Advocacy Update: Emmert Meeting Recap & Working Group Recommendations
December 9, 2011
Following ongoing efforts in October and November, the NACWAA working group sent a letter on December 1 to Presidents Michael Adams (University of Georgia) and Ann Millner (Weber State), Chair and Vice Chair of the NCAA Division I Resource Allocation working group, respectively, expressing concern over decreasing regular season competitive opportunities for all sports and competitive opportunities during the non-championship season for selected sports.
Following its December 2 meeting, the Resource Allocation working group announced that it had eliminated or modified several of the previously considered proposals, resulting in four recommendations to the Division I Board of Directors in January, including:
"That an immediate moratorium be instituted to cap the number of contests/dates of competition at the levels that currently exist in all sports. It is also recommended that the NCAA commission a study to determine the maximum number of contests/dates of competition during the championship segment of the playing season that is essential to the success of each NCAA sport. In addition, the Working Group recommends that the scope of this study specifically examine how contests in the sport of basketball are counted."
In addition, NACWAA President Julie Hermann and CEO Patti Phillips met with NCAA President Mark Emmert on December 5 to discuss concern surrounding the recent cost of attendance legislation and how it will impact sports programs, departments and institutions. Hermann requested a slow-down in the current legislation process and cited examples of challenges that have arisen due to the fast pace. President Emmert acknowledged these problems and said that the NCAA would be committed to fixing these issues moving forward.
President Emmert emphasized that feedback surrounding the recently passed and proposed legislation is being carefully considered, as well as his commitment to gender equity and Title IX:
"... I am personally committed to gender equity and ensuring equal opportunities for both men and women, and I assure you the NCAA commitment to Title IX is stronger than ever. I appreciate your willingness to communicate our values with your constituents. I look forward to working together in a collaborative manner and sincerely hope the lines of communication will remain open."
Phillips also updated President Emmert on NACWAA's proactive efforts in advancing women into leadership positions in intercollegiate athletics and thanked the NCAA for its ongoing commitment in this effort.
As we move forward in these advocacy efforts, please continue to send us your feedback about the recent changes, as well as the recommendations currently under review. Thank you for your support as we move forward together for positive change in intercollegiate athletics!
Read the Division I Faculty Athletics Representatives (FAR) letter to President Emmert and NCAA Board of Directors President Judy Genshaft regarding cost of attendance legislation.
NACWAA believes in equal opportunity for women in all areas and that equality for women in athletics is imperative. NACWAA supports the advancement of women in athletics, and takes responsibility for advancing pertinent issues for women at all levels. For more information about our advocacy efforts, visit the NACWAA.org Advocacy home.