The NCAA is going to make some changes following the conclusion of its Board of Directors meetings that took place Jan. 10-14 in Nashville, Tenn.
The most intriguing topic discussed at the meetings was a playoff proposal from University of Georgia President Michael F. Adams. Adams proposed an eight-team playoff model that would have some of the games played at the traditional bowl sites. Adams' plan would have some preliminary games played at the Sugar, Orange, Fiesta and Rose bowls.
"I think there's enough concern out there not just among the institutional presidents but among the student-athletes, among the fans, among people trying to pay for this, among networks," Adams said. "There are broad issues that need to be looked at."
A playoff in college football has been desired by fans for many years. However, university presidents have stood strong in their opposition, since the current bowl system is a lucrative affair for schools.
While Adams' proposition received a lot of news coverage, it did not go to a vote. Instead, it was assigned to be reviewed by a yet-unformed committee. When the committee is named, it will review the playoff, as well as the commercialization of student athletes.
Another hot topic at the meetings was the scholarship status of athletes that are pregnant, injured or have a medical condition. The Division I management council voted 46-5 to approve legislation that would prevent schools from cancelling or reducing an athlete's scholarship if the athlete is dealing with pregnancy, eating disorders, drug addiction and depression among other medical conditions.
The issue came to the forefront after an ESPN report found that in recent years, seven Clemson athletes had abortions out of fear of losing their scholarships.
"The intention of the proposal is not to take away any of the institutional authority with regard to their own policies and procedures," said Jackie Campbell, management council chairman. "Pregnancy is the one people publicize a lot. You saw a lot about that," Campbell said. "There are a lot of other things that go on. Students have issues across the board that they have to deal with."
After being approved by the management council the proposal was handed down to the board of directors, who then made the legislation an official rule. The new rule will take effect Aug. 1.
The board also upheld its ban on text messaging recruits. In an overwhelming decision, the previous legislation that prevents coaches from text messaging unsigned athletes was sustained. Coaches can, however, text message recruits once they sign their national letter of intent.
Another issue discussed at the meetings was the possible creation of a fourth division in college athletics. Currently, there are three divisions: Divisions I, II and III. However, Division III has grown to include 420 institutions, with that number sure to grow. There were no votes taken on the subject, but discussion centered around the possible creation of another division, or creating a subdivision of Division III.
A pilot program was approved that would allow Canadian schools to enter Division II.
In a 258-9 vote, the Executive Committee approved the decision to allow Canadian schools to become full members of Division II by as early as 2011.
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