2004 NCAA CONVENTION PROPOSAL CHART—DIVISION III

 

#

[SPOPL]

(IPOPL)

Title

Sponsor(s) or Originating Committee

Intent

Statement

Rationale

Statement

Effective Date

55

[2-58]

Financial Aid -- Athletics Endowments

 

 

[Amends 15.01.5]

NCAA Division III Presidents Council [Management Council (Joint Subcommittee on the Future of Division III)].

To prohibit an institution from using in its financial aid budget, income from endowment funds specifically designated for student-athletes and received by the institution prior to January 1, 1979.

Elimination of endowment funds specifically designated for student-athletes in financial aid budgets is consistent with the Division III philosophy of prohibiting the awarding of athletically related financial aid to any student. This legislated exception to the financial aid requirements was adopted over 20 years ago and is no longer necessary. Further, it does not appear to be used by a significant number of institutions. A limited number of institutions provide the ability of being able to offer financial aid to its student-athletes from a pool of funds not available to institutions that did not have athletics funds or endowments established prior to January 1, 1979. The existing legislation is confusing and often misunderstood to permit athletics aid at affected schools. In addition, the delayed effective date provides reasonable notice for all institutions to address issues related to endowed funds and will not negatively impact any student-athletes currently receiving the benefits of such funds. Further, the funds may still be designated to support other athletics budgetary needs.

August 1, 2008

56

[2-59]

Financial Aid -- Annual Electronic Reporting Process

 

 

[Amends 15.41]

NCAA Division III Presidents Council [Management Council (Joint Subcommittee on the Future of Division III) (Financial Aid Reporting Task Force)].

To require an institution to compare financial aid packaging for freshmen and transfer student-athletes with the aid packages awarded to other freshmen and transfer students via an annual electronic reporting process.

The principle of no athletics aid is a fundamental tenet of the Division III philosophy. This proposal will establish an annual electronic reporting process to permit member schools to more clearly determine their compliance with that philosophy and related legislative requirements in Bylaw 15, while minimizing the associated administrative burden and cost. The report will compare the financial aid packages of freshmen and in-coming transfer student-athletes at each institution with a comparable group of nonstudent-athletes. The compilation of data will occur electronically and data submission will be Web-based. Proposed submission procedures reflect feedback from members of the financial aid community as well as member conferences that currently engage in similar reporting efforts. This legislation is responsive to the membership survey conducted on the future of Division III, in which 64 percent of respondents supported the establishment of a financial aid reporting process. The delayed effective date allows for the implementation of a division-wide pilot during the fall of 2004, and permits the modification of reporting criteria and procedures, if necessary, prior to full implementation in 2005.

August 1, 2005


 

#

[SPOPL]

(IPOPL)

Title

Sponsor(s) or Originating Committee

Intent

Statement

Rationale

Statement

Effective Date

57

[2-56]

Eligibility -- Determining Season of Eligibility -- Minimum Amount of Participation

 

 

[Amends 14.2]

NCAA Division III Presidents Council [Management Council (Joint Subcommittee on the Future of Division III) (Centennial Conference) (College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) (Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)].

To specify that a student-athlete will be charged with a season of participation if he or she practices or competes during or after the first contest following the student-athlete's initial athletics participation at the institution.

This legislation eliminates the practice of "redshirting" and is consistent with the Division III philosophy that the highest priority is placed on the overall quality of the educational experience and successful completion of all students' academic progress. It will permit student-athletes to take part in limited tryouts without exhausting a season of participation. The retention of existing waiver options to regain a season of competition (e.g., medical hardship) provides an opportunity for unique situations to be handled on a case-by-case basis. This legislation encourages degree completion on a four-year schedule and may eliminate pressure to lengthen collegiate enrollment for student-athletes who do not wish to "redshirt." The survey conducted on the future of Division III indicated that a substantial portion of the membership supports the elimination of athletics redshirting.

August 1, 2004, for any athletics participation occurring on or after August 1, 2004.


 

#

[SPOPL]

(IPOPL)

Title

Sponsor(s) or Originating Committee

Intent

Statement

Rationale

Statement

Effective Date

57-1

Eligibility -- Determining Season of Eligibility -- Minimum Amount of Participation

 

 

[Amends 14.2]

NCAA Division III Presidents Council (Management Council).

To amend 2004 NCAA Convention Proposal No. 57 to indicate that a student-athlete may practice in the nontraditional segment without counting a season of participation if the student-athlete missed the traditional season for academic reasons (excluding academic probation) as certified by the academic authorities at the institution.

This proposal specifies that a student-athlete who misses the traditional segment for academic reasons (e.g., study abroad and student-teaching) may practice in the nontraditional segment without being charged with a season of participation as long as the student-athlete does not compete in that segment. This proposal is based on feedback from the membership, to allow flexibility for those student-athletes who, due to academic reasons, participate only in practice during the nontraditional segment. An institutional academic authority must certify that the student-athlete missed the traditional segment for a legitimate academic reason (e.g., study abroad and student-teaching).

August 1, 2004

58

[2-70]

Philosophy Statement -- Recruiting

 

[Amends 20.11.1]

NCAA Division III Presidents Council [Management Council (Joint Subcommittee on the Future of Division III)].

To revise the Division III philosophy statement to specify that athletics recruitment complies with established institutional policies and procedures applicable to the admissions process.

This principle applies to the identification, evaluation and admission of prospective student-athletes and is consistent with existing concepts in the philosophy statement. In order to incorporate this concept into practice, the Division III Institutional Self-Study Guide will be amended to reflect the principle, thus encouraging campus dialogue between the athletics admissions department to assess admissions practices, consistent with the principle. The proposed legislation is responsive to results of the membership survey conducted on the future of Division III (84 percent support).

August 1, 2004


 

#

[SPOPL]

(IPOPL)

Title

Sponsor(s) or Originating Committee

Intent

Statement

Rationale

Statement

Effective Date

59

[2-55]

Recruiting -- Permission to Contact -- Self-Release

 

 

[Amends 13.1.1.2]

NCAA Division III Presidents Council [Management Council (Joint Subcommittee on the Future of Division III)].

To grant student-athletes transferring to a Division III institution the authority to issue, on their own behalf, written permission that permits other institutions to contact the student-athlete about a potential transfer.

This proposal provides student-athletes with flexibility and freedom to pursue options related to transfer and subsequent enrollment at a new institution. It grants student-athletes the opportunity to pursue other educational experiences with some privacy and without fear of negative repercussion form the current institution. The student-athlete statement will be updated to provide notice to student-athletes about the availability of this permission form on the NCAA Web site. To mitigate concerns about the abuse of this proposal, the enforcement staff and the Committee on Infractions will be issued a directive to strengthen enforcement of the transfer contact regulations and issues related to inappropriate contact with student-athletes. It is important to note that the self-release applies only for student-athletes transferring from one Division III institution to another Division III institution. The latter concept is responsive to the results of the membership survey conducted on the future of Division III (63 percent support).

August 1, 2004


 

#

[SPOPL]

(IPOPL)

Title

Sponsor(s) or Originating Committee

Intent

Statement

Rationale

Statement

Effective Date

60

[2-61]

Playing and Practice Seasons -- Length of Seasons and Contest Limits

 

 

[Amends 17]

NCAA Division III Presidents Council [Management Council (Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee)].

To limit the length of an institution's playing season segment to 18 weeks in fall sports, and 19 weeks in winter and spring sports; further, to decrease the combined current traditional and nontraditional segment contest limits by 10 percent and establish combined maximums for traditional and nontraditional segments as specified, while retaining the current caps on the maximum number of permissible contests or dates of competition in each segment.

This proposal will reduce the length of the overall playing season and related contest limits by approximately 10 percent. It treats all sports equitably, and is consistent with the results of the membership survey, in which a majority of respondents supported an overall modification of in the length of the playing season as well as the establishment of reasonable contest limits. The playing season and contest reductions are linked, so that student-athletes will not face a reduced season length with current contest limits. The combined (traditional and nontraditional) contest maximums provide for institutional autonomy and flexibility in the allocation of contests between the traditional and nontraditional segments. Finally, the delayed effective date of August 1, 2006, will accommodate for existing schedules.

August 1, 2006


 

#

[SPOPL]

(IPOPL)

Title

Sponsor(s) or Originating Committee

Intent

Statement

Rationale

Statement

Effective Date

61

[2-62]

(1-8)

Playing and Practice Seasons -- Length of Playing Season

 

 

[Amends 17]

College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin and Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

To specify that the length of the playing season shall not exceed 18 weeks for fall sports and 19 weeks for winter and spring sports.

This proposal standardizes Bylaw 17, based on the 60 percent model recommended by the NCAA Division III Management Council Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee at the 2003 NCAA Convention, without reducing the amount of competition currently permitted. This proposal would codify the current practice of Division III playing and practice seasons, as most sports are unable to achieve the current 21-week playing season. Further, the proposal strives to maintain a balance between the academic and athletics pursuits of Division III student-athletes.

August 1, 2004

Committee Position:

The NCAA Division III Management Council Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee prefers Presidents Council Proposal No. 60 (Playing and Practice Seasons -- Length of Seasons and Contests Limits) which gives flexibility to amount of games played in the nontraditional segment.

62

[2-64]

(1-10)

Playing and Practice Seasons -- Nontraditional Segment -- Elimination of Contests

 

 

[Amends 17]

College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin and Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

In all sports except golf and tennis, to eliminate all competition in the nontraditional segment.

This proposal will further reduce the demands and challenges placed on institutional personnel, facilities and participating student-athletes while maintaining the benefit of practice during the nontraditional segment. Eliminating the ability to compete during the nontraditional segment will enable student-athletes to participate in other campus activities along with fellow students. The opportunity for student-athletes to further their athletics skill and ability will remain as practice opportunities during the nontraditional segment will not change. The sports of golf and tennis, in accordance with NCAA Bylaw 17.1.9.3, would retain the ability to compete the nontraditional segment.

August 1, 2004

Committee Position:

The NCAA Division III Management Council Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee prefers Presidents Council Proposal No. 60 (Playing and Practice Seasons -- Length of Seasons and Contests Limits) which gives flexibility to amount of games played in the nontraditional segment.


 

#

[SPOPL]

(IPOPL)

Title

Sponsor(s) or Originating Committee

Intent

Statement

Rationale

Statement

Effective Date

62-1

Playing and Practice Seasons -- Nontraditional Segment -- Elimination of Contests

 

 

[Amends 17.1.9.1]

College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.

To add women's rowing to the sports exempt from the elimination of all competition in the nontraditional segment.

Women's rowing traditionally conducts competition in both the fall (nontraditional) and spring (traditional) seasons due to weather-related issues. On average, women's rowing teams compete in four competitions in the fall. As such, women's rowing should be treated similarly golf and tennis and exempt from the elimination of all competition in the nontraditional segment.

August 1, 2004

63

[2-63]

(1-9)

Playing and Practice Seasons -- Nontraditional Segment -- Practice and Contest Limitations

 

 

[Amends 17]

Centennial Conference.

In baseball, field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball and women's volleyball, to limit practice and competition in the nontraditional segment to 16 days, including one date of competition.

The Division III philosophy places the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and the successful completion of all students' academic programs. This proposal is consistent with that emphasis by setting reasonable limits on missed class time, segment length and the number of contests that may occur during the nontraditional segment. It recognizes that students want the opportunity to refine their skills during the off season; yet, this proposal reduces the increasing emphasis on practice and competition during the nontraditional segment. Current NCAA legislation permits practice and competition during a five-week nontraditional segment with one required day off during a calendar week. This results in a maximum of 30 practice opportunities, with no more than six practice opportunities in a week. This proposal permits 16 practice opportunities during the nontraditional segment and one date of competition, which counts towards the 16-opportunity maximum. It also recognizes that permitting one date of competition enables the students to have a culminating event for the segment.

August 1, 2004

Committee position:

The NCAA Division III Management Council Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee prefers Presidents Council Proposal No. 60 (Playing and Practice Seasons -- Length of Seasons and Contests Limits).


 

#

[SPOPL]

(IPOPL)

Title

Sponsor(s) or Originating Committee

Intent

Statement

Rationale

Statement

Effective Date

64

[2-67]

Playing and Practice Seasons -- Elimination of Out-of-Season Exception

 

 

[Amends 17]

NCAA Division III Presidents Council [Management Council (Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee)].

To further limit voluntary out-of-season workouts that occur outside the permissible playing and practice seasons in fencing, gymnastics, rifle, rowing, skiing and swimming and diving.

The out-of-season exception has been used to extend the playing and practice season in selected sports. Inasmuch as a student-athlete's engagement in out-of-season athletically related activities is discouraged, the existing exception should be eliminated. Institutions should be committed to the established playing and practice season; there should not be coaching given to student-athletes outside the season. Further, elimination of the exception is consistent with the Division III philosophy, in that each sport should be treated in a consistent manner with regard to the total playing season. Should student-athletes engage in voluntary workouts at institutional facilities outside the playing season, they would be subject to the same facilities access and supervision policies applicable to all students.

August 1, 2004

65

[2-69]-

Multidivision Classification -- Awarding of Athletics Aid

 

 

[Amends 20.7.1]

NCAA Division III Presidents Council [Management Council (Joint Subcommittee on the Future of Division III)].

To eliminate the waiver that permits a Division III institution that conducted a sport classified in Division I during 1982-83 to award athletically related financial aid in that sport, as well as a sport for the opposite gender later reclassified to Division I.

This proposal would eliminate the waiver that permits eight Division III schools to provide athletics aid in programs that were classified in Division I during 1982-83 and in a sport for the opposite gender. The current waiver is a one-time waiver created and granted approximately 20 years ago under circumstances unique to that moment in time, including the relatively recent creation of the Association's three membership divisions. When it was adopted, the waiver's sponsors noted that new legislation would be necessary to alter or revoke the waiver. As part of the on-going discussions regarding the future of Division III, the Presidents Council believes the time is right to question whether the privilege of athletics aid should be permitted to exist indefinitely. The prohibition against athletics aid is the defining philosophical tenet of Division III, the one tie that truly binds the diverse Division III membership. It should apply consistently to all Division III members. Finally, the delayed effective date is intended to provide affected schools with a reasonable time period in which to begin to plan for the implementation of this legislation and explore all membership options.

August 1, 2008


 

#

[SPOPL]

(IPOPL)

Title

Sponsor(s) or Originating Committee

Intent

Statement

Rationale

Statement

Effective Date

65-1

Membership -- Multidivision Classification -- Awarding of Athletics Aid -- Waiver

 

 

[Amends 20.7.1]

Clarkson University, Colorado College; Hartwick College; Johns Hopkins University; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark; State University College at Oneonta; and St. Lawrence University.

To permit an institution that conducts a men's or women's sport that was classified in Division I during the 1982-83 academic year and was granted a waiver of the application of the Division III regulations to that sport prior to January 1, 2004, and used it during the 2002-03 academic year to continue using that waiver; further, to specify that an institution that obtained the waiver for a sport for one gender prior to January 1, 2004, may later request the waiver be applied to a sport for the other gender, under specified conditions.

Retaining the waiver provision but limiting the expansion of its use permits those institutions that have competed in a Division I sport for many years and provided financial aid to student-athletes in that sport, without compromising their philosophical commitment to Division III, to maintain programs that are traditionally and historically significant. This amendment limits the pool of institutions eligible to receive the waiver to eight institutions by precluding any institution that did not use the waiver in 2002-03 (including those who may have sponsored a Division I sport in 1982-83 and even those that may have used the waiver at some time between 1982 and 2002) from using the waiver in the future. The amendment further clarifies the provision that allows an institution currently using the waiver to also request that waiver be applied to a sport for the opposite gender. Application of this provision could only be used for gender equity purposes. It should be noted that student-athletes receiving athletically related financial aid in a Division I sport are prohibited from competing in Division III athletics.

August 1, 2008


 

#

[SPOPL]

(IPOPL)

Title

Sponsor(s) or Originating Committee

Intent

Statement

Rationale

Statement

Effective Date

66

[2-71]

Resolution -- Strategic Planning and Membership Growth

NCAA Division III Presidents Council [Management Council (Joint Subcommittee on the Future of Division III)].

 

 

 

67

[2-72]

(1-14)

 

 

Executive Regulations -- Selection of Teams and Individuals for Championships Participation -- Automatic Qualification

 

 

[Amends 31.3.4.3]

Empire 8.

To expand the team sports groupings for automatic qualification to include tennis, golf and cross country.

Granting automatic qualification in these sports would result in a more representative field of competitors and provide a greater number of member institutions with the opportunity to participate in the NCAA championship tournament. The current selection format results in several teams from the same conference earning berths, while a majority of conferences do not receive any berths. This proposal seeks to make selection for the tennis, golf and cross country championships more equitable across conferences while still maintaining the individual portion of these championships. This proposal also allows the Championships Committee the time and flexibility it needs to implement the championships according to automatic qualification policies.

August 1, 2006

Committee Position:

The NCAA Division III Championships Committee prefers a delayed effective date until at least 2006-07 to understand format and costs.

68

[2-54]

Membership -- Conditions and Obligations of Active Membership -- Certification of Insurance Coverage

 

 

[Amends 3.2.4]

NCAA Division III Presidents Council (Management Council).

To require as a condition and obligation of NCAA membership that an institution certify on an annual basis insurance coverage for athletically related injuries sustained by specified participants in covered events.

This proposal is the result of analysis and study by an NCAA task force charged with reviewing student-athlete insurance programs, the Association's portfolio or business insurance policies and contingency planning for Association events. Based on the task force's findings, the health and welfare of student-athletes will be greatly enhanced if all active members of the NCAA are required certify each year that insurance is in place to cover any medical expenses that may result from athletically related injuries sustained by student-athletes and prospective student-athletes while participating in athletics activities. This proposal does not require an institution to finance such insurance. Rather, if adopted, the proposal requires member institutions to certify that the affected participants present proof of insurance coverage.

August 1, 2004


 

#

[SPOPL]

(IPOPL)

Title

Sponsor(s) or Originating Committee

Intent

Statement

Rationale

Statement

Effective Date