Marcy Weston, national coordinator of officials for women's basketball
Referee Magazine

"Those commitments to include women at every level of officiating are necessary to see our numbers continue to grow. Women have the desire and are working hard to improve themselves so they can break into officiating at the high-school level. Still, even today, that often proves difficult when the local high-school association hierarchy does not provide equal opportunity for new officials to come into their ranks. Those new officials often are given games at the very lowest levels in the association.

"It takes a governing structure with open-minded leaders to administer a system that mentors, encourages and promotes all new officials, regardless of gender, in a fair and equitable manner. Veteran officials will not referee forever. Who will be ready to take their place if those in leadership positions do not assign wisely and prudently to let the less experienced officials grow and mature? There are too many associations and conference coordinators who appear to be more comfortable maintaining the status quo. The future of officiating needs a plan that begins today."

Basketball issues

Mike Krzyzewski, head men's basketball coach
Duke University
San Jose Mercury News

"I think a lot of times players teach each other more than a coach can. That's one of the things I'm worried about with so many kids (leaving college for professional leagues). We lose a tremendous resource. It's not just us, but college basketball ... as far as teaching the kids how to act.

"You see that in the NBA now. You have a lot of under-developed talent both on and off the court as a result of not getting developed in college. And it hurts both college basketball and the NBA. It hurts basketball. It just hurts the game."

Football issues

John Swofford, commissioner, Atlantic Coast Conference
Athletics Administration

Discussing the creation of an NCAA oversight committee on football issues:

"Right now, it appears the (existing) Football Issues Committee, the Football Rules Committee and the Football Certification Subcommittee are doing a capable job. I think we also have great leadership from Grant Teaff of the American Football Coaches Association and that helps keep us all focused. My only concern in this area would be the possibility of an unnecessary duplication of effort."