The Big South Conference Council of Chief Executive Officers recently affirmed its core value of fiscal responsibility, established in 1998 as part of the league’s strategic plan. The presidents recognized that in the current economic downturn, a conscientious financial approach would likely benefit all conference members.

Big South Commissioner Kyle Kallander said that when the conference went through its strategic planning process a decade ago, much of the talk was focused on the “arms race” in intercollegiate athletics. At that time the presidents decided not to embrace that philosophy and instead focus on ways to use resources to enhance the student-athlete experience. Decisions made at that time translated to an easier discussion this fall.

“As we talked about it, it became obvious that we’re already doing quite a bit,” Kallander said. “We feel that this is a strength of ours. At the same time, there are some areas we feel like we need to look at to help our member institutions.”

While the group noted several practices that support the conference commitment to fiscal integrity (including scheduling, corporate partnerships and revenue distribution), the presidents also made several recommendations for future efforts:

•         Conducting meetings via video and teleconference

•         Holding major conference meetings in a central location

•         Prioritize travel

•         Evaluate additional policies and practices

Kallander said the conference has already begun conducting many coaches meetings and other committee meetings via teleconference, and instead of hosting its spring meeting at a resort, the Big South will meet at a centrally located member institution. While the changes might not be permanent – and in-person meetings will still occur if necessary – the presidents believed that it made sense to make the adjustments for this academic year.

“Our institutions want to make sure the investment they are putting into athletics emphasizes enhancing the experience of the student-athlete, and that those resources are being used properly,” Kallander said. “We’re making sure the way we’re spending on our athletics programs is appropriate, prioritized and supporting the student-athlete experience.”

In another change motivated partly by the financial climate, the conference moved to a Thursday-Saturday format for men’s basketball conference play beginning with the 2009-10 season. There had been no standard format.

The change will allow some institutions to save money through travel partners. Additionally, because teams will play on the same nights with the same number of days off between contests, the presidents believed that the fixed schedule dates would create more competitive equity.

The presidents will discuss both financial issues and other men’s basketball matters at their spring meetings.