Association of Division III Independents Meeting - May 20, 2004
Postseason competition and increased recognition for outstanding student-athletes were the focal points of discussion at the May 20 meeting of the Association of Division III Independents. About 15 representatives of the 20-member association met in conjunction with the NCAA Regional Rules Seminar in Indianapolis.
The 2004 NCAA Convention adopted legislation for season-ending championship competition among independent institutions, and the association is continuing plans for inaugural 2004-05 regional championships in women's volleyball and men's soccer this fall, with winter championships for men's and women's basketball. A five-member planning group, chaired by David Roussel, St. Joseph's College, is developing selection and hosting criteria for independent championship events.
“We're excited as independent institutions to be able to offer our student-athletes for the first time a chance to compete in postseason play, intended specifically for outstanding student-athletes of independent institutions,” said Dick Strockbine, the association's president. “We spent a great deal of our time in Indianapolis brainstorming ideas for recognizing the accomplishments of our student-athletes, on and off the field.”
Association members have selected male and female “players of the month” throughout this academic year, featured on the association's website – www.d3independents.org . In Indianapolis, those in attendance emphasized the importance of highlighting the accomplishments of independent student-athletes and urged the association to recognize “all-independent” teams in selected sports beginning this coming year.
“It was clear from the discussion that our members believe that one of the greatest benefits of the association has been to create opportunities for student-athletes and promote all the good things they do in sport, in the classroom and their communities,” said John Leavens, the association's director.
The association will seek NCAA technology grant funds to enhance student-athlete promotional efforts in the coming year, and two members have agreed to contribute campus sports information directors' time for this purpose.
Other initiatives under consideration to enhance student-athletes' competitive and campus experiences:
- Regular communications (e.g., telephone conferences) for leaders of student-athlete advisory committees.
- Collaboration among association members for a statistics service in selected sports.
- Publication of an association newsletter to highlight student achievement.
- Signage and promotional items establishing a stronger association presence at campus athletic events.
The Association of Division III Independents was established in 2002. Its purpose is to enhance communication and professional development among administrators of Division III independents, contribute to effective participation by independents in the Division III legislative process and governance structure, and enhance competitive and other opportunities for student-athletes of Division III independent institutions.