NCAA Convention

In 2008 the NCAA Division III convention featured a weekend long discussion of the future of the membership that is composed of over 450 members. And while there was some discussion of splitting Division III, that possibility collapsed when the membership responded to an NCAA survey in the spring. Nearly 90% of the Division III membership claimed they were in favor of the status quo and not exploring any potential change.

So the potential political theatre in Washington, DC for this year’s NCAA convention quickly evaporated. Instead the Division III membership voted on less than 12 proposals in less than ninety minutes. Many long time administrators said they could not recall a day when the voting went so quickly. The only proposal that generated any discussion revolved around the potential of having August 15th be the start date for practice for all fall sports except football. The proposal failed 297-154 and the members quickly moved on to the next proposal.

One thing that was consistently mentioned at the convention was the challenging economic crisis that we are all facing. I visited with several Athletic Directors that are having to make tough decisions about cutting sports, budgets or staff. I doubt that the majority of Division III schools have been frivolous with their budgets over the years. Many schools will be cutting budgets that are already tight.

So the 2009 NCAA convention will not be remembered as the landmark convention that many thought it would be. It is possible that the economic times we are currently facing will provide more changes than any legislation ever will.