.02.2 Contest. A contest is any game, match, exhibition, scrimmage or joint practice session with another institution’s an outside team, regardless of its formality, in which competition in a sport occurs between an intercollegiate athletics team or individual representing a member institution and any other outside team or individual not representing the intercollegiate athletics program of the same member institution."
B. Bylaws: Amend 17.02.5, page 132, as follows:
[Division III]
	"17.02.5 Date of Competition. A date of competition is a single date on which any contest(s), with another institution’s an outside team or individual takes place. (See Bylaw 17.02.2.)"
C. Bylaws: Amend 17.02.9, page 133, as follows:
[Division III]
	"17.02.9 Outside Competition. Outside competition is athletics competition against any other athletics outside team (including an alumni team) or individual that does not represent the intercollegiate athletics program of the same institution."
Source: All members of the Northwest Conference.
Effective Date: August 1, 2002.
Rationale: Under the current legislation, an institution may participate against an outside team and not be charged with a contest or date of competition inasmuch as the definitions of contest and date of competition only refer to “another institution’s team.” However, that's not the correct application of the legislation. This proposal will clarify that any competition by an institution’s team against an outside team, including another institution’s team, would count as a contest or date of competition. This proposal is intended to clarify the confusing definitions related to contests, dates of competition and outside teams.
Primary Contact Person: Name: Arleigh Dodson, Commissioner Address: Northwest Conference 6059 S. W. Seville Lake Grove, Oregon 97035 Telephone Number: 503/636-5376

NO. 1-9					PLAYING AND PRACTICE SEASONS – BASKETBALL – PRESEASON PRACTICE ACTIVITY
Intent: To permit two student-athletes who have not participated in basketball at the certifying institution to participate in voluntary skill development with one coach for not more than two hours per week during the four weeks immediately prior to the first permissible basketball practice. Further, to specify that not more than two student-athletes and one coach may be present during this activity at any one time.
A. Bylaws: Amend 17.1.1.1 by adding new 17.1.1.1.1, page 134, as follows:
[Division III]
		"17.1.1.1.1 Exception – Basketball Skill Development. It is permissible for two student-athletes that have not previously participated in the sport of basketball at the certifying institution to engage in voluntary skill development with one coaching staff member for a maximum of two hours per week during the four weeks immediately prior to the first permissible practice opportunity. Not more than two student-athletes and one coach may be present during this activity at any one time."
B. Bylaws: Amend 17.5.2.1 by adding new 17.5.2.1.2.3, page 145, as follows:
[Division III]
			"17.5.2.1.2.3 Exception – Basketball Skill Development. It is permissible for two student-athletes that previously have not participated in the sport of basketball for the certifying institution to engage in voluntary skill development with one coaching staff member for a maximum of two hours per week during the four weeks immediately prior to the first permissible practice opportunity. Not more than two student-athletes and one coach may be present during this activity at any one time."
C. Bylaws: Amend 17.5.6, page 146, as follows:
[Division III]
			"17.5.6 Out-of-Season Athletically Related Activities. Student-athletes and members of the coaching staff shall not engage in athletically related activities outside the institution’s playing season per Bylaw 17.02.1.1 except for the following activities:.
			"(a)	However, participation by Wheelchair Basketball. mMembers of an institution’s basketball squad in a wheelchair basketball game against an established wheelchair team after the close of the institution’s regular basketball season is permissible, provided the squad members do not wear regular basketball uniforms, and there is no regular practice before the game.; and
			"(b)	Skill Development. It is permissible for two student-athletes who previously have not participated in the sport of basketball at the certifying institution to engage in voluntary skill development with one coaching staff member for a maximum of two hours per week during the four weeks immediately prior to the first permissible practice opportunity. Not more than two student-athletes and one coach may be present during this activity at any one time."
Source: All members of the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference.
Effective Date: August 1, 2002.
Rationale: Most basketball players are in need of significant skill development. Current legislation prohibits coaches from providing such development until October 15. By permitting coaches to teach a maximum of eight hours over a four-week preseason time period, student-athletes who have not previously participated in the sport of basketball at the certifying institution will receive valuable instruction and, more importantly, be able to establish an earlier relationship with coaches who will help the student-athlete’s adjustment to his or her new environment. Student-athletes should be allowed to be exposed to their coaches’ knowledge much like what is available to them from most other departments on campus. Currently, Divisions I and II permit out of season voluntary skill instruction, and most Division III players have such a need. Finally, the maximum of eight hours of preseason skill development is much less overall time than currently is used by most other Division III sports in the respective nontraditional seasons.
	Primary Contact Person: Name: Timothy Shea, Associate Director of Athletics Address: Salem State College 352 Lafayette Street Salem, Massachusetts 01970 Telephone Number: 608/263-4402

NO. 1-10			PLAYING AND PRACTICE SEASONS – FIRST PERMISSIBLE CONTEST AND PRACTICE DATE – FOOTBALL
Intent: To permit an institution to play its first football contest on the Thursday prior to Labor Day. Further, to specify that an institution electing to play its first football contest on the Thursday prior to Labor Day may not begin permissible practice activities prior to the date that provides 27 practice opportunities from the Friday prior to Labor Day.
A. Bylaws: Amend 17.10.2.1, page 158, as follows:
[Division III]
		"17.10.2.1 First Practice Date. A member institution shall not commence official preseason football practice sessions, for the varsity, junior varsity or freshman team, before the date that will permit a maximum of 27 practice opportunities before its first scheduled intercollegiate game or the Friday before Labor Day if the institution elects to play its first game the Thursday prior to Labor Day (see Bylaw 17.02.11)."
B. Bylaws: Amend 17.10.3, page 158, as follows:
[Division III]
		"17.10.3 First Contest. A member institution shall not play its first contest (game) with outside competition in football before the Thursday preceding Labor Day except when selected to participate in the National Football Foundation benefit game or the American Football Coaches Retirement Trust benefit game; both sponsored by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, and played in the week prior to the beginning of the regular playing season in football. A member institution shall not play its first contest (game) with outside competition in football before the Friday or Saturday 11 weeks before the first round of the Division III Football Championship."
Source: All members of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Effective Date: August 1, 2002.
Rationale: Football scheduling is becoming increasingly difficult for institutions in certain regions of the country, and many of those institutions are forced to travel considerable distances and/or play Division II or non-NCAA opponents in order to fill their schedules. Allowing institutions to play their first game on the Thursday prior to Labor Day would provide greater flexibility in scheduling, which often results in lower costs and less missed class time for student-athletes. Since a number of institutions do not begin classes for the fall term until after Labor Day, playing a game on the preceding Thursday would not result in any missed class time for those institutions. Furthermore, for those institutions that find it necessary to schedule Division II opponents, this modification would make the first permissible date for Division III consistent with that of Division II. It also is important to note that this is permissive legislation enabling an institution to elect to play its first game on a date that results in the least amount of missed class time for its student-athletes. The change to the first permissible practice date would eliminate concerns relative to increased costs or a competitive advantage gained by lengthening the football season by one day as a result of an institution electing to play its first game on the Thursday prior to Labor Day.
	Primary Contact Person: Name: Gary Karner, Commissioner Address: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference 780 Regent Street Madison, Wisconsin 53715 Telephone Number: 608/263-4402

NO. 1-11			THREE-DAY NONCONTACT, CONDITIONING PRACTICE PERIOD – FOOTBALL
Intent: To permit the use of shoulder pads during the three-day, noncontact, conditioning practice period in football.
Bylaws: Amend 17.10.2.2, page 158, as follows:
[Division III]
		"17.10.2.2 Three-Day, Noncontact, Conditioning Practice Period. Physical activity during the first three days of the preseason practice period shall be limited to noncontact, conditioning drills. No football gear or protective equipment other than headgear, shoulder pads, shoes, pants and porous, lightweight jerseys shall be worn by players during practice sessions in this three-day period."
Source: All members of the Middle Atlantic Conference.
Effective Date: August 1, 2002.
Rationale: The first three days of preseason practice are crucial in getting players prepared for the upcoming season. Most players follow conditioning programs during the summer so that they can return for preseason practice in good physical condition. Regardless of physical condition, heat acclimation is a crucial factor in the preparation of football players in the preseason. Allowing the use of shoulder pads during those first three days will allow the body to make a safer adjustment to the heat and humidity present in late August. Although this is a noncontact period, incidental contact does occur, particularly, with the ground. The use of shoulder pads will help provide protection from this type of contact. By wearing shoulder pads, players also are able to better develop their skills under more realistic conditions.
	Primary Contact Person: Name: Kenneth Andrews, Commissioner Address: Middle Atlantic Conference Lebanon Valley College 101 North College Avenue Annville, Pennsylvania 17102-0501 Telephone Number: 717/867-6395

NO. 1-12			PLAYING AND PRACTICE SEASONS – FOOTBALL – NONTRADITIONAL SEGMENT
Intent: In the sport of football, to permit conditioning and strength training sessions during the nontraditional segment, as specified.
Bylaws: Amend 17.10.6, page 159, as follows:
[Division III]
		"17.10.6 Out-of-Season Athletically Related Activities. Student-athletes and members of the coaching staff shall not engage in athletically related activities outside the playing season per Bylaw 17.02.1.1 be permitted to conduct conditioning and strength training sessions for a period of five consecutive weeks during the nontraditional segment. No missed class time is permitted for these sessions. The use of footballs, helmets, pads, blocking sleds, or any other form of sport-related equipment is prohibited."
Source: All members of the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
Effective Date: August 1, 2002.
Rationale: While a majority of other sports are permitted to have nontraditional seasons, football is denied this opportunity. This proposal addresses two main concerns of administrators and football coaches by permitting coaching staffs to properly supervise the off-season conditioning of their student-athletes. First, the physical nature of the sport demands a high level of fitness and proper conditioning in preparation for the season. By affording them this opportunity, coaches would ensure proper training and supervision to protect the health and safety of those student-athletes in the long term. Second, the Division III philosophy states that we are to “assure that athletics participants are not treated differently from other members of the student body,” yet student-athletes are treated differently from sport-to-sport. Football is permitted 21 weeks, like all other sports, but in reality uses 13 or 14 weeks. Other sports have the opportunity to use all 21 weeks and compete during the nontraditional segment. Football competes in the fewest number of contests than any other team sport and misses the least amount of class time. By granting football student-athletes a supervised off-season conditioning and strength training opportunity, Division III will be a step closer to affording them opportunities similarly allowed other student-athletes.
	Primary Contact Person: Name: Donna Ledwin, Commissioner Address: New Jersey Athletic Conference 816 Wildwood Court Yorktown, New York 10598 Telephone Number: 914/962-4194

NO. 1-13				PLAYING AND PRACTICE SEASONS – NONTRADITIONAL SEGMENT – LACROSSE
Intent: To specify that an institution may not participate in more than four contests in the sport of lacrosse during the nontraditional segment.
Bylaw: Amend 17.14.5, page 169, as follows:
[Division III]
	"17.14.5 Number and Dates of Competition.
		"17.14.5.1 Maximum Limitations – Institutional. A member institution shall limit its total playing schedule with outside competition in the sport of lacrosse during the institution’s lacrosse playing season to a maximum of 17 contests in men’s lacrosse and women’s lacrosse, with not more than four contests during the nontraditional segment, except for those dates of competition excluded under Bylaws 17.14.5.3, 17.14.5.4 and 17.14.5.5.
			[17.14.5.1.1 unchanged.]
		"17.14.5.2 Maximum Limitations—Student-Athlete. An individual student-athlete may participate in each academic year in a maximum of 17 lacrosse contests, with not more than four contests during the nontraditional segment. This limitation includes those contests in which the student-athlete represents the institution including competition as a member of the varsity, junior varsity or freshman team of the institution in accordance with Bylaws 17.02.4 and 17.02.8."
	[Remainder of 17.14.5 unchanged]
Source: All members of the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
Effective Date: August 1, 2002.
Rationale: When the New Jersey Athletic Conference presented its proposed amendments to the nontraditional segment at the 2001 NCAA Convention, the sport of lacrosse was listed in the intent statement but inadvertently omitted from the legislative part of the proposal specific to contest limitations during the nontraditional segment. The rationale for this proposal is no different from the rationale presented with Proposal No. 50 from last year related to the sports of field hockey, soccer, baseball, volleyball and soccer. The New Jersey Athletic Conference believes that, while the traditional segment should be the primary time to focus on practice and competition, allowing both practice and competition during the nontraditional segment also offers many benefits to student-athletes. These benefits are consistent with the Division III philosophy statement. This proposal strives to balance the concerns of the Presidents Council with respect for the wishes of Division III student-athletes.

Primary Contact Person:
Name: Donna Ledwin, Commissioner
Address: New Jersey Athletic Conference
816 Wildwood Court
Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
Telephone Number: 914/962-7605

NO. 1-14			CONTEST EXEMPTIONS – MEN'S VOLLEYBALL – MOLTEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Intent: To exempt participation on an annual basis in the Molten Volleyball Championship in the sport of men's volleyball.
Bylaws: Amend 17.26.10, pages 199-200, as follows:
[Division III]
	"17.26.10 Annual Exemptions. The maximum number of dates of competition in the sport of volleyball shall exclude the following (see Figure 17-28):
	[17.26.10-(a) and 17.26.10-(b) unchanged.]
	"(c)	Season-Ending Tournament. Competition in one season-ending volleyball tournament (i.e., Molten Championship, NCAA championship, NAIA championship, National Invitational Volleyball Championship and NCCAA championship). A season-ending tournament involves competition after the end of the regular season between teams that are not identified until the close of that regular season;"
	[Remainder 17.26.10 unchanged.]
Source: All members of the City University of New York Athletic Conference.
Effective Date