The NCAA News - News Features

USOC grant program, Project 2000 top agenda of Executive Committee

The NCAA Executive Committee will review a number of high-interest issues during its December 5-6 meeting in Kansas City, Missouri.

In particular, Executive Director Cedric W. Dempsey is scheduled to report to the committee on the status of the United States Olympic Committee/NCAA grant program for emerging and endangered sports and on NCAA Project 2000 (the evaluation of the national headquarters site).

Regarding the grant program, the USOC board of directors has approved $2 million in funding for a pilot program for each of the next four years.

The pilot program would award grants to conferences interested in sponsoring and supporting emerging sports and preserving endangered Olympic sports, such as men's gymnastics, water polo and wrestling.

The national governing bodies of the USOC are expected to vote on implementing the program in February 1997.

As for Project 2000, requests from proposals (RFPs) from 10 cities were submitted to the Association November 7. The Arthur Andersen consulting firm completed a review of the RFPs November 21.

The Project 2000 working group, made up of representatives from the membership, will meet December 11-12, at which time an attempt will begin to narrow the list. There is no set number to which the field will be reduced.

Site visits likely will take place in January and February, with the Joint Policy Board probably making a final decision on the matter in mid- to late-spring.

Dempsey also will report to the Executive Committee on litigation involving NCAA initial-eligibility requirements; on the status of high-level staff vacancies in the national office (public affairs; marketing, licensing and promotions; and legal counsel); and on a proposed book on the history of the NCAA.

The Budget Committee also will report. Among the financial matters that will be addressed will be how to apply about $19 million in unallocated excess revenues. The Executive Committee is expected to determine how much, if any, of that amount to distribute to the membership.

If the Executive Committee approves a supplemental distribution, it also will identify the means through which the distribution will take place.

Other topics on the agenda include updates on the NCAA's Internet World Wide Web site and on the Association's marketing, promotion and licensing activities.

Reports also will be provided by the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, the Committee on Women's Athletics and the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee. A number of sports committees also will report.

In addition, the Executive Committee will review its positions on proposed Convention legislation.