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Doubletree Hotel San Jose, CA Those in attendance were:
The meeting was called to order by co-vice chair Jake Arnold at 7:00 p.m.
1. Approval of minutes of April 9-10, 2004, meeting It was VOTED (17-0-0-3, USC M, WSU M/W absent) "to approve the minutes of the April 9-10, 2004 meeting." 2. Meeting Materials Dawson reviewed materials which provided background information for the Pac-10 SAAC participants. Particular note was made of the Pac-10 SAAC outline, and the five Pac-10 subcommittees to which new members will be appointed by the new executive committee. SAAC representatives were asked to make sure at least one person from each institution was signed up for the Pac-10 list serve, to make communication from the Pac-10 office and with other members of the Pac-10 SAAC quicker and easier. It was hoped that the Pac-10 SAAC list serve would become a more effective tool in the future. Robert's Rules of Order were reviewed, with a reminder that those desiring to speak needed to be recognized by the chair before speaking. Strange reviewed various lists of Pac-10 and institutional personnel, all of whom would be available to help Pac-10 SAAC representatives if needed. 3. NCAA Legislation Smith reviewed the NCAA legislative process and timeline, as well as the procedure for introducing legislation. Any proposals originated by the Pac-10 SAAC would be forwarded to the Pac-10 Council for a vote to determine if the Conference would sponsor the legislation. If sponsored by the Conference, the legislation would then enter into the regular NCAA process. The SAAC discussed and took positions on several pieces of proposed legislation in the 2004-05 NCAA legislative cycle, as follows: 2003-23-A (would exempt need-based and academic aid from counting against team equivalency): Favored (13-3-3-1, UCLA M/W, WASH W opposed; WASH M, OSU M/W abstained; USC M absent). Generally, SAAC members believed that students should be able to retain aid from outside of the athletic department without affecting the team equivalency. Those opposed believed that some institutions may have greater amounts of aid to award, or may manipulate the awards, resulting in unfair competitive advantage. 2003-23-B (would exempt academic aid only from counting against team equivalency): Favored (13-6-0-1, ORE M, UCLA M/W, WASH M, CAL M/W opposed, USC M absent). Those in favor believed that students should be able to retain aid from outside of the athletic department without affecting the team equivalency. Those opposed believed that some institutions may be able to provide greater amounts of such aid, resulting in unfair competitive advantage. 2004-21 (would increase the maximum grant-in-aid limitations in selected women's sports): Favored (12-5-2-1, WSU M/W, OSU M, CAL M/W opposed, STAN M/W abstained, USC M absent). Those in favor believed this would increase the percentage of women's participation. Those opposed stated this might negatively affect men's sports if existing funding for men's teams was shifted to pay for these scholarships. It was stated that increasing the limits might help some institutions meet federal gender equity guidelines. 2004-98 (would permit an institution to pay for one parent or guardian to accompany a prospect during an official visit): Favored (15-4-0-1, WSU M/W, CAL M/W opposed, USC M absent). Those in favor stated that because guidance from parents is desirable when making major life decisions, a prospect should have the option of bringing a parent or guardian at the institution's expense. Those opposed were concerned about the costs, especially at institutions with existing budget problems. In addition, it was stated that because the parent would not be at the school with the student once enrolled, making the visit without a parent provided a more realistic view of campus life. 2004-99 (would reduce the number of expense paid official visits from five to four in football and basketball): Opposed (1-18-0-1, WSU W favored, USC M absent). Those opposed believed a fifth visit was needed in order to compare and contrast with the previous four schools. If the legislation were passed, the SAAC favored (18-1-0-1, UCLA M opposed, USC M absent) applying the legislation to all sports. 2004-40 (would amend the maximum number of contests in certain sports): Opposed (1-16-2-1, WSU M favored, WSU W, OSU M abstained, USC M absent). SAAC members were concerned that these limitations would negatively affect skill development, as well as decrease motivation to train. 2004-44 (would permit an institution to reimburse student-athletes for travel related to practices at off-campus sites): Favored (18-0-1-1, WSU W abstained, USC M absent) Those in favor stated that reimbursement should be granted for travel if a student-athlete is required to be at a practice and has to use his or her own means of transportation. 2004-48 (to permit the use of the one-time transfer exception in all sports): Favored (12-4-3-1, UCLA M, WSU M/W, WASH M opposed, ARIZ W, STAN W, UCLA W abstained, USC M absent). Those in favor believed that all sports should be treated the same and this rule gives the student-athlete an option to leave a situation that does not fit him/her. Those opposed believed this could professionalize college sports and student-athletes would start acting like free agents. 2004-84 (permits an institution to provide one shirt bearing the institution's logo per academic year for team travel or other team events): Favored (17-0-2-1, ARIZ M, WASH M abstained, USC M absent ). 2004-111 (permits additional benefits in men's basketball): Opposed (2-17-0-1, ORE W, UCLA M favored, USC M absent) Those opposed believed that men's basketball players should be treated the same as other student-athletes. Those in favor stated that men's basketball players help bring in money and should be rewarded for it. 2004-73 (in Division I football, to permit a student-athlete to engage in five season of competition): Opposed (0-17-2-1, ORE W, OSU M abstain, USC M absent). Those opposed believed that this would limit the number of new potential football players to be signed, as well as expressing concerns about course selection during the fifth year, and premature return from injuries because the hardship year would be eliminated. If the legislation were to be passed, the SAAC favored applying it to all sports (17-0-2-1, STAN M, CAL M abstain, USC M absent). 4. SAAC Information Sharing Representatives shared information about their institutional SAAC's, including format, meeting schedule, and committee structure. A majority meet once every two weeks, for an hour to an hour-and-a-half. Some institutions have committees which meet separately from the normal SAAC meetings. Most SAAC groups try to have two representatives from each team at the meetings. Attendance by senior institutional administrators varies widely, but was seen as desirable. Activities common to institutional SAAC's include identifying contests for each team which all other student-athletes try to attend, often publicized through t-shirts; and social events, such as barbecues, formals, banquets, or pizza parties. Examples of community service activities included student-athlete auctions to generate funds for a cause; elementary school reading programs; participation in the "Sparrow Clubs" program to help a sick child; humane societies, canned food drives; and health fairs. Common problems faced by SAAC's included securing attendance and participation from all teams at the institution, and delegation/sharing of workload beyond the core of officers. 5. Pac-10 Cooper/Tires Leadership Award The SAAC selected Jason Ranne of Arizona and Nikki Neuburger of Oregon State as the 2003-04 winners of the Cooper Tires/Pac-10 Leadership Award. Noting that there were only three nominees for the award, SAAC members were asked to help publicize the award at their institutions, and encourage nominations and completion of the application materials. The group declined to alter the qualifications, which may have resulted in a larger pool of nominees. 6. Pac-10 Sportsmanship Award Because the NCAA Sportsmanship Award criteria had changed so that only student-athletes were eligible, the SAAC voted (20-0) to change the Pac-10's criteria for its Sportsmanship Award to match the NCAA's criteria. As of 2004-05, there will be awards to one male and one female student-athlete from the Pac-10, whose name will then be forwarded to the NCAA. It was noted that the element of a "specific act of sportsmanship" had been eliminated. Arnold stressed the need to publicize this award at institutional SAAC meetings and within the athletics department, so there is a sufficient pool of nominees. The SAAC also voted (18-0-1-1, WSU M opposed, OSU W absent) to create a Pac-10 Sportsmanship Award for coaches or staff who exhibit exceptional sportsmanship. The Pac-10 staff was to develop suggested criteria for approval at the next Pac-10 SAAC meeting. 7. NCAA 20-Hour Rule The SAAC was surveyed to see how many were familiar with educational information which the NCAA distributed in August of 2004 regarding the 20-hour rule. About half of the group reported having seen or reviewed it at their institution. Smith led a discussion about application of the rule, and avenues to explore if student-athletes believed the limits were not being adhered to. Dawson asked the SAAC to be sure the materials are available at their institution. Putting the materials in the student-athlete handbook and discussing them at institutional SAAC meetings were identified as beneficial ways of sharing the information. 8. NCAA SAAC Report Oman provided the NCAA SAAC report on behalf of Matt Cassel, who was unable to attend due to a competition. Significant issues discussed at the last NCAA SAAC meeting included: Gambling. A recent NCAA study showed a high level of participation by student-athletes. Division II and III schools had significantly higher student-athlete statistics for gambling than Division I schools did, perhaps because educational efforts were much greater in Division I. Sportsmanship. Institutions were trying to develop strategies to increase the practice of good sportsmanship and awareness of it at athletic events. Travel policies. The use of 15-passenger vans was a major topic of discussion for the NCAA. They are prone to turnovers when fully loaded, which makes them very dangerous, particularly when driven by students. Pregnancy. Automatic clock extensions for pregnant student-athletes compared with use of a redshirt year, and retention of financial aid were aspects of this issue being discussed. Day off. The NCAA membership did not approve legislation which would have required the mandatory day off be other than the travel day. This continues to an issue for the NCAA SAAC. Dawson noted that Cassel's term as the Pac-10's NCAA SAAC representative would end as of the July meeting, and a new person would be appointed. She referred the group to an outline of the selection procedure and asked them to have their institutional SAAC's become involved in identifying suitable candidates from their institution. It was noted that the NCAA SAAC rep had a two-year term, and the individual could serve a year after his/her eligibility was exhausted. 9. Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund Long reviewed the summary of Pac-10 expenditures of the SAOF in 2003-04, the first year of the fund. While the majority of the funds expended were for general purpose use, Long highlighted the fact that expenditures for individual male and female student-athletes were approximately the same amount ($239). It was noted that Pac-10 institutions, in the aggregate, spent about 63% of the funds allocated, and Long encouraged SAAC members to work with their institutional administrators and suggest ways to spend the money. SAAC members reported the planned 2004-05 uses at their institutions, which included computers, SAAC budget, various types of academic awards, school supplies, clothes, summer school fees, insurance premiums, dental work, graduate school exams, planners, computer software, medical emergencies, and banquets. SAAC members reported varying levels of discussion with their administrators regarding the fund and its expenditures. For those who wished to have more input, it was suggested that the institutional SAAC draw up a list of proposed uses and then discuss that with institutional administrators. The consensus of the group was that all student-athletes (scholarship and non-scholarship, those without financial need as well as those with financial need) should benefit from the fund. Long pointed out that administrators may have a different perspective on what the institutional priorities were, but should still welcome a well thought out proposal from the SAAC. 10. Pac-10 Speaker's Bureau/Stay In Bounds Arnold described the Stay In Bounds materials, and Seaman gave the history on why the Pac-10 SAAC had adopted Stay In Bounds as the Pac-10 Speaker's Bureau. Seaman noted that the Communications Subcommittee had identified training for student-athlete speakers as a Conference-wide need, and that the subcommittee also sought to deliver a consistent message. However, only about one third of the group had seen the materials before, and none reported using it in community service activities. Representatives described the community service activities at the respective institutions, and a majority of Pac-10 institutions do outreach with elementary schools. The SAAC participants agreed the Stay in Bounds material would be a good tool for student-athletes. Dawson encouraged them to make others at their institutions aware of the web site and materials. Washington and Oregon SAAC's had worked with the Sparrow Clubs to adopt a "sparrow" as a community service activity. This program provides funds for families with a child who has a life-threatening or seriously disabling illness, with a business sponsor providing the funds upon completion of 256 hours of community service. Other SAAC members expressed interest in starting this program. (Note: Information about the Sparrow Club can be found at www.sparrowclubs.org). 11. Election of Officers Those interested in serving on the Executive Committee were identified from the subcommittee preference list. The SAAC elected Lindsay Oman of USC as co-chair of the SAAC and Anna Leksinska of Oregon as co-vice chair. The term will expire after the fall, 2005, Pac-10 SAAC meeting. 12. Appointments to Subcommittees Because of the lack of consistent attendees at the Pac-10 SAAC meeting, doing committee work has been difficult. After discussion, the group agreed to keep the subcommittee structure intact, with the option to schedule subcommittee meetings during the Pac-10 SAAC meeting. SAAC reps were asked to identify subcommittees on which they wished to serve, by completing a preference form. Appointments were to be made by the Executive Committee. 13. 2004-05 Student-Athlete Forum Seaman and Leksinska, both of whom had attended the 2004 NCAA Leadership Conference, shared their experiences. Both found it a very worthwhile experience and encouraged SAAC members to apply. They suggested several icebreakers for the Pac-10 Student-Athlete Forum. In order to assist with planning for the Pac-10 Student-Athlete Forum in April, 2005, the group was asked to identify topics of interest for student-athletes for the small group discussions. The top five topics from a list of about 20 suggested were: - strategies for increasing SAAC participation and informing other student-athletes about SAAC; - improving relationships on campus with other students and faculty; - effective delegation for leaders and motivating others; - qualities of a leader; and - athletic and academic issues. The SAAC provided suggestions for mementos for Forum participants. The top four items selected included a Nalgene water bottle, sweatpants or fleece pants, a backpack, or a long-sleeved shirt, preferably with logos of all Pac-10 institutions. Suggestions were also made for the Saturday night social activity. These included bowling, Dave and Buster's, a professional sports contest, laser tag, Great America, miniature golf, or hiking. The SAAC voted (19-1, OSU M opposed) to implement a t-shirt/hat exchange at the Forum in 2005.
14. Action List At Long's urging, the SAAC agreed to develop an action item list during future Pac-10 SAAC meetings to take back to their respective institutions. 15. NCAA Surveys Long described a survey which addressed substance use and sexual behavior that UCLA had been asked to administer to two specific teams. She asked the group what it believed the comfort level of student-athletes would be completing such a questionnaire. Dawson added the purpose of these surveys was to identify areas where education and life skills programs were needed by student-athletes, as was shown by a the NCAA gambling survey. SAAC members were very concerned about privacy issues, as well as with the research methodology. Long expressed confidence in the legitimacy and confidentiality of NCAA research department, yet it was evident more information needed to be available about such surveys. The topic was to be placed on the agenda for the April SAAC meeting, with the staff preparing a report on the survey process and use. 16. Olympic and NGB Information Dawson reviewed an information sheet of frequently asked questions for Olympic and National Governing Body Participation and Competition, which was to be a discussion topic for the NCAA SAAC at its November, 2004, meeting. Noting that there are many Pac-10 student-athletes for whom this information would be valuable, Dawson urged the group to review the information at institutional SAAC meetings. 17. NCAA Baseball Issues Committee The NCAA Baseball Issues Committee report, which proposed establishing a start date of March 1 for college baseball and moving the College World Series back two weeks, was reviewed. This was an attempt to correct what some viewed as the competitive advantage gained by institutions in the sun belt states. Legislation to implement these changes would be in the 2005-06 NCAA legislative cycle. The main topics discussed in the report included: competitive equity, weather issues, summer school availability, the Cape Cod League, living arrangements, and the fact that the committee did also consider softball. SAAC members seemed most concerned about the length of time student-athletes would be on campus after the end of the academic year, and the many different issues that would raise. It was also pointed out that such a change would be unlikely to affect recruiting, as student-athletes in outdoor sports would continue to select institutions in the south and west in order to have optimum year round practice opportunities. Thus, the desired competitive equity may not be achieved. Dawson posed the question of whether baseball should be treated differently from other outdoor sports. The consensus of the group was that for a majority of NCAA regulations, sports should be treated the same. SAAC members were asked to discuss the report with baseball players at their institutions, and the topic would be on the agenda in April, 2005. 18. NCAA SAAC Travel Policy The NCAA SAAC's draft travel policy generated a great deal of discussion about use of vans for team practice and travel. Many SAAC members stated that their institutions used 15-passenger vans, and a ban on such vehicles, or on the use of student-athletes as drivers, could create a significant hardship. There were differences in the policies for licensing requirements and driver training across institutions. The use of 15-passenger vans has become a significant risk management issue nationally, and some institutions are banning their use. In response to a question about enforcement of the policy, Dawson stated that it would offer recommended best practices, but was not contemplated as legislation at this time. Note: The SAAC broke from its meeting on Saturday, November 6, from 9:00 am - 12 noon to perform a community service activity. The group assisted in refurbishing displays for Christmas In The Park, a community display in downtown San Jose which draws approximately 500,000 visitors. The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m. njs 11/16/04
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