REPORT OF THE
DIVISION III MANAGEMENT
COUNCIL PLAYING AND PRACTICE
SEASONS SUBCOMMITTEE
INFORMATIONAL
ITEM.
Consistent Playing and
Practice Seasons Lengths. The subcommittee reviewed the length of each
Division III sport as referred by the Division III Championships Committee via
the Division III Management Council.
The subcommittee reviewed each sport by gender and playing season to
determine if playing and practice seasons legislation was consistent with the
Division III philosophy and in the best interest of student-athletes. It was noted that the subcommittee supported
the current window of time in which an institution may conduct its
nontraditional segment competition and/or practice. The current window for fall sports is September through October
30 and February through the first date of final exams for spring sports. The subcommittee noted several issues that
impact the lengths of playing seasons.
Specifically, the issues of facilities, budget and sports
medicine/coverage were noted as major factors in considering length of playing
seasons. The subcommittee also noted
the inherent differences between sports and the impact such differences have on
specific playing seasons. During its
discussions, the subcommittee noted that most Division III sports have playing
and practice seasons of approximately 17-19 weeks [see attachment for
information – men’s sports; women’s
sports]. Finally, the subcommittee
noted issues such as conference and institutional regulations are also major
factors in playing and practice season lengths.
At this time, the subcommittee does not have a
formal recommendation. The group has
identified the possibility of surveying the membership or a segment of the
membership to gain additional feedback on this delicate issue.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
October 17, 2001 CTM:skt