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Life On The Convention Floor - Jan 08, 2007
posted by: Josh
Crissy Schleup describes the importance of the student-athlete voice on the Convention floor. Never is the statement ‘Membership-led Association’ more evident than it is during the Division II Business Session at Convention, where each member school gets one vote. What a beautifully democratic site - a large ballroom full of Division II members arranged by conference and packed closely together at small tables. Banners lined the back of the room displaying Division II conference logos and members are all decked out in their school logos or appropriately colored dress shirts. I’ve been privileged enough to attend the Division II Business Session in two differing roles – as a Division II national SAAC member and as an employee of the NCAA. I’ve spoken on the Convention floor – hands and voice shaking – on behalf of the SAAC. I think you could have heard a pin drop that day as we discussed a then-controversial proposal to restrict phone calls during the recruiting process. It was interesting to me today as I sat in the back of the room and observed the happenings. As in any typical meeting with hundreds of attendees, people are coming and going. A member of the SAAC stood up to speak and again, years later, you could have heard a pin drop as heads turned and people were silenced with all eyes on this young female student-athlete in the front of the room. In one instance when the SAAC spoke in favor of a proposal, a member of the membership stood and prefaced his opposition with this statement, “I’ve had a long-standing relationship with the SAAC and it is with great reluctance that I oppose this piece of legislation, but I must do so.” Consequently, this piece of legislation narrowly passed 130 to 125. Although student-athletes don’t have a vote in the membership-led governance structure (as I agree it should be), it is apparent their voice, the most important voice, is heard. 
CommentsCrissy, Just curious--why do think it's better that student athletes don't have a vote? Marc - Thanks for your comment. I have several concerns about the logistics of student-athletes voting on legislation. In my opinion, student-athletes on campus aren't prepared to make decisions about legislation that will potentially affect generations of student-athletes. That said, there are exceptions to every rule and I'm sure there are student-athletes more than capable of making these decisions. Generally speaking, administrators consider many factors before voting on legislation that student-athletes don't have the expertise to consider - things like budgetary impact, fairness for all sports, long-term effects, etc. Additionally, would only members of the national SAAC's vote or would all 380,000 NCAA student-athletes vote? Aside from the apparent logistic problems, it is important to note that even the SAAC, the most educated student-athlete group on legislative proposals, sometimes takes a no position stance on legislation. It is unfair to assume student-athletes nationwide - without the benefit of NCAA staff and face-to-face explanations - would be adequately able to weigh-in on these issues and then vote. I think the structure in place now is a good one - the student-athlete voice is heard and considered and the individuals who have devoted their careers to intercollegiate athletics and higher education get to say yes or no. Post a Comment |
  
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