Division III delegates came together at Saturday's business session as one of the final events of the 2024 NCAA Convention in Phoenix.
"We had a productive Convention as the delegates attended educational sessions, held conference meetings, discussed key campus issues, such as the shortage of athletic trainers and officials, celebrated the division's 50th anniversary and had a productive business session," said Louise McCleary, vice president of Division III.
Four legislative proposals were approved as the division also marked its 50th anniversary and shared updates about the Inclusive Leaders Program, the division's budget, and financial reviews that are underway.
Division III philosophy statement
After over a year's worth of discussion, deliberation and review from governance committees and the membership, the new Division III philosophy statement passed.
Used as the framework to describe and guide Division III, the philosophy establishes a modern vision for the division and its fundamental principles. The two amendments to the proposal that passed related to retaining elements from the previous philosophy statement, specifically language noting that it is primarily a four-year undergraduate experience and the division shall not award financial aid based on athletics leadership, ability, participation or performance.
Tennis participation
Delegates approved a proposal that decreases from six to four the minimum number of participants in a tennis match to be counted for sports sponsorship purposes. A condition of Division III membership requires institutions must sponsor a minimum number of sports each academic year. This proposal aligns the playing rules with sports sponsorship.
Stunt as an emerging sport
After being referred back to the Committee on Women's Athletics at last year's Convention, the proposal to add stunt as an emerging sport passed. Legislation related to playing and practice seasons and membership will now be established for the emerging sport. Institutions that sponsor an emerging sport as a varsity team must apply the NCAA constitution and Division III bylaws, interpretations and other legislation to the team. Stunt was previously approved as an emerging sport in Division I and Division II.
Amendment-to-amendment deadline
A proposal from the Empire 8 and Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference was passed to allow for membership sponsors of original legislative proposals to offer amendments to either expand or restrict the proposal between Sept. 15 and Nov. 1. The previous rules only allowed for amendments to restrict the proposal.
