The NCAA Division III staff has created this bi-weekly communication for the Division III membership to provide up-to-date communications on recent Division III governance meeting discussions and outcomes. Please share this communication with your campus and conference colleagues.
Recent Governance Meetings - Key Discussions and Outcomes.
Federated rules process. The committee approved a new policy that allows for Division III specific playing rules. The policy still encourages common playing rules (i.e., rules that are the same for all three divisions) but allows for divisional modifications. The changes would occur within the existing rule making framework but would focus on incorporating more Division III perspectives.
Athletic Trainer Working Group. After an open solicitation to the membership seeking interest in serving on the working group, the committee reviewed 54 nominations. It selected 13 individuals, that satisfy the compositional requirement Management Council endorsed during its April meeting as well as provide constituent, gender, ethnic/racial and geographic diversity.
Financial and Risk Management Working Group, May 15 Inaugural meeting. The working group reviewed its charge, composition, and timeline. It also reviewed the division’s budget and strategic priorities and started to identify the best methods to examine threats, risks, and opportunities for the division.
Championships Committee, May 16 Selection criteria database. The committee reviewed and approved a timeline for considering the potential implementation of a new championship selection metric for Division III that accommodates time to educate and receive feedback from relevant groups, and work with the NCAA information technology staff to build and assess the infrastructure to support the technology. Pending membership endorsement and subsequent approvals from the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee and Management Council, the new selection criteria database would be implemented for the 2024-25 academic year.
Sport committee reports. The committee reviewed the fall championship sport committee reports. Key items included the following:
Appreciation for the newly implemented field hockey selection show.
An update on the football committee’s ongoing discussion related to potential bracket expansion (i.e., Pool C). The football committee is examining the resulting impact on the championship date formula and other logistics before submitting a formal proposal. The committee anticipates submitting the proposal in 2023-24, the proposal implementation date would be no earlier than the 2026 championship, which would allow time to change the legislation, increase the budget, adjust the playing and practice season, confirm broadcasting opportunities and align with the 2026-30 host bid cycle.
An update on the men’s soccer committee’s discussion regarding how to address concerns regarding behavior both on and off the field.
An update on a potential men’s and women’s soccer championship date formula change that would modify the current use of midweek matches by moving the championship back one week. The soccer committees have discussed this change in recent years and the membership has been surveyed and has indicated support, citing rest and recovery, player safety, scheduling flexibility, and improving the student-athlete experience as positive outcomes. The Championships Committee will solicit additional membership feedback before making a final decision.
Rowing committee. The committee will forward a recommendation to Management Council to adopt noncontroversial legislation to reduce the size of the Division III rowing committee from six to four. The reduction would eliminate the two at-large positions while maintaining a representative for each of the four sport regions.
Membership Committee Meeting, May 25 Sport sponsorship minimum participants in tennis. The committee endorsed the Management Council to approve a legislative concept to amend the minimum participant requirements for the sport of tennis from six to four.
Nominating Committee, May 25 Governance and sport committees. The committee reviewed nominations and forwarded recommendations to the Championships Committee and Management Council for final consideration.
Upcoming Meetings and Anticipated Discussions.
Division III Congressional Advocates, June 2 Toolkit. The advocates will review the recently released toolkit and ask of Division III presidents and chancellors.
Philosophy Statement Working Group, June 5 Philosophy Statement feedback. The working group will review a summary of the membership feedback solicited in May. The report to the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee will include a final draft of the amended philosophy statement. At its June 22 meeting, it is anticipated the SPFC will finalize a recommendation to the Management and Presidents Council to sponsor 2024 convention legislation to amend the philosophy statement. The recommendation will be considered at their summer meetings. If approved by the councils, the membership will vote on an amended Philosophy Statement during the 2024 NCAA Convention.
Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, June 6 Train the trainer program. The working group will review the information gathered by the consultants via a membership survey and focus groups.
LGBTQ Working Group, June 8 Athletics communication resource. The working group will review a new resource to assist athletics communication departments with LGBTQ inclusion. The goal is to distribute the new resource in August.
Goals and priorities. The working group will continue to identify its goals and priorities.
With every communication, we also anticipate additional questions. Please send all questions to DIIIGovernance@ncaa.org. Thank you for your continued collaboration and leadership.
This email was sent to NCAA Division III commissioners and the NADIIIAA executive board based on contact information in the NCAA Directory.
