National Collegiate Athletic Association

The NCAA News Digest

October 6

SOFTBALL TRENDS


Statistical trends in Division I women's softball have had more ups and downs than the Dow Jones average, but for the 1990s, the leading offensive indicators are up.

Figures are at or near record high levels for team batting average, the average number of home runs per game, scoring per game and the number of stolen bases per game. On the other hand, earned-run average is at a record high.

Until around 1990, long-term trends in most categories were not identifiable, but since the start of the decade offensive figures have made a noticeable jump while pitching figures have declined.

A similar examination of baseball statistical trends appeared in the September 1 issue of The NCAA News.

TITLE IX


The NCAA is changing its Title IX seminar approach in 1998.

The Association will host a full two-day seminar May 12-13, 1998, at the downtown Westin Hotel in Chicago. In previous years, the NCAA has conducted a pair of seminars at different times to encourage attendance from different parts of the country.

Janet M. Justus, director of education outreach, said that having one site should aid the presenters in focusing energy and resources. It will include more breakout sessions than past seminars and also will feature last year's popular menu format. Justus said she expects attendance of about 300 for the event, the purpose of which is to assist the membership in complying with Title IX.

Registration materials and the agenda will sent out in February.

Staff contact: Kaily Sola (registration and Janet M. Justus (program).

CHAMPIONSHIPS

Cabinet approves survey on baseball, softball seasons

The Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet has approved a survey to determine the membership's interest in changing dates for the Division I baseball and softball championships.

The action is related to 1997 Convention Proposal No. 129, which called for a study of moving the dates of both championships later by about three weeks.

The survey contains questions about when institutions began their 1997 season, how many baseball and softball contests were postponed or canceled in 1997, the number of games that were played under less-than-ideal conditions, and the cost of any spring trip that contained six or more games. Among other things, the survey also features questions about finances and how the change might impact student-athletes.

Members should receive the survey in early October. The return date is November 1.

The cabinet also approved recommendations of the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports regarding spring football practice.

Staff contact: Tricia Bork.

PRO SPORTS LIAISON


Strategic Planning Cabinet supports committee's recreation

The Division I Strategic Planning Cabinet has concluded that the NCAA should re-establish an Association-wide Professional Sports Liaison Committee.

The cabinet heard a report at its recent meeting that maintained that a standing committee is necessary because of:

  • The significant ad hoc issues that arise relating to professional sports.

  • The need for continuity in dealing with professional sports leagues and issues.

  • The need for specific expertise in topics such as professional drafts, Major Junior and Junior A ice hockey, summer baseball leagues and sponsorships of youth leagues by professional sports organizations.

  • The desirability of formally involving coaches in discussions in this area (in general, coaches do not hold seats on the Division I Management Council or any of the cabinets).

    The cabinet concluded that although the Professional Sports Liaison Committee should be made up primarily of Division I representatives, it should be Association-wide, given that Division I is not uniquely affected by professional sports issues. Also, the cabinet agreed that issues relating to sports agents -- currently handled by the Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet -- would be more appropriately dealt with by the Professional Sports Liaison Committee.

    The matter has been returned to the Division I Management Council, which is expected to consider the issue at its next meeting.

    Staff contact: Ronald J. Stratten.