Compliance coordinators in athletics programs now can count themselves as members of the newly renamed National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC), following a restructuring of the organization and other actions to strengthen the group's contribution nationally to the betterment of intercollegiate athletics.

NAAC, formerly known as the National Association of Athletics Compliance Coordinators, remains affiliated with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, and the group, which previously has met on college campuses, will gather this year for the first time during the NACDA convention in June.

As a result of the restructuring, Judy Van Horn, associate director of athletics at Michigan, has been elected the group's president and Amy Folan, associate director of athletics at Texas, will serve as first vice president.

"Compliance professionals understand that we need to do our part to assist athletics directors and presidents to protect the integrity of their athletics programs," Van Horn said. "The landscape is increasingly complex, and no president wants an NCAA infractions surprise.

"There is a tremendous need to clarify compliance expectations on our campuses, have a clear voice on major compliance issues and serve as a resource for the NCAA and its membership."

Initiatives of the revamped organization include evaluation of NCAA legislative proposals with a focus on their impact on campus personnel; discussions of standards for compliance monitoring on campuses; and development of professional standards for compliance personnel.

The reorganization also will result in programming and professional development opportunities for compliance professionals at the NACDA convention, scheduled June 7-9 in Dallas.

"NACDA is excited about the forward movement occurring within the NAAC organization," said NACDA President Kevin White, director of athletics at Notre Dame. "For the first time, they will be meeting at the NACDA convention with other affiliate associations under the NACDA umbrella. This falls in line with NACDA's mission of providing educational opportunities and serving as a vehicle for networking, the exchange of information and advocacy on behalf of the profession."

Further information about NAAC is available at the organization's Web site (www.naaccompliance.com).