Division III delegates gathered Saturday during the Division III business session, part of the 2023 NCAA Convention in San Antonio.
Twelve legislative proposals, one resolution and other motions and amendments were up for discussion among the 477 voting delegates.
"While no one can predict the future, I can assure that the governance structure is going to continue to be responsive and proactive as we meet the membership's needs," said Louise McCleary, vice president of Division III.
Management and Presidents Councils composition
A membership-sponsored proposal was passed for each Division III multisport conference to have one representative on either the Presidents or Management Councils and for the conference's slot on either to alternate accordingly. Under the change, an estimated 22 individuals will serve on each council. The number would be adjusted if additional conferences join Division III. This becomes effective Aug. 1, 2024.
Committee composition
Legislation passed to amend the composition of six designated governance committees to provide consistency in size and regional representation and provide a student-athlete voice on governance committees where such representation is not currently present. These changes affect the following committees:
- Strategic Planning and Finance Committee.
- Championships Committee.
- Financial Aid Committee.
- Interpretations and Legislation Committee.
- Membership Committee.
- Nominating Committee.
This is effective Aug. 1, 2023.
Playing and practice seasons
A new playing seasons structure for all sports besides football will be established that eliminates weeks as a measurement for a season. This establishes a traditional start and end date for fall and spring segments, increases the nontraditional segment interaction from 16 to 24 days, measures the winter sports season by 114 days with the flexibility to use eight days before or after the season, and measures seasons for sports such as golf, rowing and tennis by 114 days. This is effective Aug. 1.
Division III defeated a proposal to amend legislation for all fall sports, except football and men's water polo, that would have altered the preseason acclimatization period.
SAAC voting at future business sessions
Starting with next year's Division III business session, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will receive one vote at NCAA Conventions. This change aims to support and enhance the division's commitment to the inclusion of the student-athlete voice.
Mental health hardship waiver
A resolution directing the governance structure to collaborate with the membership to establish a hardship waiver process specific for mental health was passed.
Stunt as an emerging sport
Delegates voted to refer the proposal to establish stunt as an emerging sport for women back to the Committee on Women's Athletics for future consideration.
Social media policy for institutions and prospective student-athletes
Institutions may have public communications via social media with prospective student-athletes who have submitted financial deposits from May 1 to Jan. 1 of their senior year in high school. This is effective immediately.
Self-study guide
The requirement for active member institutions and active multisport conferences to submit a comprehensive self-study guide at least once every five years has been removed. This is effective immediately.
Membership application process
Schools interested in joining the NCAA must have an invitation from an active Division III conference before applying for membership and must maintain affiliation during the membership process. This goes into effect for schools that would begin the process during or after the 2024-25 academic year.
Special Olympics memorandum
A new Special Olympics memorandum was recognized that will continue the Division III and Special Olympics partnership for at least the next decade.
At the NCAA Convention 11 years ago, SAAC initiated a partnership with Special Olympics that has positively impacted and enhanced the lives of student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes. Across the country, this partnership has provided a platform for athletes of all abilities to experience sports and friendship together.
