Calendar

CONVENTION

Association gathers in Indianapolis for its 96th annual Convention

About 1,600 delegates are expected to convene in Indianapolis for the Association's 96th annual Convention January 11-14.

Divisions II and III will vote January 14 on a total of 66 legislative proposals -- 40 in Division II and 26 in Division III. Division I will not act on legislation but will conduct a January 14 issues forum focusing on football issues, initial- and continuing-eligibility standards, and a report from a Division I Board of Directors subgroup that is working to identify a reform agenda for the coming years.

On January 12, the Convention will feature a number of Association-wide educational sessions, a popular addition to last year's program.

NCAA President Cedric W. Dempsey will provide the annual State of the Association address during the January 13 opening business session. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice will deliver the Convention's keynote address, also during the opening business session.

At the annual Honors Dinner, also on January 13, the NCAA will honor Eunice Kennedy Shriver -- a humanitarian who founded the Special Olympics -- with the Theodore Roosevelt Award, the Association's highest honor.

DIVISION II

Wingate President McGee to chair football issues group

The Division II Administrative Committee has appointed a project team to study football issues unique to Division II.

The group will be chaired by Jerry McGee, president of Wingate University.

McGee has served as a Division II representative to the meetings of the Division I Football Study Oversight Committee. However, as the Division I group's examination developed, the Division II leadership grew convinced that a division-specific project team was warranted.

Staff contact: Mike Racy -- mracy@ncaa.org

DRUG TESTING

Association renews contract with Center for Drug Free Sport

The NCAA has renewed its relationship with the National Center for Drug Free Sport through 2005.

The Center for Drug Free Sport is a Kansas City-based provider of drug prevention, testing and program administration services for professional and amateur athletic organizations. It has been the official drug-testing program administrator of the NCAA since the company's inception in 1999.

"The NCAA is a leader in athletics drug testing and prevention, and we are very pleased to continue our relationship," said Frank D. Uryasz, chief executive officer and founder of the center. "The center's goal is to provide the organization and its member institutions with the most comprehensive program and policy administration services.

"The NCAA has made a commitment to providing a drug-free environment for student-athletes, and the center is proud to continue to assist in keeping the playing fields safe, healthy and fair."

In addition to providing the NCAA with testing administration for championships and bowl games, the Center for Drug Free Sport also will manage the year-round drug-testing program. The NCAA will continue to receive access to the center's Resource Exchange Center, an online resource providing free, confidential and accurate information to NCAA athletes, athletic trainers and administrators regarding dietary supplements and banned substances.

"The safety of our student-athletes has always been our top priority," said Ronald J. Stratten, NCAA vice-president for education services. "By continuing our relationship with the center, not only does the NCAA benefit from having the best drug-program administration organization on our team, but our student-athletes have access to the educational resources enabling them to compete safely."