The NCAA Division III staff has created this bi-weekly communication for the Division III Commissioners Association to provide up-to-date communications on the constantly evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Division III membership. Please share this communication with your conference members.
RECENT GOVERNANCE MEETINGS AND KEY COVID-19 DISCUSSIONS AND OUTCOMES
Interpretations and Legislation Committee, March 17
Alternative Playing and Practice Seasons Model. The committee reviewed the waiver allowing for an alternative playing seasons model. If no action is taken, the waiver will expire at the end of the 2020-21 academic year and then the existing Article 17 regulations will apply for the 2021-22 academic year. The committee acknowledged continued interest in Article 17 issues and is recommending the following approach:
The committee agreed that the waiver should not be extended for the 2021-22 academic year and that the membership should return to the standards set forth in the legislation.
Fall start dates for the 2021-22 academic year, as well as all other playing and practice season regulations, are as set forth in Article 17.
The committee is committed to reviewing Article 17 regulations and engaging the membership to determine if legislative changes are warranted. This review and engagement will occur over the next year to ensure appropriate consideration is given to the varying perspectives on this topic.
If circumstances change again, necessitating greater flexibility, the committee will revisit these issues.
The Division III Management Council will review and act on this recommendation during its April meeting.
Championships Committee, March 16
Sport Sponsorship. The committee reviewed the recent spring championship declaration data and confirmed that for all spring championships, except women’s rowing, there is enough membership participation to conduct Division III spring championships. The committee will revisit the rowing championship discussion during its April meeting.
Spring formats and selection criteria.The committee reviewed spring formats and selection criteria and anticipates finalizing during its late March videoconference.
Sport pre-determined host site bids.Staff provided an update that spring pre-determined host site bids will be sent to the membership in mid-March. All spring championships will be played at pre-determined sites to align with COVID protocols.
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND ANTICIPATED DISCUSSIONS
Subcommittee for Legislative Relief, March 24
Enrollment flexibility waivers. The committee will consider an enrollment flexibility waiver framework and guiding principles (e.g. competing while less than full-time) after receiving feedback from several governance committees (SAAC, FAR Advisory, ILC) and membership constituent groups (DIIICA executive leadership, Division III AMA Advisory Group). Any recommendations will be reviewed and discussed during the April Management Council meeting.
With every communication, we also anticipate additional questions. Please send all questions to d3identity@ncaa.org. Stay healthy and safe and thank you for your continued collaboration and leadership.
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