The reorganization and growth patterns within the National Collegiate Athletic Association have been an important topic of conversation within the Division III membership. Gettysburg College and the Centennial Conference recently shared their beliefs with the NCAA Executive Committee Membership Working Group.
A review of 18 "reform" votes in Division III from 2004-06 indicates a rift in the DIII membership over many of the regulations that were adopted at the 2004 convention. These differences are symptomatic of competing philosophies regarding how institutions view the role of athletics within their institutions and how athletics fits into the lives of their students on their campuses. Gettysburg College and the Centennial Conference schools take a keen interest as athletics are an important part of the education we offer our students. We have a strong common culture among the conference schools that emphasizes a balance between athletics and academics, with academics always being pre-eminent.
The important points around which there seems to be disagreement in DIII are:
- Red-shirting
- Limitation of non-traditional segments
- Skill instruction in spring football practice
- Length of playing and practice seasons
- Number of sports offered and percentage of students participating
As the conversation surrounding the reorganization of the NCAA and, in particular Division III, continues, Gettysburg College and the members of the Centennial Conference believe . . . .
- Intercollegiate athletics are an important part of the undergraduate collegiate experience and thus, a significant proportion of our students are encouraged to participate.
- We offer broad based programs with equal value placed on all sports.
- In equal opportunity for both men and women in athletics and championship opportunities.
- The practice of red-shirting should be eliminated.
- That playing and practice seasons must be in balance with, and not detract from, the education of our students.
300 North Washington Street · Gettysburg, PA 17325