REPORT OF THE
DIVISION III AMATEURISM TASK FORCE

1. ACTION ITEMS.

a. Amateurism Proposals Order and Grouping.

(1) Recommendation. Present the amateurism proposals be presented in the following order at the 2002 NCAA Convention: prize money, competition with professionals, contractual agreement, professional draft, and seasons of competition.

(2) Rationale. The task force believes that this order will provide clarification and the most simplistic review of the proposals. Further, the task force notes that the proposals were designed as a package.

(3) Budget Impact. None.

b. Presidential Communication.

(1) Recommendation. Endorse a membership communication targeting CEOs to identify the importance of the amateurism legislative package and to encourage institutional review and dialogue.

(2) Rationale. The task force believes that this is an important issue that the membership needs to carefully consider and therefore encourages communication with presidents to encourage such a review. Further, this communication would include a list of frequently asked questions prepared by the task force.

(3) Budget Impact. Minimal.

2. INFORMATIONAL ITEM.

Educational Efforts. The task force plans to reach out to the Division III membership in the upcoming months to educate about the proposals that will be considered at the 2002 Convention.

a. Video. The task force produced an educational video that will be sent to all Division III directors of athletics and conference commissioners. Further a letter will be sent to all Division III presidents informing them of the proposals and making them aware that the director of athletics received a video. The purpose of the video is to educate the membership about the specifics of each proposal. The video is expected to be mailed the week of October 1, 2001.

b. Presentations. The task force continues to make itself available for conference presentations as an educational tool. In that regard, a presentation will be made to all Division III institutions attending the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference meetings October 1, 2001. Further, a presentation will be made at the Faculty Athletic Representatives Association conference in November.

c. Conference calls. The task force held conference calls with all Division III commissioners this past spring in an effort to educate commissioners about the proposals. The task force wishes to conduct additional conference calls with commissioners in an effort to answer any questions that may arise after reviewing the video.

d. The NCAA News. The task force plans to include an editorial in The NCAA News later this fall.

Task force chair: Tom Weingartner, University of Chicago

Staff liaisons: Julie Roe, Jennifer Strawley

The National Collegiate Athletic Association

October 1, 2001 JFS:tlc