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NCAA News Archive - 2007
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SAAC says text messaging has no place in recruiting
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By Josh Centor
The NCAA News
The NCAA News
ARLINGTON, Virginia — The Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee supported a proposal that would eliminate informal methods of communication between coaches and prospective student-athletes at its July 19-22 meeting.
While the SAAC was concerned about the costs incurred by prospective student-athletes related to text messaging, the committee also believes the use text messaging, instant messaging and social networking sites are invasive forms of recruiting.
“It’s impersonal and intrusive,” said committee Chair Sameer Khan, a former golf student-athlete at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham. “With the traditional form of recruiting, prospects weren’t bothered at all hours of the day. Text messaging makes them accessible all the time and we don’t agree with that philosophy.”
The committee also asserted that Division III shouldn’t be in the habit of recruiting in such an informal manner — institutions of higher education should be held to a higher communication standard.
The SAAC influence on the matter was effective, since the Division III Management Council also supported the elimination of text messaging at its July 23-24 meeting.
The SAAC also discussed the issue of men practicing with women’s teams in Division III. After seeing its proposal regarding restrictions on male practice players referred to the Division III Management Council at last year’s NCAA Convention, the SAAC stayed consistent in its desire to develop restrictions on male practice players and voted to limit their use to one day per week in the traditional segment. In its review of data submitted by the Division III membership, the committee was unable to reach a consensus on the number of male practice players to be permitted and referred that discussion to the Council.
“The bottom line is that student-athletes still want to see restrictions. Based on the survey results we saw, we know more coaches and players want to see a full squad of practice players instead of a half squad, but they’re still open to the idea of once per week in the traditional segment,” Khan said. “At the end of the day, taking a practice opportunity away from a student-athlete runs contrary to the Division III philosophy and what women’s athletics has worked for duringthe past 25 years.”
While the committee is concerned with the idea of limiting practice opportunities for female student-athletes, it also noted that most male practice players are not aware of the eligibility ramifications of participation with women’s teams. Therefore, restrictions could also assist male practice players.
The Management Council subsequently endorsed restrictions and also urged the Presidents Council to facilitate a broader membership discussion on whether using male practice players is compatible with the division’s philosophy.
The proposal regarding male practice players wasn’t the only one referred at last year’s Convention, as the Division III membership also tabled a proposal specifying that at least one individual certified in CPR, first aid and automatic external defibrillator use be present at each required practice, competition and strength and conditioning session involving student-athletes.
Originally expected to appear on this year’s Convention docket, the proposal was not submitted for consideration. While some administrators have expressed concerns about the cost of equipment, Khan cited funds available through the Division III grant program.
“We’re extremely disappointed,” Khan said. “Do we really need to see someone get severely hurt or die before we act on this legislation?”
The Division III Management Council advocated enacting legislation this year. The Division II Management Council, also meeting in Arlington, voted to wait for a possible common-provision proposal in 2009.
July 19-22/Arlington, Virginia
While the SAAC was concerned about the costs incurred by prospective student-athletes related to text messaging, the committee also believes the use text messaging, instant messaging and social networking sites are invasive forms of recruiting.
“It’s impersonal and intrusive,” said committee Chair Sameer Khan, a former golf student-athlete at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham. “With the traditional form of recruiting, prospects weren’t bothered at all hours of the day. Text messaging makes them accessible all the time and we don’t agree with that philosophy.”
The committee also asserted that Division III shouldn’t be in the habit of recruiting in such an informal manner — institutions of higher education should be held to a higher communication standard.
The SAAC influence on the matter was effective, since the Division III Management Council also supported the elimination of text messaging at its July 23-24 meeting.
The SAAC also discussed the issue of men practicing with women’s teams in Division III. After seeing its proposal regarding restrictions on male practice players referred to the Division III Management Council at last year’s NCAA Convention, the SAAC stayed consistent in its desire to develop restrictions on male practice players and voted to limit their use to one day per week in the traditional segment. In its review of data submitted by the Division III membership, the committee was unable to reach a consensus on the number of male practice players to be permitted and referred that discussion to the Council.
“The bottom line is that student-athletes still want to see restrictions. Based on the survey results we saw, we know more coaches and players want to see a full squad of practice players instead of a half squad, but they’re still open to the idea of once per week in the traditional segment,” Khan said. “At the end of the day, taking a practice opportunity away from a student-athlete runs contrary to the Division III philosophy and what women’s athletics has worked for duringthe past 25 years.”
While the committee is concerned with the idea of limiting practice opportunities for female student-athletes, it also noted that most male practice players are not aware of the eligibility ramifications of participation with women’s teams. Therefore, restrictions could also assist male practice players.
The Management Council subsequently endorsed restrictions and also urged the Presidents Council to facilitate a broader membership discussion on whether using male practice players is compatible with the division’s philosophy.
The proposal regarding male practice players wasn’t the only one referred at last year’s Convention, as the Division III membership also tabled a proposal specifying that at least one individual certified in CPR, first aid and automatic external defibrillator use be present at each required practice, competition and strength and conditioning session involving student-athletes.
Originally expected to appear on this year’s Convention docket, the proposal was not submitted for consideration. While some administrators have expressed concerns about the cost of equipment, Khan cited funds available through the Division III grant program.
“We’re extremely disappointed,” Khan said. “Do we really need to see someone get severely hurt or die before we act on this legislation?”
The Division III Management Council advocated enacting legislation this year. The Division II Management Council, also meeting in Arlington, voted to wait for a possible common-provision proposal in 2009.
Other highlights
Division III Student-Athlete Advisory CommitteeJuly 19-22/Arlington, Virginia
- Reviewed a recommendation that would permit one-hour walkthroughs during the first five days of the football acclimatization period. SAAC noted that although the time commitment is proposed as an hour, the actual time would likely exceed that limit. The committee also noted that the acclimatization period was put in place to protect the health and safety of student-athletes, and the potential addition of walkthroughs opens the door for abuse. The committee voted to oppose the addition of the walkthroughs.
- Received an update on the membership issues currently facing Division III. When presented with potential models for a new subdivision, the committee noted that students generally value geographic location of opponents, as Division III student-athletes want to be students first and missed class time is a concern. Additionally, in looking at the potential restrictions for the new grouping, student-athletes were most concerned by reductions in the number of regular-season games and the idea of regional championships.
- Supported a proposal specifying that the committee be composed of one student-athlete from each pair of conferences represented and at least two members from independent institutions, or at least one member from an independent institution and at least one member selected at large. The committee should have minority representation of at least 25 percent.
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