NCAA MAY LIMIT FALL RECRUITING

Robin Green Harris , who serves as legislative counsel to NFCA, reported to the annual convention on Thursday that two subcommittees have favorably recommended a proposal to the NCAA which, if adopted by the full NCAA board in January, would limit college coach participation in fall exposure tournaments.

The proposal restricts the fall calendar by restricting evaluation (read on-site at travel ball and other tournaments) from the day after Labor Day through Thanksgiving – with the exception of the period between the second Friday in October and the first Sunday in November. The change would become effective August 1, 2007.  In 2007, the open period would be October 12 to November 4.

The proposal would not limit contacts as provided for under NCAA rules.

This proposal was submitted to NCAA by the NFCA head coaches committee, which was formed at the 2005 NFCA Convention.  The proposal was debated in 2005 by the general membership and in SPY’s opinion would not have passed, but the prospects are good that NCAA will adopt the proposal – which will probably result in four mega tournaments during the sanctioned period. 

Another proposal before the NCAA which NFCA opposes would count the four fall games which some teams play against their 56-game total for the year.

A third proposal before NCAA in January which would prohibit college coaches from attending tournaments wherein players may have to participate in more than three games in a day is not likely to be adopted, Harris said.

NFCA is not a rule-making body but at each convention a number of proposals are debated, and several could result in proposals for votes on Saturday.

One proposal would eliminate the 8-run rule, but in preliminary caucus, the D1 coaches were initially split, and, in the last discussion, there was sentiment toward an amendment which would, if adopted by NCAA and perhaps ASA, provide for a new rule, eg, 10 runs after 5 innings. 

Other discussions revolved around how to enforce the 10-second rule; what limits if any should be imposed on early verbal commitments; and limiting college coach attendance to NFCA certified exposure tournaments.

The Travel Ball Caucus will consider a proposal to extend the pitching distance for 18A to 43 feet.

SPY will report final decisions on Saturday.