NCAA MEMBERSHIP -- DIVISION I MEMBERSHIP -- MORATORIUM -- FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION CLASSIFICATION

Status: Adopted Final

Intent: To specify that for a four year period beginning August 9, 2007, no institution shall be permitted to seek classification or reclassification in the football championship subdivision.

Bylaws: Amend 3.1, as follows:

Source: NCAA Division I Board of Directors

Effective Date:Immediate

Proposal Category: Amendment

Topical Area: NCAA Membership

Rationale: During its August 9, 2007, meeting, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors adopted NCAA Proposal No. 2007-10, which established a four-year moratorium that precludes an institution from beginning any Division I membership process and precludes election of a conference to Division I membership. Under current membership rules, movement from NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) status to Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) status is considered multidivisional reclassification. Therefore, such movement is precluded during the moratorium. However, institutions that do not sponsor football and wish to add the sport are not required to use the multidivisional reclassification process or any other legislative transitional process. The rationale set forth in Proposal No. 2007-10 is equally applicable to new classifications to FCS status. A similar moratorium on new classifications to FCS status is both prudent and reasonable. It will allow an appropriate time period to analyze the impact of the continued growth in Division I and the subdivision. It will allow the subdivision to develop reasonable philosophical expectations and legislative requirements for all institutions desiring to transition to FCS. In addition, an Executive Committee Working Group is currently reviewing Association-wide membership issues, particularly those impacting Divisions II and III, and recommendations are likely to be developed in the near future. It is difficult to project the implications of such recommendations on the FCS membership. Further, Division I is undertaking a potential change in its governance structure. With that in mind, it will likely take some time to establish a framework to address membership issues, analyze current philosophies, expectations and requirements and introduce and begin to implement proposed changes.

Estimated Budget Impact: None.

Impact on Student-Athlete's Time (Academic and/or Athletics): None.

History

Oct 21, 2007:	Submit; Submitted for consideration.
Nov 1, 2007:	Adopted, Pending Possible Board Review, Adopted
Nov 2, 2007:	Adopted, Override Period; Start of Override Period
Dec 31, 2007:	Adopted, Override Period; End of Override Period (Number of Override Requests = 2)
Dec 31, 2007:	Adopted; Adopted - Final

Legislative References

Division	Number	Title
I	3.1	Eligibility for Membership.
I	3.1.1	General.