Jan 15, 2010 6:57:06 AM

ATLANTA – The Division III Presidents Council reviewed recent discussions about changing legislation that governs fund-raising by student-athletes, agreeing the topic is getting hot.

But Council members suggested during their meeting Thursday it may be better to leave the current rule unchanged than to have a lengthy debate over revising it.

The Division III Management Council will continue its discussion Saturday about whether student-athletes should have an opportunity to raise their share of funds for a spring trip or international tour through certain types of team fund-raising activities.

The Management Council was unable to reach a consensus on the question during its meeting Wednesday but agreed to solicit feedback from other groups. The Presidents Council supported that approach. But it also concluded that absent a clear consensus regarding a preferable alternative, it is better to resolve the debate quickly so there is no doubt whether schools must comply with the current rule that prohibits earmarking fund-raising proceeds for individual student-athletes.

If the Management Council decides to take no action to change the legislation, member conferences that support liberalizing the rule could sponsor a proposal to do so at the 2011 Convention.