SUPPLEMENT NO. 7

DIII Presidents Council 11/01

 

RELATED TO
MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
SUPPLEMENT NO. 7

 

DIVISION III PLAYING AND PRACTICE SEASONS SUBCOMMITTEE

 

Summary of Recommendations

 

 

INFORMATION ITEM

 

1.

ISSUE:

Consistent Playing and Practice Seasons Lengths.

Subcommittee’s Action:

 

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. The subcommittee noted that most Division III sports have playing and practice seasons of approximately 17-19 weeks. 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.

Management Council Action:

 

Requested the subcommittee review Bylaw 17 and consider:

 

a. Establishment of more uniform start dates.

 

b. Consistent number of weeks in all sports.

 

c. Amend nontraditional ending date to “last day of classes.”

 

d. Review number of contests in relation to total playing weeks.

 

 

 

The National Collegiate Athletic Association

October 25, 2001 BB/DTD:skt