National Collegiate Athletic Association |
The NCAA News DigestMay 19, 1997
SOCCER PARTICIPATION IN U.S.
Soccer participation in the United States climbed 7.7 percent from 16.8 million to 18.1 million between 1995-96, according to a survey conducted by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. The growth was found entirely among male players, who jumped from 9.5 million in all age groups to 10.9 million. Female participation declined slightly, falling from 7.3 million to 7.2 million. In addition, almost all of the growth came from older players. The number of players 18 and over jumped to 4.7 million from 3.5 million. The number of players 18 and under was much larger -- 13.4 million -- but it showed an increase of only 100,000 between 1995 and 1996. Utah and Kansas have the highest soccer participation rates by far (18.4 and 15.6 participants per 1,000 people, respectively) while California is the leader by almost 800,000 in the total number of soccer players. Top 15 state participation rates
State -- Participants per 1,000 people
Top 15 soccer states
WOMAN OF THE YEARNCAA administrators asked for nominations for '97 award Selected administrators at all NCAA member institutions have been asked to provide nominations for the 1997 NCAA Woman of the Year award. The nominations are due at the national office by June 20. The seventh NCAA Woman of the Year dinner will be conducted October 19 in Kansas City, Missouri. In a letter to chief executive officers, directors of athletics, senior woman administrators and sports information directors, NCAA Executive Director Cedric W. Dempsey said that the goal of this year's program is to have a nominee from every member institution. In addition, Dempsey asked that administrators consider the racial diversity of their student population when making nominations for the award. The award recognizes student-athletes who best exemplify a balanced commitment to academics, athletics, and service and leadership. The state awardees will be announced in August. The 10 national finalists will be an-nounced in September. Staff contact: Cindy Van Matre and Janet M. Justus.
FINANCESExecutive Committee takes early look at '97-98 budget The NCAA Executive Committee did preliminary work on the 1997-98 general operating budget during its May 6-8 meeting. The actual budget will be approved as the NCAA's budgetary process makes its transition from the current structure to the new one. The Executive Committee reviewed a preliminary NCAA budget and requests for funding for the 1997-98 budget. The committee was conservative in its approach to funding requests, approving only a few for forwarding in the transition budget process. Staff contact: Tricia Bork (championships) and Frank A. Marshall (budget).
DIVISION IISurvey seeks feedback on surplus, enhancement The Budget/Finance Subcommittee of the Division II Presidents Council and Manage-ment Council Transition Teams is conducting a survey to determine how to allocate an anticipated annual surplus in the division budget and whether to revise the current method for distributing the $3 million Division II enhance- ment fund. The survey was mailed May 15 to chief ex-ecutive officers at Division II institutions. It should be signed by the CEO and returned to the national office June 13. Staff contact: Nancy L. Mitchell.
OLYMPIC SPORTSNCAA responds to proposals to amend Amateur Sports Act The NCAA has responded to a number of recommendations for amending the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 that were voiced during a recent hearing held by the U.S. Senate Com-merce Committee. Association views were included in a letter signed by NCAA Executive Director Cedric W. Dempsey. In the letter, Dempsey stated that the NCAA would oppose any revision "inconsistent with the terms and intent" of a provision of the Amateur Sports Act that gives the Assoc-iation and other organizations exclusive jurisdiction over their own competition. Staff contact: Doris A. Dixon.
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