Eligibility for Championships -- Automatic Qualification

Intent: To clarify that in sports other than men's basketball, the continuity-of-membership requirement shall be met only if a minimum of six-core institutions have conducted conference competition together in Division I the preceding two years in the applicable sport; further, to clarify that an Division I active member, a provisional member or a member in the process of reclassifying to Division I as of September 1, 1999, that is classified as a core member before September 1, 2003, shall remain a core member after September 1, 2003, even if the institution has not been an active Division I member for eight years.

A. Bylaws: Amend 31.3.4.2, page 407, as follows:

"31.3.4.2 Additional Requirements, Sports Other Than Men's Basketball. To be considered eligible for automatic qualification, a member conference (including a single-sport conference) must include six core institutions that satisfy continuity of membership. For the purposes of this legislation, core refers to an institution that has been an active member of Division I the eight preceding years. Further, the continuity-of-membership requirement shall be met only if a minimum of six core institutions have conducted conference competition together in Division I the preceding two years in the applicable sport. There shall be no exceptions to the two-year waiting period."

"31.3.4.2.1 Exceptions.

[31.3.4.2.1-(a) unchanged]

"(b) Before September 1, 2003, the eight-year core principle does not apply to an institution that was a Division I active member, provisional member or a member in the process of reclassifying to Division I as of September 1, 1999. Such an institution would be subject to the provisions in effect on September 1, 1999. The institution may continue to be considered a core institution after September 1, 2003, even if the institution has not been an active member of Division I the eight preceding years."

B. Bylaws: Amend 31.3.4.3.2, page 408, as follows:

"31.3.4.3.2 Exceptions.

"(b) Before September 1, 2003, the eight-year core principle does not apply to an institution that was a Division I active member, provisional member or a member in the process of reclassifying to Division I as of September 1, 1999. Such an institution would be subject to the provisions in effect on September 1, 1999. The institution may continue to be considered a core institution after September 1, 2003, even if the institution has not been an active member of Division I the eight preceding years."

[31.3.4.3.2-(c) unchanged]

Source: NCAA Division I Management Council.

Effective date: Immediately.