NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland – Attendees at the January 16 chancellors and presidents session at the NCAA Convention urged Division II to review the length of playing and practice seasons and the maximum number of contests in various sports with an eye toward giving institutions a better business model for travel and buying student-athletes more time in the classroom.

The review was among several ideas to emerge from a panel on economic conditions moderated by Metropolitan State President and Division II Presidents Council Chair Stephen Jordan and featuring Indianapolis President Beverley Pitts, Mars Hill Athletics Director David Riggins and Division II Conference Commissioners Association President Mike Marcil.

Saying that “everything is on the table,” Jordan told a ballroom full of presidential colleagues that while Division II is advantaged in a tough economic climate because of its existing commitment to regional play, it is prudent nonetheless for the division to seek adjustments that gain efficiencies without compromising the student-athlete experience. “Even in healthy economic times,” Jordan said, “it would be strategic to review whether our policies align with our platform.”

The playing and practice review was suggested not only to potentially shorten the regular season in some sports but also extend the time between the regular season and the postseason – benefits of which range from easing travel demands (through more flight options and reduced fares) to providing more flexibility in championships administration, particularly in scheduling preliminary-round competition.

“It’s clear that presidents are concerned about what constitutes an appropriate number of contests in some sports – both from a budget perspective and from a missed-class-time point of view,” Jordan said.

Riggins, who chairs the Division II Championships Committee, said the review already had been planned as part of a more comprehensive examination of Division II championships administration. Marcil said conference commissioners felt a “sense of urgency” in looking at the number of contests. He said some conferences already are considering changes for next fall, and that many are devising “conference challenge” events between leagues that provide multiple contests at a neutral site in one trip.

Jordan even broached considering whether selections for postseason play should revert to regular-season conference champions rather than staging postseason conference tournaments. Others suggested reviewing whether the start of play for fall sports should be adjusted to reduce the time student-athletes spend on campus for preseason (without compromising health and safety).

“While these discussions are only preliminary, it’s important to get everything out there – we are truly committed to aligning our competitive policies with our strategic desires,” Jordan said.