NCAA OLYMPIC SPORTS LIAISON COMMITTEE

Summary of Recommendations

ACTION ITEM – MANAGEMENT COUNCIL ONLY

ISSUE:		Statement of Support for NCAA Representation on the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Board of Directors.
Committee Recommendation:
	Endorse a statement from the NCAA expressing support for the USOC’s efforts to reform its governance structure. However, based on the contribution of the NCAA in developing world-class athletes, the committee believes that future Olympians and Olympic hopefuls may be inadvertently disadvantaged if the new structure perpetuates the minimal representation and influence of the NCAA. The committee believes that an improved partnership between the NCAA and the USOC is essential to the continued development of America’s elite-level athletes.
Management Council Action:
	Endorsed the issuance of a statement from the NCAA expressing support for the USOC’s efforts to reform its governance structure. The Council noted that the Association should pay particular attention to its position and support of all sports, particularly Olympic sports, as well as relevant legislation.

ITEM OF INFORMATION

1. ISSUE:		Strategic Planning Discussion.
Committee Action:
	The committee spent a considerable amount of time discussing its values and purpose within the NCAA structure and the committee’s interaction with the USOC and the National Governing Bodies (NGBs). The committee reviewed the historical relationship between the NCAA and the USOC, and discussed the established duties of the committee when it was formed in 1991. The committee is in the process of developing a mission statement and a strategic plan to implement many of its ideas. In addition, the committee discussed the need to improve communication between the NGBs, the sports committees and the OSLC member serving as a liaison to the specific NGB.
Management Council Action:
	Accepted the information.
2. ISSUE:		NCAA Sport Sponsorship.
Committee Action:
	The committee continued its discussion on the decline of Olympic sports within the NCAA. The committee received an update on the work of the Secretary of Education’s commission on opportunity in athletics. In addition, the committee discussed possible financial incentives to institutions that sponsor endangered or emerging Olympic sports. The USOC indicated its willingness to financially assist in this process. The committee decided that it would continue to review this issue and work in conjunction with the Committee on Women’s Athletics, the NGBs and the USOC to develop initiatives that would address the elimination of Olympic sports programs. The committee also discussed the possibility of re-implementing the USOC conference-grant program or some other type of incentive for sponsoring endangered Olympic sports. Finally, the committee reviewed the revenue distribution plan developed by the OSLC and a possible revenue distribution plan put forward by the USOC. The committee wishes to continue to examine the possibility of revenue distribution in connection with the possibility of a grant program.
Management Council Action:
	Accepted the information.
3. ISSUE:		Meeting with NGBs.
Committee Action:
	The committee met with representatives from track and field, rowing, gymnastics and synchronized swimming. The committee listened to issues presented and provided the NGBs with relevant information regarding the NCAA.
Management Council Action:
	Accepted the information.