THE NEW ENGLAND WOMEN S AND MEN S ATHLETIC CONFERENCE HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 THE NEW ENGLAND WOMEN S AND MEN S ATHLETIC CONFERENCE HANDBOOK Page 1

2 I. ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND WOMEN S AND MEN S ATHLETIC CONFERENCE...4 II. III. IV. A. MISSION STATEMENT...4 B. CORE VALUES...4 C. HISTORY...4 MEMBER INSTITUTIONS...4 ORGANIZATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE...5 A. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART...5 B. RESPONSIBILITIES...6 C. CONFERENCE MEETINGS...14 D. MEMBERSHIP DUES AND SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS...16 REGULAR SEASON COMPETITION...16 A. GENERAL SCHEDULING PRINCIPLES...16 B. REGULAR SEASON START TIMES...17 C. CURRENT YEAR SCHEDULES (REFER TO NEWMAC ADMINISTRATIVE WEBSITE)...18 D. IN-SEASON STANDINGS...18 E. IN-SEASON STATISTICS...19 V. CHAMPIONSHIPS...20 A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES...20 B. CHAMPIONSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES...21 C. TIE-BREAKING/SEEDING...24 D. HOSTING ROTATIONS (SEE APPENDIX)...26 E. PROGRAM CONTENT...26 F. APPROVED SHARED EXPENSES...26 G. SCHEDULING...28 H. FORMATS FOR FALL/WINTER/SPRING SPORTS...28 VI. CONFERENCE AWARDS...33 A. CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS PRESENTATION...33 B. ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM...34 C. ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM...38 D. ATHLETE OF THE WEEK...39 E. SPORTSMANSHIP...39 VII. SPORT SPECIFIC OPERATING PROCEDURES...40 A. BASEBALL...40 B. BASKETBALL (M)...44 C. BASKETBALL (W)...48 D. CREW (W)...52 E. CROSS COUNTRY (M & W)...54 F. FIELD HOCKEY (W)...57 G. LACROSSE (W)...59 H. SOCCER (M)...61 I. SOCCER (W)...63 J. SOFTBALL (W)...66 K. SWIMMING AND DIVING (M & W)...68 L. TENNIS (M)...73 M. TENNIS (W)...76 N. TRACK AND FIELD (M & W)...80 O. VOLLEYBALL (W)...83 VIII. APPENDIX...86 Page 2

3 IX. NEWMAC Handbook A. BRACKET BASEBALL...86 B. BRACKET - SOFTBALL...88 C. BRACKET SINGLE ELIMINATION FOR 7 TEAM TOURNAMENT...89 D. BRACKET SINGLE ELIMINATION FOR 8 TEAM TOURNAMENT...90 E. REQUESTING A HARDSHIP WAIVER...91 F. HARDSHIP WAIVER FORM...92 G. NEWMAC CODE OF CONDUCT...93 H. NEWMAC SPORTSMANSHIP STATEMENT...93 I. NEWMAC STUDENT-ATHLETE SPORTSMANSHIP STATEMENT...93 J. NEWMAC SPORTSMANSHIP STANDARDS...94 K. NEWMAC GAME MANAGEMENT STANDARDS...95 L. CURRENT OFFICERS (AUGUST 1, 2007-JULY 30, 2009)...96 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS...96 A. ARTICLE I...96 B. ARTICLE II...96 C. ARTICLE III...96 D. ARTICLE IV...98 E. ARTICLE V...98 F. ARTICLE VI...99 G. ARTICLE VII H. ARTICLE VIII I. ARTICLE IX J. ARTICLE X K. ARTICLE XI L. ARTICLE XII M. ARTICLE XIII Page 3

4 I. ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND WOMEN S AND MEN S ATHLETIC CONFERENCE A. Mission Statement The NEWMAC is an association of selective institutions that promote academic and athletic excellence and is strengthened by the diversity of our membership. We support student-athlete well-being and the educational value of athletics participation, adhere to the NCAA Division III philosophy and commit to our core values. B. Core Values Excellence We place the greatest emphasis on our academic missions followed by high quality competitive experiences. Integrity We act with mutual trust and respect for all and place emphasis on sportsmanship and ethical conduct. Commitment We support each other and the conference through collaboration and sharing ideas and institutional perspectives. Equity We ensure fair and equitable competition and programs. Diversity We celebrate and promote difference and varying perspectives. C. History The NEWMAC was established in 1998, when the former New England Women's 8 Conference (NEW 8) voted to begin sponsoring conference play and championships for men. At this time, the conference expanded its membership to include Springfield College and the United States Coast Guard Academy. The NEW 8 began play in as the New England Women's 6 Conference (NEW 6). Charter members were Babson College, Brandeis University, MIT, Smith College, Wellesley College and Wheaton College. Mount Holyoke College and WPI joined in 1988 and the name was changed to the NEW 8 Conference. At the conclusion of the academic year, Brandeis University withdrew from the NEW 8 to join the University Athletic Association and Clark University accepted membership, keeping the NEW 8's membership at eight institutions. The NEWMAC sponsors competition for women and men in the sports of cross-country, soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming & diving, and track & field. Additional sports for women are field hockey, volleyball, crew, lacrosse, and softball, and for the men, baseball. II. MEMBER INSTITUTIONS Institution Address Fax Babson College Webster Center Babson Park, MA Clark University 950 Main Street Worcester, MA Massachusetts Institute of Technology PO Box Cambridge, MA Mount Holyoke College Kendall Hall South Hadley, MA Page 4

5 Smith College Springfield College United States Coast Guard Academy Wellesley College Wheaton College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Ainsworth Gymnasium Northampton, MA Alden Street Springfield, MA Mohegan Avenue New London, CT Keohane Sports Center Wellesley, MA Evelyn D. Haas Athletic Center Norton, MA Institute Road Worcester, MA NEWMAC Handbook III. ORGANIZATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE A. Organizational Chart Athletic Administrator s Group (AAG) Executive Director Sports Liaisons Publicist Sports Information Directors and Athletic Trainers Championship Directors Coaches Fall Sports Cross Country (M) Cross Country (W) Field Hockey Soccer (W) Soccer (M) Tennis (W) Volleyball Winter Sports Basketball (W) Basketball (M) Swimming & Diving (M) Swimming & Diving (W) Spring Sports Baseball Crew (W) Lacrosse (W) Softball Tennis (M) Track & Field (W) Track & Field (M) Page 5

6 B. Responsibilities OFFICERS Position Responsibilities President Set agendas and conduct conference meetings Implement conference regulations Develop outreach and promotional programs Supervise the Executive Director Oversee the Strategic Plan Preside over the day to day operations of the conference Chair the Executive Committee President-Elect Serve as liaison for sports information and certified athletic trainers groups Coordinate the rotation assignments of the administrative liaisons for each sport Serve on the Executive Committee Scheduler Fall Formulate, submit for approval, and distribute conference fall sports schedules Treasurer Maintain conference revenue and expense records, collect membership dues, prepare conference budget in consultation with President and Executive Director Scheduler Spring Formulate, submit for approval, and distribute conference spring sports schedules SAAC liaison Organize and direct SAAC meetings during the year and conduct any special student programming when appropriate Scheduler Winter Formulate, submit for approval, and distribute conference winter sports schedules Championship Chair Chair the championships committee Set the rotation for hosting of individual championships Create the conference championship schedule Parliamentarian Ensure that meetings are conducted in accordance with Robert Rules of Order Ensure that the Constitution and Bylaws are updated in the handbook and that they are followed Chair the Constitution and Bylaws Committee Past President Ensure that the handbook is updated annually for the membership Work with the Executive Director who will edit and distribute the handbook Serve on the Executive Committee and work with the Executive Director to develop programming ideas for conference-wide professional development (Revised: 08/01/05) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR General Responsibility: Reporting directly to the President of the NEWMAC, the Executive Director will be the primary contact for all conference business and will provide guidance to the Athletics Administrative Group (AAG) in all matters regarding the conference. These matters include but are not limited to: Oversee all office operations Assist with budget planning and expenditures (signing authority up to $ ) Plan for and assist with conducting NEWMAC AAG meetings Conduct the interactive business of the conference with external and internal constituencies Assist with contest scheduling and preparation of Championships materials Maintain conference website and archival information Maintain appropriate accounting records for the conference Page 6

7 Maintain internal and external relations including negotiating Conference corporate contracts NEWMAC Handbook Roles and Responsibilities: Office Operations: Ensure the office has the necessary equipment and supplies to handle conference business Maintain and purchase office equipment and supplies as needed. Budget: Work with the conference treasurer to develop an annual budget for presentation to the AAG for their review and approval. Provide the conference treasurer with information that will be used in the preparation of budget reports distributed at AAG meetings. Maintain appropriate accounting records of the Conference Exercise spending authority to $ Conference Meetings and Correspondence: Prepare and disseminate the agendas and minutes for all conference meetings. Work collaboratively with the President of the NEWMAC and the AAG on projects as defined by the NEWMAC AAG and President. Draft letters and/or appropriate documents for the President. Organize, prepare, and facilitate all meetings of sport liaisons, sports committees, sports information directors, Student- Athlete Advisory Committee; and athletic trainers Serve on all preseason conference calls, and be available at as many postseason meetings as possible Prepare the information necessary for the Compliance and Eligibility Committee to review hardship waivers. Provide the AAG with an annual report and other reports as needed throughout the year Handle all conference correspondence. Update, compile and distribute the conference handbook and directory on an annual basis. Scheduling: Work with the conference schedulers in the preparation of schedules that are presented to the AAG for approval. This includes in-season competition, tournament dates and individual sports championships Assume responsibility for preparing and maintaining the master schedule of in-season and tournaments/championships Coordinate the distribution of approved schedules via the web site. Conference Tournaments: Oversee all NEWMAC tournaments by providing support to the host institution (prepare seeding and bracket information, coordinate the assignment of tournament officials). Provide event support as needed. Awards: Order and distribute all conference awards and certificates. Coordinate external communications regarding All Conference Teams and Academic All Conference Teams Internal and External Relations: Create and submit applications for appropriate NCAA grant opportunities that will result in additional funds for technology, Student Athlete-Advisory Committee, interns, and other conference sponsored programs Process application for access to NCAA National Championships for team sports with automatic qualifiers. Share responsibility with President as conference liaison and represent NEWMAC at the appropriate regional and national meetings (NCAA Division III Commissioners Association) Explore ways to market the Conference and identify sponsorship opportunities Inform the AAG of opportunities to nominate members for the NCAA committee vacancies. Sports Information: Maintain and further develop the Conference web site Page 7

8 Report statistics to the NCAA and ECAC for conference sponsored team sports Attend all meetings with Conference Sports Information Directors Maintain Conference archives. Develop creative strategies for promoting visibility and awareness of the NEWMAC; enhance the understanding of the NEWMAC role in the educational mission of member institutions Serve as director of media relations for the NEWMAC coordinating all efforts related to the press. Report events, news and contest results to local and national media, conference affiliations and the general MIT community. Write, edit, publish, and produce NEWMAC communications and promotional materials, including brochures, recruiting guides, news stories, public service announcements, newsletters, annual reports. Other Responsibilities: Develop and work with the President to set NEWMAC priorities for new initiatives. Prepare the information necessary for the Compliance and Eligibility Committee to review hardship waivers. Provide the AAG with an annual report and other reports as needed throughout the year. Devise and implement procedures for production of communication-oriented material and for rolling-out new programs and services. Supervision Received: Supervision received from the President of the Conference. May also be accountable to other Athletic Directors for specific projects. Operates with considerable initiative and independence and exercises judgment in planning workflow, establishing priorities, meeting deadlines, and determining appropriate methods and techniques to carry out responsibilities. Supervision Exercised: Interns and or employees selected by the Conference. Contacts Required to Perform Duties: All Athletic Directors in the Conference, most particularly the President of the Conference All Sports Information Directors in the Conference Head and Assistant Coaches PUBLICIST/ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR General Responsibility: Reporting directly to Executive Director, the Conference Publicist will assist the Executive Director in day to day affairs of the conference office, specifically the publicity and exposure of the conference through contact with media outlets and use of conference website. Roles and Responsibilities: Prepare Weekly conference releases each Monday in specified sports o o Fall sports reporting begins the first Monday following Labor Day and includes all contests leading up to the first report. Winter sports reporting begins the Monday following Thanksgiving, including all contests leading up to the first report. Spring sports reporting begins the second Monday in March. Standard weekly reports should include standings/statistics/player of the week information. Standings only reports may be released prior to the first reporting date if deemed necessary by the liaison SID. Receive and compile contest results and statistics from members each Monday. If Monday is a holiday at the Publicist s Institution, he/she should make arrangements for the collection of results and the selection of the player of the week on that day. Statistics reporting can be released on Tuesday if necessary. Page 8

9 o o o o o Select a Player-of-the-Week based on that weeks results and statistics for the following sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. Baseball and softball will also select a pitcher of the week. After the Publicist selects the Player of the Week, he/she should notify that player's institutional SID so that submission to the ECAC for player of the week consideration can be made. Prepare and distribute weekly conference standings and overall records, statistics and Player-ofthe-Week information to the NEWMAC media list on Monday. If Monday is a holiday at the Publicist's institution, he/she should make arrangements to send the overall and conference records and statistics on that day. Statistics need to be cumulative after the first week. Prepare end of season report with final standings and statistical categories (NEWMAC statistics end with regular season contests) for team and individuals online. Post Player of the Week announcement on NEWMACsports.com, along with player photo submitted by that player's institutional SID. Update Conference statistics each week on NEWMACsports.com for the following sports: baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Manage and update conference website o Post relevant news stories submitted by institutional SIDs, post-season results, post-season award information and any other relevant information o o Update any directory information of institutional administrators, coaches, etc Add information to conference's administrative site, including, but not limited to, conference meeting minutes, regular and post-season schedules, and general information NEWMAC Championship Responsibilities o o o o o Obtain championship program cover and add date and site information Prepare interior pages of championship programs Gather institutional information, including, but not limited to, team rosters, schedule/results, school "quick facts," and any other relevant information to be used on team pages in programs Create tournament bracket (if relevant), breaking any ties by following sport specific guidelines detailed in conference handbook Distribute official championship brackets (for relevant sports) to institutions and media list Update bracket at the conclusion of each round of conference tournament, post updated bracket on conference website and distribute to institutions and media list Post game/match stories sent by institutional SIDs to conference website Post-Season Award Responsibilities o All-Conference and other major post-season awards Prepare and distribute information required for submitting nominations for these awards Page 9

10 Once nomination process has been closed, prepare official ballot to be distributed at postseason meeting, send official ballot to Sport Liaison to be modified as they see necessary and distributed at post-season meeting Prepare press release announcing recipients on the afternoon of post-season meeting, distribute to institutional SIDs, media list and post on conference website o Academic All-Conference Gather names of eligible student-athletes from institutional SIDs Prepare press release announcing recipients on the day following post-season meeting and All-Conference announcement, distribute to institutional SIDs, media list and post on conference website (Revised: 08/06/08) SPORT LIAISONS Athletics Directors, Full Time Associates, Assistants, and SWAs can serve as administrative liaisons for conference sports. The assignments for sports will rotate every three years. The liaison s general responsibilities are to provide continuity for a sport s administration and to serve as the communication link between the coaches of that sport and the administrative group. The sport liaisons head coach will serve as chair of the coaches committee for the pre-season conference call and for the post-season meeting. (Revised: 11/05/03) Specific Responsibilities Include: Meeting Responsibilities 1. Facilitate the pre-season conference call for coaches, championship director and liaison. The liaison serves to guide the discussions in line with the administrative group s directives for that sport. The liaison is responsible for recording and distributing minutes from the conference call to coaches, the AAG, and the Executive Director. (Revised: 11/05/03) 2. Prepare for post season coaches meeting: a. Distribute meeting agenda to include All Conference voting Evaluation of Championship Officials for Championship Discuss sportsmanship Review operating procedures Recommendations and motions for change b. The Sports Liaison is responsible for recording the minutes and recommendations and presenting this information to the Administrative Group for consideration at its May/June meeting. c. The Liaison SID conducts the voting for the awards and sends results to the conference office for distribution 3. Present and clarify coach's proposals to the Administrative Group at the May/June meeting. In addition to submitting recommendations, include a brief rationale statement for the recommendation. (Revised: 11/05/03) 4. For meetings conducted via conference call, the liaison hosting the meeting should incur the cost of the call. (Adopted: 05/25/04 effective 09/01/04) Page 10

11 Regular Season Responsibilities 1. Prepare and distribute information regarding regular season competition, score reporting, statistics, deadlines, conference awards and the conference championship. 2. Guide the liaison s sports information director in the following: a. Contest results, conference standings and statistics, player of the week responsibilities Championship Responsibilities b. All-Conference Team and major conference awards responsibilities 1. Secure officials for all rounds of the championship in sports where highest seed hosts and pay officials. The list of officials should be sent to the host administrators and the host sports information director. The host institution for pre-determined site championships secures officials. The outgoing liaison secures the officials for the upcoming Fall championships. 2. Responsibilities for the NEWMAC Championship will be the liaison's until the host institution for the semifinals and finals is known. After the highest seed is determined the liaison will transfer responsibilities to the appropriate people at the host institution. 3. Attend the conference championship and serve on protest committee if applicable. Sport liaisons are strongly encouraged to attend semi-finals and finals. If the sport liaison is unable to attend, the host director needs to debrief the sports liaison prior to the post-season meeting. Other Responsibilities 1. Ensure that information within the handbook pertaining to the sport is accurate and complete. (Adopted: 05/25/04 effective 09/01/04) COACHES 1. All Conference Coaches need to: a. Participate in their sport s pre-season conference call. b. Work with their SID to see that their contest results are inputted into newmacstats.com and that stats are inputted into newmacstats.com weekly reporting form by Monday at noon. (Revised: 11/05/03) c. Nominate a team member for player-of-the-week if coach of cross country, field hockey, soccer, tennis, volleyball, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, or softball. d. Make appropriate nominations of their team members for the NEWMAC All-Conference team. e. Attend the post-championship meeting. f. Adhere to the NEWMAC Gag Rule: with the exception of the basketball tape exchange program, coaches cannot exchange information about conference teams externally. Coaches can exchange information internally. (Revised: 05/24/06) g. Formulate recommendations for the conduct of their sport for the Administrative Group to consider at their May/June meeting. Page 11

12 h. Recognize that if a visiting team is not traveling with a certified athletic trainer, the host certified athletic trainer will have the final determination of return to play of visiting student-athletes for all injuries. (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) 2. For Championships held at Predetermined Sites, Host Coaches need to do the tasks listed below: a. Serve as the Chairs of the Coaches Group for their sport for that year b. With Championship Director, make arrangements for and conduct pre-season conference call. c. Schedule, set, and distribute agenda, and conduct post-season coaches meeting. SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTORS 1. All Conference Sports Information Directors need to: a. Submit weekly game results, required team and individual statistics and player of the week nominations into newmacstats.com every Monday before 12 Noon. b. All conference sports information directors shall meet with their Liaison in early September via conference call and in person in May prior to the scheduled AAG meeting. c. the conference office information for the conference website. Press releases containing institutional information on the following topics should be sent: NEWMAC Championship Results (finals results) NCAA results (conference sports only and generally only team results) Campus News (head coaching hires, Presidential hires and departures, facility construction) National academic awards and scholarships (all sports) (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) 2. All Liaison Sports Information Directors need to: a. Participate in the pre-season conference call. Share protocol for score reporting with coaches. b. Update Contest Results and Conference Standings: c. Prepare nominations and ballot for All-Conference and other major conference awards. (1) Direct coaches to the NEWMAC website when the ballot is complete; indicate that this is not the official ballot. (2) Compile and distribute the official ballot and supporting material to coaches for use at Post- Season coaches meeting (3) Notify the conference office of award recipients 3. All Hosts SIDS at Championships held at highest seed site: a. Secure the official scorer b. Handle all standard sports information duties for all semifinal and final tournament contest including compilations of statistics, writing of games stories, and distribution to NEWMAC media list and NEWMAC constituents. c. Update game/match results to composite scoreboard on conference website Page 12

13 d. Notify conference office of final championship results, send along any necessary/relevant information from championship, including but not limited to game/match/meet story, statistics, champion team photo e. Take team photo of NEWMAC champions 4. All Host SIDS of Predetermined Championship Sites (Crew, Cross Country, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, and Track and Field) a. Participate in Preseason Conference Call b. Remove and move to predetermined championship responsibilities: Send Pre-Season mailing to coaches to include Championship format, training room coverage, locker room facilities and any other host site information c. Update game/match results to composite scoreboard on conference website d. Notify conference office of final championship results, send along any necessary/relevant information from championship, including but not limited to game/match/meet story, statistics, champion team photo e. Take team photo of NEWMAC champions CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINERS 1. A National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) certified athletic trainer will be available at all NEWMAC regular season home contests to coordinate pre-contest services (heat/ice, tape/wrap) and game coverage for the visiting NEWMAC team. If, in an emergency situation, a NATABOC certified athletic trainer is not going to be available to coordinate pre-contest services and game coverage, the host institution needs to notify the visiting school at least 24 hours in advance. (Revised: 11/05/03) 2. At all NEWMAC contests, the host institution will make available to the visiting team ice bags, water filled coolers and cups or water bottles. The host school is not responsible for providing water bottles or any other type of beverages, unless it wishes to do so. 3. If a visiting team is not traveling with a certified athletic trainer, the host certified athletic trainer will have the final determination of return to play of visiting student-athletes for all injuries. (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) 4. If the visiting school will not have a certified athletic trainer traveling with them, then that ATC should make a courtesy call to the host ATC to notify them of this in advance, as well as inform the host ATC what pre-game medical services may be needed for the visiting team. ATCs should outline any services in writing, as appropriate. (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) 5. If the visiting NEWMAC team is not traveling with an athletic trainer and pre-contest services are needed, the visiting team needs to have with them the necessary athletic training supplies (i.e. adhesive tape, elastic bandages, etc.). This will allow these services to be performed by the home school s athletic training staff. 6. With the exclusion of ice and hydrocollators (moist heat), modalities will not be given to visiting studentathletes, unless they are traveling with an ATC from their institution. (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) 7. The use of hydrocollators, by visiting student-athletes, will require written documentation from the supervising ATC, of the visiting institution, as required by each individual institution. Page 13

14 (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) 8. If equipment such as knee splints, crutches, coolers, or athletic training related items are loaned to the visiting school, it will be the athletic trainer of the visiting school s responsibility to make sure the equipment is returned or replaced as soon as possible. (Revised: 05/24/05) 9. NEWMAC institutions will follow the guidelines concerning lightning safety outlined in the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook. This will include each school designating the individual responsible for determining when to remove a team or individuals from a site or event due to lightning safety issues. 10. First Aiders traveling with NEWMAC sponsored teams must announce themselves as First Aiders immediately upon arrival to the Host Certified Athletic Trainer for the purpose of establishing communication protocols. First Aiders should notify the Host Certified Athletic Trainer immediately of any injuries that occur during any contest. 11. The certified athletic trainers of the NEWMAC schools will make the following information available to each other: a. Telephone numbers (work and home) b. Best times to reach each other by telephone c. Location of athletic training room d. Hours of operation e. Any other helpful facts 12. The student-athlete s institutional athletic training staff has the sole responsibility to clear student-athletes for participation for pre-existing medical conditions. In the absence of this, it is the coaches responsibility to communicate with his/her institutional athletics training staff. (Adopted: 06/02/08 effective 09/01/08) 13. All conference athletic trainers shall meet with their Liaison in early September via conference call and in person in May prior to the scheduled AAG meeting. 14. For pre-determined championships site only, the host institution s athletics trainer will be on the pre-season conference call. For highest seed championships, the liaison s athletics trainer will be on the pre-season coaches call. C. Conference Meetings All conference members vote on all issues. Members may choose to abstain from voting on issues if they feel they do not have conference-wide impact, or on issues relating to sports that they do not sponsor. For meetings conducted via conference call, the liaison or officer hosting the meeting should incur the cost of the call. (Adopted: 05/25/04 effective 09/01/04) ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP MEETINGS The Conference will hold five meetings each year. Refer to the bylaws for a timeline of meetings, as well as a listing of primary agenda topics for each meeting. The Athletics Directors will represent their institutions at these meetings and may bring their Associates, Assistants and SWA s. Page 14

15 COACHES MEETINGS The conference coaches for each sport will meet twice per year. A pre-season conference call will be conducted, and they will also meet in person during the week following their championship/tournament. Pre-Season Conference Call Meeting Information Procedure for Conference Call: Liaison to contact telephone conferencing service and arrange for the conference call with number of lines to be utilized. Secure a call-in number for conference call. Participants: Liaison, Liaison SID, Executive Director, Head Coaches from each institution. For pre-determined championships site only, the host institution s athletics trainer will be on the pre-season conference call. For highest seed championships, the liaison s athletics trainer will be on the pre-season coaches call. When: Fall Sports: When: early September Basketball: When: end of October, first of November Swimming and Diving: When: November/December Spring Sports: Prior to Spring Breaks (end-of-february or early March) Women s tennis: When: Conference call must occur one week prior to the first conference match to review rule changes and to determine what experimental rule changes based on the ITA rulings over the summer they will adopt Agenda Items: Confirm NEWMAC Directory information. Review changes in handbook from previous year. Review score reporting procedures. In-season make up game procedures including inclement weather policy Review rule changes if any. Review championship information including dates, times, if applicable, seeding brackets and officials. Reminder of gag rule. Emphasis on sportsmanship. Review results of post-season coaches proposals Post-Season Meeting Information Refer to each sport s operating procedures for detail about post-season meetings. When: Baseball: Thursday following the championship Men's and Women's Basketball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Rowing, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving, Men's and Women's Tennis, Volleyball: Tuesday following the Championship at 10am Men's and Women's Cross Country: Wednesday following the championship at 7pm Men's and Women's Track and Field: Monday following the championship at 10am SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTORS AND SPORTS MEDICINE MEETINGS The Conference Sports Information Directors and Certified Athletic Trainers will meet in early September via conference call and in person in May prior to the AAG meeting at the end of the year. The President-Elect will be present for this meeting and will serve as the liaison for the SIDs and Athletic Trainers. Page 15

16 D. Membership Dues and Shared Administrative Costs 1. Annual membership dues are: Single-sex: $11,500 Coed: $12, Single-sex: $13,000 Coed: $14, Administrative costs listed below are covered by these dues a. Conference stationary b. Championship program covers c. Championship plaques and traveling trophies d. Athlete-of-the-Year and Coach-of-the-Year awards e. All-Conference, Academic All-Conference, Athlete of the Week certificates f. Expenses for two attendees from each member institution to attend the Administrative Group meetings. g. Conference office, including personnel. (Adopted: 09/01/03) h. Discretionary conference expenses, up to $500 annually, as authorized by the President. (Adopted: 05/25/04 effective 05/26/04) IV. REGULAR SEASON COMPETITION When admission is charged for NEWMAC conference games, NEWMAC head coaches will receive free admission to all NEWMAC conference games in their sport. (Adopted: 11/13/07 effective 11/14/07) A. General Scheduling Principles Priority #1: Academic Priority/Integrity Regular season conference competition will not occur during exam periods Minimize missed class time Whenever possible, schedule longer trips on weekends; schedule shorter trips during mid-week If more than one NEWMAC contest is scheduled for the same time at the same site, the institution traveling the furthest will have the choice of game times Priority #2: Commitment to Conference Conference competition takes priority over competition with non-conference opponents Conference schedules should be predicted four years in advance o o Full review should occur every two years. Permissible exceptions to the conference schedule all exceptions must be submitted to the conference office: Institutions may change a scheduled contest one hour earlier or later as designated by the home institution. Page 16

17 Institutions may change a scheduled contest one day earlier or later with approval by competing institutions Directors of Athletics. Any other exception requires competing institution Directors of Athletics agreement and Executive Committee approval in consultation with the Executive Director Priority #3: Provide Balanced and Competitive Opportunities Create a rotation of two four-year schedules. One rotation of both schedules equals four years. Rotate weekend bye dates Balance number of home vs. away contests for each institution when possible Rotate schools with home and away imbalances Do not exceed more than three home or three away contests in a row Alternate home and away sites between opponents each year when possible Balance number of home/away throughout the schedule including days of week (e.g., Tuesday/Saturday) whenever possible Be sensitive to sport specific needs Once initial three guiding principles are met, additional opportunities to enhance the student-athlete experience will be considered. Example: Homecoming, Doubleheaders, All Sports Days When final schedules for the upcoming year are presented at the first meeting of the year, the conference will identify religious holidays for the year. Athletic Directors at institutions that may need to adjust dates, will at the earliest opportunity but not later than two weeks following the initial AAG meeting, agree on alternative dates for contests. (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) Rescheduling 1. Sundays should always be available for rescheduling regular season conference games. (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) 2. Rescheduled Saturday games should be replayed on the Sunday immediately following. The weather determines the site for the Sunday game. (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) 3. Rescheduled Friday games should be replayed on the Sunday immediately following if not being used for a rescheduled Saturday conference game. If this Sunday is not available due to a rescheduled conference game, that Friday game should be rescheduled to the first agreeable date by both Athletic Directors or their administrative designee. (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) 4. B. Regular Season Start Times Deviations from established start times should be discussed between institutions prior to making changes to the contract. (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) Fall Sports Weekdays/Under Lights Saturday Field Hockey Sept. Daylight Savings 4:30 / 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. After Daylight Savings 4:00 (or 3:00 p.m. for Page 17

18 schools without lights)/ 7:00 p.m. (Adopted: 05/25/04 effective 09/01/04) Fall Sports Weekdays/Under Lights Saturday Soccer (M & W) 4:00 p.m. / 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. One week prior to daylight savings time, the home team has the option to move the game to as early as 2:30p.m. Game time must be set in contract. (Adopted: 05/24/05 effective 09/01/05) Tennis (W) 4:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Volleyball 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. NEWMAC Handbook Winter Sports Weekdays Saturday Basketball (M & W) 7:00 p.m. Doubleheaders-5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Adopted: 05/25/04 effective 09/01/04) 2:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Spring Sports Weekdays Saturday Baseball 3:00 p.m. 12:00 Noon (Daylight) 3:30 p.m. Lacrosse (Women s) 4:00 p.m. / 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. (Daylight) 4:30 p.m. Softball Before daylight savings weekday conference games will start at 2:30pm.After daylight Fri 3:00 p.m. Sat 12 Noon savings time, 3:30pm. (Adopted: 05/25/04 effective 09/01/04) Tennis (Men s) 3:00pm. After daylight savings time, institutions, upon the agreement of opposing school, have the option to move the starting time to 3:30pm (Adopted: 05/25/04 effective 09/01/04) 1:00 p.m. C. Current Year Schedules (Refer to NEWMAC Administrative Website) D. In-Season Standings 1. Conference Sports Information Directors are responsible for ing or faxing the Publicist with their NEWMAC and overall records every Monday by 12 Noon for results and 4:00pm for required team and individual statistics. 2. The following process should be used for calculating standings: a. Before conference competition begins, teams are ranked by their non-conference records. b. Once NEWMAC competition begins, teams need to be ranked by their conference records. Rankings are based on winning percentage in conference competition, not by number of conference wins. For soccer only, the primary criteria for determining the standings is the point system, and winning percentage should not be included. d. Rank a team which has conference losses but no wins below a team that has not played at all; i.e., a team with 0-1 conference record is ranked below a team with an 0-0 record. Page 18

19 e. If two or more teams have identical conference records, they should be ranked by head-to-head results if possible. f. If two or more teams have identical conference records and have not played head-to-head, the teams are to be ranked in alphabetical order. 3. The Conference Publicist develops and distributes conference standings and overall records, statistics and Player-of-the-Week information to newspapers, the conference SIDs, and coaches. 4. The Conference Champion is determined by the tournament championship. The seeding criteria will be used to determine higher seed. If the championship tournament is not completed, then the highest seeded team will be named the conference champion. E. In-Season Statistics Statistics need to be cumulative after the first week. The following statistics are to be kept for NEWMAC competition. Whenever possible, it is recommended that NCAA statistics be kept. BASEBALL Individual Statistics Homerun RBI Doubles Triples Runs Stolen Bases Saves Strike Outs Pitching Wins/Loses Team Statistics Team Fielding Team Offense Team Pitching BASKETBALL Individual Statistics Scoring Free throw % Field goal % Rebounds offensive and defensive 3 point % Assists Team Statistics Scoring offense Scoring defense Free throw % Field goal % Won/Lost % Won/Lost Record and Overall CROSS COUNTRY Each coach is responsible for sharing their meet information from the weekend with other coaches by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday following a weekend competition. Information to be shared will include their team s top Page 19

20 seven individual times with places; overall winning time of the meet; team scores from the meet; and site of the meet. In addition, full results from every meet will be shared (by , fax, or mail) by the coaches amongst themselves prior to the next week s poll for use in the New England poll. FIELD HOCKEY Individual Statistics Goals and assists (2 points per goal and 1 point per assist) = total points Goalie statistics Team Statistics Won/Lost % Goals for and goals against Won/Lost Record and Overall LACROSSE Individual Statistics Goals and assists = total points Goalie statistics Team Statistics Won/Lost % Goals for and goals against Won/Lost Record and Overall SOCCER Individual Statistics Goals and assists (2 points per goal and 1 point per assist) = total points Goalie statistics Team Statistics Won/Lost % Goals for and goals against Won/Lost Record and Overall SOFTBALL Individual Statistics Hitting - AB H R HR 2B 3B RBI AVG; (include 5 batters in each category of weekly score reporting.) Pitching W L IP R ER ERA SO BB Defensive Stats VOLLEYBALL Individual Statistics (for players meeting minimums) Hitting % Kills Aces Assists Digs Blocks Team Statistics Won/Lost Overall Record Won/Lost Record for the week V. CHAMPIONSHIPS A. General Principles No exhibition contests during a NEWMAC championship will be allowed. (Adopted: 08/28/03 effective 09/01/03) Page 20

21 B. Championship Responsibilities The Championship Director for a conference championship has the overall responsibility for the organization and administration of that championship. It is expected that, if the Athletics Director does not serve as the Championship Director, that the Athletics Director will guide the institution s staff in their duties in line with the directives of the Administrative Group. For the highest seed championship the liaison will perform the tasks below until the highest seed is determined for the semi-finals and finals, at which time the highest seed contact will be responsible for these tasks and event management of the tournament. 1. Organize, fund, prepare, and distribute an agenda and conduct the pre-season conference call for the coaches, championship staff, and the sports liaison for the sports that have pre-determined site Championships. 2. Reserve appropriate facilities and obtain trainers and game personnel required for the pre-determined site championship. 3. Contact appropriate assignors and obtain officials for all rounds of the championship at pre-determined site. 4. Prepare and distribute information regarding the championship a. Dates and times b. Hotel information c. Officials d. Facilities and trainers coverage e. Identify Championship Director and Sports Liaison 5. Guide the institution s sports information director in carrying out responsibilities a. Obtain the official championship program and championship t-shirts from the conference office b. Make arrangements for recording contest statistics 6. Fax championship information to area newspapers one day prior to championship 7. Assign locker and meeting rooms for participating teams and championship officials. 8. Set up protest committee for the championship; include the Sports Liaison as a member of this committee. 9. If weather causes postponement, contact members and officials to inform them of changes in dates, times, and possible locations. 10. See that results of championship contests are ed or faxed each day to area newspapers and that the final championship statistics and results are recorded and sent to the Sports Liaison. 11. Assist coach in developing and distributing agenda with date, time, and location of post-championship meeting. 12. Compile and distribute Championship Report with Shared Expenses Invoice to all members. Only members sponsoring the sport should pay for shared expenses. Quarterfinal sights will forward the officials information to the championship host institution (semis/finals). Championship host institution will pay all officials. For quarterfinals, the only shared expenses covered are officials. Contest management is not covered for quarterfinals. For semis/finals, officials and contest staff would be covered as a shared cost. Page 21

22 HOST INSTITUTION RESPONSIBILITIES Championship Event Minimal Expectations Official Scoreboard Ball PA Scorer Operator Statistics Persons Shot Clock Baseball/SB X X X Basketball X X X X X Field Hockey X X X 4/Turf 2/Grass Lacrosse X X X 2 Soccer X X X 4 Volleyball X X X X 3 or 4 3 oncourse officials Rowing Pay for 1 starter S & D X 12 Timers 8+4 rovers 2 Diving 1 Runner/per hour 1-2 lifeguards $1,350 computer operator T & F X 12 Workers XC X 2 Timers 7 Chute 3 on Course (Revised: 09/01/2006) PRE-DETERMINED SITE RESPONSIBILITIES 1 Pre-season Meeting (Conference Call) Arrange Develop agenda/run meeting Liaison Liaison Host Host Exec Liaison Coach SID SID Inst Sec Participate Minutes if on call 2 Prepare and Distribute Info Meet seedings Meet results 3 Secure Officials Pay officials 4 Contest Results 5 Program Conference Standings if applicable Weekly Report Player of the Week Compile Page 22

23 6 All Conference Ballot Secure Nominations M/W Tn Compile & Distribute Ballots M/W Tn News Release M/W Tn and 7 Post-Season Meeting Secure Meeting Room & Time Meeting Agenda Conduct Meeting Participate if possible Conduct Voting M/W Tn Minutes 9 Shared Expense Report 10 Attend Conference Championship or delegate if possible (Adopted: 06/30/03 effective 09/01/03; effective 09/01/04, SIDs are not mandated to attend post-season meetings) HIGHEST SEED HOSTING RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Host institution will pay for officials and develop the cost share report. (Adopted: 05/25/04 effective 09/01/04) a. Liaison will secure the officials and forward the information to the appropriate host sights for all rounds. b. Host sight may confirm game time and sight with officials assigned to their game. c. First round sights will forward the officials information to the championship host institution (semis/finals). d. Championship host institution will pay all officials. e. Championship host institution will develop and distribute the cost-share report. 2. Host institution will inform the NCAA of the NEWMAC AQ winner. (Adopted: 11/15/04 effective 11/15/04) 1 Pre-season Meeting (Conference Call) Arrange Develop agenda/run mtg Liaison Liaison Host Host EXEC LIAISON Coach SID SID INST DIR Page 23 Participate Minutes Exec Dir 2 Prepare and Distribute Info if on call Score Reporting Form Statistics 3 Secure Officials & fd to Host Inst 4 Seed and Bracket Placement

24 5 Contest Results 6 Program Conference Standings Weekly Report Player of the Week Compile 7 All Conference Ballot Secure Nominations Compile & Distribute Ballots News Release together 8 Post-Season Meeting Secure Meeting Room & Time Meeting Agenda Conduct Meeting Participate if possible Conduct Voting Minutes 9 Shared Expense Report Pay officials 10 Attend Conference Championship if possible 11 Awards Presentation or (Adopted: 06/30/03 effective 09/01/03; effective 09/01/04, SIDs are not mandated to attend post-season meetings) C. TIE-BREAKING/SEEDING 1. Seeding in the team sports of the following: Baseball Basketball Field Hockey Lacrosse Soccer Softball Volleyball Will be based on results of conference competition during the season. 2. The team with the best NEWMAC record is seeded #1. The second best record, # 2, etc. through to the 10 th position 3. Tie-breaking principles, in order of presentation, for the following sports: Baseball Basketball Field Hockey Page 24

25 Lacrosse Softball a. Head-to-head competition results. * b. Records among teams that are tied. c. Use a comparison against a ranked order, beginning with the top seed until the tie is broken. o o For example: If 2 teams are tied for fourth place, then those 2 teams results will be compared with results against the # 1 seed first, then the # 2 seed, and so on until the tie is broken. If 3 teams are tied and the tie is broken with 2 teams remaining tied, then the tie is broken by head-to-head results. d. If necessary, head-to-head competition against common, non-conference opponents of the teams that are tied will be used. o When using non-conference opponents results, contests held at home for both (or more) institutions or on the road for both (or more) institutions will be used before looking at collective records against common opponents. See individual sports for additional steps that have been added before the final step. e. A draw will occur as the final step for all tied teams. * For women s basketball, with regard to seeding tie-breakers between three schools (two in East and one in West) disregard head-to-head because there are insufficient playing opportunities to support a decision. (Adopted: 06/04/02 effective 10/15/03) For example: 4 way tie between Wellesley, Wheaton, Babson, and WPI o Head-to-head shows that no one team defeated the other three. o Win/loss record among tied teams show that Wheaton and Babson are 2-1. Head-to-head between the 2 teams finds that Babson defeated Wheaton; therefore Babson is seeded above Wheaton. o Win/loss record between Wellesley and WPI show that they are 1-2. Head-to-head between the 2 teams finds that WPI defeated Wellesley; therefore WPI is seeded above Wellesley. o The seeds would be Babson, then Wheaton, then WPI, and then Wellesley. 4. Volleyball tie-breaking principles, in order of priority (Adopted: 06/03/03 effective 08/01/03) Overall NEWMAC record Head to head results amongst tied teams Winning percentage of games amongst tied teams Point differential of games amongst tied teams Ranked order comparison Coin Toss 5. Soccer tie-breaking principles, in order of priority (Revised: 05/24/06) 1) Total points for season standings (3 for win, 1 for tie) 2) Head to head competition between tied teams 3) Record/results between teams that are tied 4) Use a comparison against a ranked order, beginning with the top seed until the tie is broken. o For example: If 2 teams are tied for fourth place, then those 2 teams results will be compared with results against the # 1 seed first, then the # 2 seed, and so on until the tie is broken. o If 3 teams are tied and the tie is broken with 2 teams remaining tied, then the tie is broken by head-to-head results. Page 25