NCAA Division III
2005 Fall Conduct Program
Executive Summary
PARTICIPATION
Men’s Soccer: Overall participation increased by 54 member institutions, up 16.9% from 2004, to 83.55%. This includes full participation from eight new conferences. However, participation of true independents remained low and decreased from 2004. For the purpose of this program if only a few members of a conference responded they are included in the independent institution count. With this in mind, just one true independent of 23 participated as compared to six in 2004.
Women’s Soccer: Overall participation increased by 56 member institutions, a 17% increase as compared to 2004, for a 67.1% rate of return. This includes participation from seven conferences that had not previously responded. Independent institution participation was the same as 2004 but still low with six of 25 responding (24%).
Football: Participation has increased by 28 (+12%) member institutions from 2004 including participation from four conferences that had not previously participated. The overall response increased from 127 to 155 for a 67.1% participation rate. Independent institution participation rate remained low with just one of 23 responding.
NATIONAL AVERAGES
Men’s Soccer: There was an average of 20.03 yellow cards for student-athletes (SA’s) and 0.53 for coaches per member institution. The total number of yellow cards issued per member institution was 20.55. The average number of red cards per member institution was 0.49 for SA’s and 0.08 for coaches.
Women’s Soccer: There was an average of 3.96 yellow cards per member institution issued to SA’s and 0.21 for coaches for a combined total of 4.17 per member. The average number of red cards per member institution was 0.51 for SA’s and 0.02 for coaches for a total of 0.14 per member.
Football: There was an average of 1.66 unsportsmanlike penalties issued to SA’s and 0.13 to coaches for a 1.79 total average per member. There were 11 disqualifications, all to SA’s, for an average of 0.09 per member.
REAL-TIME TRACKING
It appeared at least seven conferences did not clearly understand the process of real-time tracking and inadvertently indicated that they had tracked real-time when in fact they did not. Some conference offices reviewed statistical reports to identify infractions on a regular basis. While informative, the key component is that the institution is self-reporting such information. By establishing an institutional reporting mechanism, typically from coach to Athletic Director, it triggers educational discussions between participants (coaches, student-athletes, administrators). Below is a summary of those conferences that did adhere to the intent of real-time tracking.
Men’s Soccer: Of the seven conferences (65 members) that followed the intent of real-time tracking, four experienced a decrease in yellow cards. One conference reported a 65 card reduction (24.3%) and another a 24 card decrease (19.5%). Those that tracked real-time averaged 17.56 yellow cards per member as compared to 21.31 of those who did not track real-time, a 17.6% difference. Members that tracked real-time averaged 0.93 red cards while the remainder of participants averaged 1.35, a 30% difference.
Women’s Soccer: Seven conferences (66 members) followed the intent of real-time tracking. Those that tracked real-time averaged 3.42 yellow cards per member as compared to 4.36 for those who did not, a 21.6% difference while both groups are still low. Those tracking real-time averaged 0.03 red cards while those who did not averaged 0.02, again both very low. It should be noted that only one member that tracked real-time increased their number of reds from one to two. The group also included a member that reduced cards from three to zero.
Football: Four conferences (34 members) tracked real-time. Those that tracked real-time averaged 0.56 unsportsmanlike penalties compared to a 1.67 average of those who did not track real-time, a 66.5% difference. Real-time trackers averaged 0.09 disqualifications (all from one conference) while their counterparts’ averaged 0.06, both still low.
POINTS OF INTEREST
1. It is clear that real-time tracking is effective. Obviously one cannot assume that real-time tracking is the sole reason for the decrease but it is likely to have played a role in the change.
2. There is clearly a significant difference between the frequency of infractions in men’s and women’s soccer.
3. There is a significant difference between the member with the highest average and the lowest average. It would be interesting to examine these participants to see how the differences exist or at least to examine those with the lowest averages to see how they are as successful.
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT
1. The most obvious means for improvement is through increased participation. All three sports experienced a notable increase in participation this year but there is still room for improvement. Response among independent institutions needs to be increased and the coordinator will contact independent representatives to assist in this effort.
2. While most participants submitted their report in December, one or two conferences reporting were very late (Jan. 19 and 23) but always expressed their intent and interest to participate. The goal has always been maximum participation but perhaps a definitive cut off date is appropriate as some members were anxiously awaiting their reports to share with coaches and administrators at various meetings. It is clear that these reports have become very meaningful for the membership.
3. The misunderstanding of real-time reporting was an issue this fall but has been addressed for the winter, which hopefully will compel others to track in the intended fashion. Additional consideration should be given as to how to further enhance the message and endorsement of real-time tracking in the division.
4. Next fall, personal fouls in football will not be required to be reported. By and large these infractions have not been unsporting or unethical in nature and thus not relevant for tracking. In addition, women’s lacrosse will no longer be tracked as a vast majority of the cards issued are for incidental contact with the crosse and not related to sporting behavior. Finally, based on membership feedback we have added baseball and softball programs for this spring.
Respectfully Submitted,
Chuck Mitrano
Empire 8 Commissioner