Representatives of 17 coaches’ associations, including the Golf Coaches Association of America and the Women’s Golf Coaches Association, have written to NCAA President Mark Emmert opposing a recent proposal from a group of college conference commissioners that the association consider providing schools temporary relief amid the coronavirus pandemic from several Division I membership requirements. This includes one that sets the minimum number of varsity teams Bowl Subdivision schools must field.
At present, FBS schools must field at least 16 teams, with a minimum of six men’s teams and a minimum of eight women’s teams. Division I schools must field at least 14 teams.
In a letter to Emmert dated April 10, the commissioners of the Group of Five conferences – the American Athletic, Conference USA, the Mid-American, Mountain West and Sun Belt – said: “In order to provide NCAA Division I institutions flexibility in addressing the challenges for the foreseeable future, we request temporary relief from several regulatory requirements for a period of up to four years. A blanket waiver for relief will provide institutions the ability to make prudent and necessary decisions for the financial well-being of the institution.”
The coaches’ groups, from so-called non-revenue sports, have responded with a letter in which they expressed concern that a temporary waiver of the sport-sponsorship requirement would result in permanent cuts.
“The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic places a lasting burden on both higher education and intercollegiate athletics alike,” the letter says, “but slashing opportunities for students is not the solution. … Reducing the minimum sports sponsorship requirement that would open the door to eliminating sports should not be an option.”
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The letter comes from associations representing coaches in baseball, softball, volleyball, wrestling and golf, among others.
Meanwhile, Golfweek received a copy of the letter GCAA CEO Gregg Grost sent out to members, detailing the concern the group has over the potential waiver.
“If this waiver passes, it would mean the potential for fewer teams, fewer scholarships and fewer opportunities for student-athletes competing in Olympic and non-revenue producing sports,” the letter said. “The GCAA strongly opposes this drastic measure and has signed off on a letter with other coaches associations that was sent to NCAA President Mark Emmert.”
The letter also asked members to avoid using student-athletes to fight for the cause, saying, “we do not think they should be on the front lines.”
Meanwhile, the WGCA tweeted to followers something in the same spirit, asking members to help spread the word.
Help spread the word! Please visit the website for more information regarding a request for consideration of a reduction in NCAA Division I sports sponsorship minimums. #SaveOurSports https://t.co/n2mnPHBx8a
— Women's Golf Coaches (@WGCAGOLF) April 22, 2020