Division II Legislative Process

Every year during the second week in January, the NCAA National Convention is held to, among other items of business, vote on proposed legislation.  This process begins months, if not years before.  Every year, the membership legislative recommendations are due by July 15.  According to the NCAA Constitution, legislative recommendations from the membership must be sponsored by 15 or more active member institutions with voting privileges or at least two voting member conferences (Constitutions 5.3.4.1-(b) and –(c).  The Presidents Council then reviews the recommendations during their meeting in August.  Following their review, the Initial Publication of Proposed Legislation is released to member institutions on August 15.  August 15 through September 15 marks the period of time when sponsors can modify their proposed legislative items.  After this period, the Second Publication of Proposed Legislation is released to all member institutions.  Again, there is another period of time to modify proposed legislation; from September 23 through November 1, proposed legislation may only be modified by the Presidents Council, 15 or more active member institutions with voting privileges, or a voting member conference (Constitution 5.3.4.2).  The final version of each piece of legislation is released through the Final Notice on November 15.  There is no other action taken on any legislative item until they are voted upon during the NCAA Convention.

For Division II, the focus during this year’s NCAA National Convention will again be on its “Life in the Balance” initiative.  “Life in the Balance” is a package that is designed to prioritize the balance of academics, athletics, and community for student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and athletics staff.  Phase One of the “Life in the Balance” legislative package was adopted during the 2010 National Convention, and it implemented a number of changes, such as shorter playing seasons, reduced number of contests, and a dead period from December 20 through December 26.  Phase Two of the “Life in the Balance” initiative will be voted on during the 2011 NCAA National Convention.  While it is not as dramatic or extensive as Phase One, Phase Two focuses on activities that occur outside of the traditional Championship playing season, such as the start date for conditioning and individual skill instruction.

Ruling in McCourt divorce matter splits Dodgers

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has decided that Jamie McCourt is entitled to half of the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of her divorce from Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. Judge Scott Gordon ruled that the team was a part of the couple's community property and outside the scope of a 2004 marital agreement.

Haynesworth to appeal suspension