The NCAA Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct established a plan to respond more quickly to instances of unsportsmanlike behavior and misconduct during its June 6-7 meeting in Indianapolis.

The newly established process was motivated by the stream of reports of unsportsmanlike behavior the committee consistently receives and the need for clear criteria for when the group would initiate correspondence with an institution's president.

Committee members noted that the perception of the public and some in the membership is that the committee should be vigilant in encouraging coaches and student-athletes to adhere to high sportsmanship standards.

As part of the new response process, the committee voted to respond swiftly following acts of misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior that have national significance, acts that draw national or extensive regional press, or actions that do not uphold good sportsmanship or exemplary sportsmanship. Beginning this fall, only one of the three conditions must be in place to trigger a letter to key officials at the institution. Members of the committee also may make themselves available for media interviews on the issue.

The committee also voted to draft a legislative proposal outlining for institutions requirements for compliance with the principles of sportsmanship and ethical conduct. As a part of that exercise, the group reviewed the sportsmanship and ethical conduct guidelines established by the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as a way of gaining insight into how leagues throughout the membership are treating the issue.

"I think the WIAC guidelines are an excellent model," said Ron Stratten, NCAA vice-president for education services. "As we draft some language to help member institutions fall into line with the principles of sportsmanship and ethical conduct, some of that language could come from the WIAC documents. We'll be seeking input from Divisions I and II conferences as well."

In other actions, the committee accepted sets of best practices on sportsmanship from the Divisions I, II and III Student-Athlete Advisory Committees. The student-athlete groups compiled the lists of suggestions at the request of the Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Committee.

"What the committee was seeking was ways student-athletes believed good sporting behavior could be supported on campus and in their conference. What types of incentives would student-athletes believe are important to have in place?" Stratten said.

Among the suggestions submitted by the SAAC groups were to continue to acknowledge good sportsmanship at the institutional, conference and national levels with awards; to develop a sportsmanship oath or pledge student-athletes would sign annually at the beginning of the academic year; and to have teams come together on the court or field at the beginning of each competition to shake hands.

On another subject, the committee followed up on concern about misconduct displayed in soccer by meeting with the NCAA championships staff who work closely with the soccer rules and sports committees for a discussion of possible improvements.

From the discussion, the committee gained greater understanding about how various sport committees handle unsportsmanlike behavior at championships. The panel also emphasized that supporting officials is critical to creating a positive environment.

Because the committee has noted that many misconduct infractions that occur at championships are committed by coaches, the committee discussed approaching the National Soccer Coaches Association of America to help reinforce the importance of sportsmanship in competition.

On the heels of a recent NCAA News article focusing on the appropriate environment for collegiate competition, the group also plans to develop a brochure to assist the membership in further identifying and defining the issue. The brochure could be available by the end of the summer.

The committee also reviewed and agreed to modify its mission statement to include a reference to administrators. With the latest change, the committee's aim is to foster a sportmanlike atmosphere and a greater acceptance of the values of respect, caring, fairness, civility, honesty, integrity and responsibility among coaches, student-athletes, officials, fans, administrators and related groups.