REPORT OF THE

NCAA DIVISION III INTERPRETATIONS AND

LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

 

 

I.   ACTION ITEMS.

 

a.            Editorial Revision – NCAA Bylaw 13.1.1.2 (Four-Year College Prospects).

 

(1)     Recommendation.  Editorially revise Bylaw 13.1.1.2 to clarify the contact restrictions regarding four-year college prospects.  [Attachment A, No. 1]

 

(2)     Rationale.  This revision will clarify legislation regarding contact with four-year college prospects, making it easier to apply and understand.  

 

(3)     Budget Impact.  None.

 

 

b.            Use of “With” and “Against” in Bylaw 17, as Used to Describe Competition.

 

(1)     Recommendation.  Editorially revise legislation in Bylaw 17 to clarify the use of “with” and “against” as used to describe competition.  [Attachment A, No. 2]

 

(2)     Rationale.  The committee reviewed the use of the words “with” and “against” in Bylaw 17 as used to describe competition.  Based on its review, the committee found inconsistencies in the way the words are used – inconsistencies that could result in confusion for the membership.  For example, in some instances, the words “with” and “against” are used interchangeably; in other instances, “with” and “against” are used as separate and distinct words.  As a more specific example, Bylaw 17.19.3 (Soccer—First Contest or Date of Competition) states that “A member institution shall not play its first date of competition (game) with outside competition in soccer before the following dates . . .”  Upon review, the committee determined that the word “against” rather than “with” more accurately reflects the intent of Bylaw 17.19.3, since “with” could be construed to suggest participation on a team.  The committee has created the following template of proposed changes that should be applied to all sports in Bylaw 17. 

                       

Bylaw No.

Bylaw

Proposed Word Choice

17.__. 3

First Contest or Date of Competition

 against outside competition …

17.__.5.1

Maximum Limitations—Institutional

 against outside competition …

17.__.5.3

Annual exemptions:

Alumni Game

Foreign Team in U.S.

Fund-Raising

 

 with

 against

 with alumni …

17.__.5.5

Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico

 against

The changes will clarify instances in which it is permissible for a student-athlete to participate “against” another team and those instances in which it is permissible for a student-athlete to participate “with” another team (for example, as a member of an alumni team during an alumni game of the student-athlete’s institution).

 

(3)     Budget Impact.  None.

 

 

c.             Editorial Revision – Bylaw 31.

 

(1)     Recommendation.  Editorially revise Bylaw 31 (Executive Regulations), consistent with the committee’s deregulation efforts.  [Attachment A, No. 3] 

 

(2)     Rationale.  As part of its ongoing deregulation efforts, the committee finalized its review of Bylaw 31 for legislation that could be deleted or clarified.  The committee agreed that none of the proposed changes are substantive in nature.

 

(3)     Budget Impact.  None.

 

 

d.            Editorial Revisions – Bylaw 13.2.4.1 (Employment of Prospects).

 

(1)     Recommendation.  Editorially revise Bylaw 13.2.4.1 (Employment of Prospects).  [Attachment A, No. 4] 

 

(2)     Rationale.  The committee discussed concerns from the membership that Bylaw 13.2.4.1 could be misread to permit the employment of prospective student-athletes at institutional camps, despite the prohibition in Bylaw 13.13.1.4 (Employment of Prospects/No Free or Reduced Admissions).  This revision will clarify the issue for the membership.

 

(3)     Budget Impact.  None.

 

 

e.            Interpretation – Timing of Practice for a Foreign Tour.

 

(1)     Recommendation.  Re-issue the official interpretation dated April 8, 2002, to clarify whether the ten-day practice period prior to a foreign tour must be conducted over consecutive days.

 

(2)     Rationale.  At its April 2002 meeting, the Council reversed an interpretation from the committee and issued its own official interpretation regarding the timing of practice for a foreign tour.  Specifically, the Council’s interpretation states,  “The Council determined that the 10 days of practice permitted in preparation for a foreign tour per Bylaw 30.7.7 must be held immediately prior to departure for the foreign tour.”  The committee requests that the Council clarify whether or not the 10-day practice period must be conducted over consecutive days.  This question has already been addressed for Divisions I and II. [Attachment B]

 

(3)     Budget Impact.  None.

 

 

2.   INFORMATIONAL ITEMS.

 

a.   New Chair-Elect.  Garnett Purnell, athletics director at Wittenburg University, has been chosen to succeed Suzanne Coffey as committee chair.  Mr. Purnell’s term as chair will begin with the close of the 2003 NCAA Convention.

 

b.         Incorporated Interpretations.  The committee agreed to incorporate a portion of the following interpretation into the 2002-03 Manual.  [Attachment C].

 

(1)         January 29, 2001.  Benefits Deriving From an Established Relationship.

 

 

 

Chair:  Suzanne Coffey, Bates College

Staff liaisons:                        Mweni Ekpo, Membership Services

                        Bo Kerin, Membership Services

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The National Collegiate Athletic Association

September 27, 2002 MUE:lmh