The Division I Women’s Basketball Committee is considering policy revisions to address the rising cost of team travel at championship sites, which reached eight figures in 2009.

The committee at its recent meeting supported a policy used in other Division I championships that would require teams to travel by bus to championship sites located within 400 miles of their respective campuses. The current policy applies a 350-mile threshold. 

The Division I Championships/Sports Management Cabinet must approve the policy before it can be implemented.

“Everyone is trying to be more fiscally responsible and make good decisions that will have a positive impact on the championship budget,” said committee Chair and Duke Associate Director of Athletics Jacki Silar. “We must balance these financial decisions without minimizing the student-athlete experience to any great extent.”

Committee members also recommended reducing the official travel party size for Women’s Final Four participants from 100 to 85.

The committee also discussed and reaffirmed its support for the 16 predetermined-site format for the first and second rounds that was in effect for the 2009 championship. While the committee reviewed possible alternatives, members maintained the 16 predetermined sites to allow the format to “gain traction.”

“With any change, you need to give it a couple a years to see how well it works,” Silar said. “We did that when we went to the eight predetermined sites for four years before going to 16 sites in 2009.

“The committee will continue to evaluate the format and to ensure that it is in the best overall interests of the championship. We understand some of the issues raised relative to the current format, but we also recognize the current state of the championship preliminary rounds and the need to enhance them.”

Mission statement

The committee also established a new, more descriptive mission statement that uses guiding principles to more broadly define the committee’s role in administering the Division I Women’s Basketball Championship. It reads:

"The mission of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee is to administer the championship with the highest level of integrity. The committee’s actions will be guided by its commitment to a fair and equitable championship while embracing sportsmanship, diversity, student-athlete welfare and education. The continued enhancement of the championship experience for student-athletes, coaches, administrators and fans shall be preeminent."

The guiding principles are:

Accountability: Standardize administrative procedures with the primary focus of the championship being placed on the participating institutions and their student-athletes, coaches, administrators, alumni and followers.

Diversity: Foster a championship that is committed to diversity in all elements of its operations, including committee, game officials and site selections.

Education: Educate student-athletes, coaches, administrators and officials on its commitment to following its policies and procedures to grow and enhance the championship experience and provide educational programs to its constituents.

Excellence: Conduct a championship that provides a consistent and memorable tournament experience for its constituents across all rounds and sites.

Integrity: Administer a championship according to its principles and procedures.

Sportsmanship: Support the importance of complying with and playing within the written and unwritten rules of the game with the highest level of respect for the game and its impact on a fair and equitable championship.

Stewardship: Commit to being stewards for growing the game of women’s basketball while hosting a championship that is accessible to fans and communities while operating with fiscal integrity throughout the championship and in its selection of future sites for the event.

Student-Athlete Welfare: Administer the championship with a positive and involved student-athlete experience as its highest priority.

The 2009 summer meeting marked the final committee meeting for members Darlene Bailey, former associate commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference; and Judy Southard, senior associate director of athletics at LSU. Bailey served on the committee in 2008-09. Southard served for five years and was chair of the committee from September 2006 through the 2008 championship. 

With the departure of Bailey and Southard, effective September 1, the committee welcomed its two newest members. They are Leslie Claybrook, senior associate director of athletics at Rice, and Carolayne Henry, associate commissioner of the Mountain West Conference.