2009 NAIA Convention Recap (revised)

Jim Carr headshot Jim Carr, NAIA President and Chief Executive Officer provided an update on the NAIA strategic plan, with a particular focus on the NAIA/American Red Cross student leadership program, future plans for Champions of Character, and recent discussions between NAIA and NCAA.

During this discussion, the Council of Presidents charged an expanded working group with presenting to the council in September a comprehensive statement of intent that addresses critical issues (e.g., core values of the NAIA, governance, finance, membership, branding, regular- and postseason competition) in any proposed relationship with the NCAA...CLICK HERE (PDF) for more information.

The Council of Presidents also reviewed various reports and took action in a number of key areas during its April 19, 2009 meeting. The following are highlights:

Council members discussed the rationale for limiting NAIA membership to not-for-profit institutions and directed formation of a task force to review legislation regarding for-profit institutions.

The council approved the recommendations of the Football Championship Series Task Force...CLICK HERE for full report.

The COP altered its championships reimbursement policy by increasing from 60-75% the portion of net income from an event available for travel reimbursement for participating teams.

Reports from the Committee on Membership Process and conditionally approved members were reviewed and discussed.

Finally, the council accepted a detailed report from the Audit Review Committee.

The NAIA Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the COP, approved the association budget for the 2009-10 year. The budget included no increase in membership dues.

NAIA staff contact: Jim Carr

New NAIA Members

The Council of Presidents approved two new NAIA members, effective July 1, 2009, bringing to six the total number of new members approved during the current academic year. Total membership now stands at 293. Newly elected members: Fisk (Tenn.) University; Northern New Mexico College; Philander Smith (Ark.) College; Southwestern (Ariz.) College; Truett-McConnell (Ga.) College; and Walla Walla (Wash.) University...CLICK HERE for press release.

NAIA staff contact: John Leavens

Legislation

Voting delegates approved overwhelmingly on a series of proposals to put in place new standards for presidential support of athletics, conduct in competition, rules accountability and character education.

Bylaw Amendments Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 11 are consistent with the NAIA's strategic plan to increase standards for NAIA membership and character-driven intercollegiate athletics. The five Amendments received considerable discussion and approval.

CLICK HERE (PDF) for a recap of action on proposed amendments for the 2009 convention.

NAIA staff contact: Israel Negrón

Council Highlights

National Administrative Council:

The National Administrative Council (NAC) reviewed and approved new policies in relation to conference administration and event management including areas of conduct in competition, effective August 2009. The NAC approved to allow late nominations, with stipulations, for the scholar-athlete award which will begin in 2009-10. Late nominations will be approved by the NAIA but the student-athlete will not be included in the website, honors database or certificate. The championships committee of the NAC will continue studying the possibility of having basketball championship dates played together by gender instead of divisions. History has shown that many institutions send both men's and women's teams to postseason play and it is difficult to support both...CLICK HERE for complete report.

NAIA staff contact: Lori Thomas

Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives:
The Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives (CFAR) reviewed the rules education standards approved by the Council of Presidents prior to the convention and approved by membership during its business meeting. Dr. Pigge shared the best practices document, which was developed by the Rules Education Standards Committee, and requested additions from the Council. The Best Practices document will be shared with the membership by August 1, 2009...CLICK HERE for complete report.

NAIA staff contact: Israel Negrón

Committees and Associations

Athletics Directors Association:

Vacant Athletics Directors Association (ADA) committee positions were filled as follows: ADA Constitution and Bylaws - John Phillips, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; ADA Awards - Curt Long, Clarke College; ADA Workshops - Curtis Janz, Oklahoma Christian University. In addition, Skip Lord of Houghton College was selected by the body to serve on the National Conduct and Ethics Committee. Athletics directors were reminded that 2007-08 academic year was the final year for Region AD of the Year recognition. Moving forward the nomination process will continue to be processed through conference/A.I.I. administration...CLICK HERE for complete report.

NAIA staff contact: Ruth Stein

Conference Commissioners Association:

All 25 NAIA affiliated conferences and the Association of Independent Institutions were represented at the 2009 NAIA Convention. Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) sessions included a business meeting, a workshop and the CCA caucus. In addition, a commissioners' breakfast was hosted by Game Tape Exchange and a CCA reception was hosted by OAI, Corp., the Official Signage Provider of the NAIA...CLICK HERE for complete report.

NAIA staff contact: Kevin Dee

Gender Equity Committee:

The Gender Equity Committee (GEC) continues to focus on three initiatives designed to raise the awareness about issues related to women in sports and facilitate the advancement of both men and women in sport and in the governances of all phases of the NAIA. The committee hosted its fourth annual Women of the NAIA Social, an event designed to promote networking for women in the NAIA membership. In addition, the committee sponsored a two-day career symposium, Breaking the Ice: Finding your Way into a Career in Sports, with twenty students in attendance. The symposium highlights include panels for professional sports, sports associations and college athletics, along with skills assessment, resume writing, networking and ethics workshops...CLICK HERE for complete report.

NAIA staff contact: Ruth Stein

Association of Independent Institutions:

The Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) met Sunday, April 19, at the NAIA Convention. Presidents and Athletics Directors from 12 of the 36 member institutions attended the meeting and took the following actions:

Honored former Simon Fraser assistant athletics director Diane St-Denis for her leadership in forming the newly reorganized A.I.I.

Reviewed the challenging membership issues in this first year and approved a membership plan to move forward in 2009-10. It is expected that the A.I.I. will have 31 schools plus one single-sport school (Mountain State in men's basketball) in 2009-10...CLICK HERE for complete report.

NAIA staff contact: Scott McClure

National Eligibility Committee:

The National Eligibility Committee (NEC) reviewed a question related to transfer students, scrimmages and the progress rule. The full text of the NEC's decision will be posted on the NAIA website once the wording is finalized and approved by the committee.

The NEC briefly discussed the issue of rotation of its members as a result of the Council of Faculty Representatives (CFAR) decision at the 2008 Convention. The NEC did not make a decision as to how its rotation of members would be determined.

NAIA staff contact: Israel Negrón

CONVENTION OVERVIEW

The NAIA's 68th Annual Convention took place in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, a city with deep ties to the organization's rich history and home to the NAIA national office. The event encouraged relevant and timely conversations related to standards, conference enhancement and partnerships with the NCAA. Delegates worked through a substantial legislative agenda and approved a series of fundamental standards for the operation of NAIA athletics programs.