NCAA Division III Philosophy Statement
The purpose of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is to assist its members in developing the basis for consistent, equitable competition while minimizing infringement on the freedom of individual members to determine their own unique objectives and programs. The philosophy statement articulates principles that represent a commitment to Division III membership and shall serve as a guide for the preparation of legislation by the division and for planning and implementation of programs by institutions and conferences.
- Division III members affirm the purposes and fundamental policy of the NCAA, as set forth in Constitution Article 1 with emphasis on:
- Division III members shall establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s activities are conducted with the appropriate primary emphasis on the student-athlete’s academic experience.
- Division III intercollegiate athletics shall be conducted in a manner designed to protect, support and enhance the physical and mental health and safety of student-athletes.
- Division III members shall be committed to the creation of diverse and inclusive environments with respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person.
- Division III athletics shall be conducted in a manner free of gender bias.
- NCAA Constitution Article 2 establishes the independent authority of Division III to organize itself and determine its own governing structure and membership.
- Institutional presidents and chancellors have the ultimate responsibility and final authority for the conduct of Division III intercollegiate athletics at the national, conference and institutional levels.
- Institutional and conference members determine policy at the national level through the Division III governance and legislative processes.
- Key institution and conference constituents who play an integral role in the governance and operation of Division III at the national, conference and institutional levels include, but are not limited to athletics direct reports, athletics diversity and inclusion designees, athletics health care administrators, coaches, conference commissioners, directors of athletics, faculty athletics representatives, presidents and chancellors, senior compliance administrators, senior woman administrators, and student-athletes.
- Division III members abide by the following principles that help to define and distinguish the division and its policies and legislation.
- Student-Athlete Collegiate Experience.
- Primarily focus on intercollegiate athletics as a four-year undergrad experience.
- Seek to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete's athletics activities are conducted as an integral part of their educational experience.
- Assure that student-athletes are supported in their efforts to meaningfully participate in nonathletic pursuits to enhance their overall educational experience.
- Student-Athlete Athletics Experience.
- Support student-athletes in their efforts to reach the highest levels of athletics performance, with a primary emphasis on conference and regional competition, while providing access to national championships.
- Prioritize the experience of the participants, and the internal constituency (e.g., students, alumni, institutional personnel) rather than on the entertainment needs of spectators or the general public
- Develop and maintain an environment that promotes sportsmanship and a positive culture for student-athletes, coaches, and administrative personnel, recognizing the role intercollegiate athletics can play in human development. Ensure spectators contribute to a positive sporting experience in support of all participants.
- Member Responsibility and Oversight.
- Encourage participation and provide equitable opportunities with support for gender and ethnic/racial diversity. Give equal emphasis to men’s and women’s sports.
- The administration of an institution's athletics program (e.g., hiring, compensation, professional development, certification of coaches) should be integrated into the campus culture and educational mission.
- Assure all teams are provided with appropriate facilities, competent coaching and competitive opportunities.
- Assure student-athletes are treated similarly to the student-body in areas that include, but are not limited to, admissions, enrollment, financial aid, academic and career support, academic performance, and degree completion.
- Assure that financial aid is not awarded to any student on the basis of athletics leadership, ability, participation or performance. (Adopted: 1/16/24 effective 8/1/24)
- Student-Athlete Collegiate Experience.
What is Division III?
(taken from CollegeStudentAthletes.com)
NCAA Division III is where the true student-athlete studies and competes. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is the main governing body of collegiate sports, dividing levels of classification into three divisions. D3 institutions are largely regarded as leading academic institutions and do not offer athletic scholarships. Still, athletics in D3 is highly competitive. There are over 136,000 athletes at over 430 D3 colleges and universities and each one is studying to earn a valuable degree in preparation for the workplace while playing the sport that he or she loves.
For D3 athletes, sports have been an integral part of our lives since our youth. From elementary school through high school, sports have complemented our educational experience.
And as college looms, we want to continue playing the sport we love while receiving an education from a first-rate college. A D3 school is that fit.
How D3 is Distinct...
- Athletes at D3 colleges and universities receive no financial aid on the basis of athletic merit, although substantial financial aid and academic merit scholarships are available at most D3 institutions.
- D3 schools place highest priority on the overall educational experience; athletics is a complement to academics and overall residential experience.
- D3 student-athletes are well rounded and take advantage of extracurricular activities in college. At the D1 and D2 levels, athletics are a student's life and they have limited availability to college life outside of their respective sport.
Why Division III Athletics?
(taken from CollegeStudentAthletes.com)
Competing at a quality academic Division III institution that cares equally for it's academics and athletics is the purest example of being a college student-athlete. The idea of playing a sport because you want to, instead of because you have to, is much more invigorating to an athlete whether the success is great or in moderation. At a Division III institution the choice to compete is at the digestion of each individual. The management of time is important to all college students, and the sooner it is learned the easier it is to survive in a competitive environment.
The biggest myth about Division III athletics is that it is just an extension of High School. This is farthest from the truth. Competition at the D-III level can rival many of the other divisions in quality and competitiveness. Division III allows an athlete to grow, mature and gain confidence so that the athlete can reach his/her potential. There are many athletes, male or female, that are competing at the D III level that after a year or two in college can play at any level but chose to stay at D III to enjoy the full experience of a college education.
It has been said many times that only part of a college education stems from the classroom experience. The part, and arguably the most important part of a college education, that comes from the out of classroom experiences is extremely valuable. If you are competing at a Division I institution you are bound to that sport during the entire year. Hence, leaving little time for extracurricular activities that may enhance a college education. Learning comes in all forms, and should be investigated by all students during their college experience.
Division III athletics are an integral part of our educational system and should be considered by all student-athletes that seek to get a quality education while competing in the sport that they enjoy. Take time to investigate all options and make an educated decision on what best fits you.
Why we play Division III Athletics
(by Sean Sornsin - Cornell College)
It's not about getting a scholarship, getting drafted, or making SportsCenter. It's a deep need in us that comes from the heart.
We need to practice, to play, to lift, to hustle, to sweat. We do it all for our teammates and for the student in our calculus class that we don't even know.
We don't practice with a future major league first baseman; we practice with a future sports agent.
We don't lift weights with a future Olympic wrestler; we lift with a future doctor.
We don't run with a future Wimbledon champion; we run with a future CEO.
It's a bigger part of us than our friends and family can understand.
Sometimes we play for 2,000 fans; sometimes 25. But we still play hard. You cheer for us because you know us.
You know more than just our names. Like all of you, we are students first.
We don't sign autographs. But we do sign graduate school applications, MCAT exams, and student body petitions.
When we miss a kick or strike out, we don't let down an entire state. We only let down our teammates, coaches, and fans. But the hurt is still the same.
We train hard, lift, throw, run, kick, tackle, shoot, dribble, and lift some more, and in the morning we go to class. And in that class we are nothing more than students.
It's about pride-in ourselves, in our school.
It's about our love and passion for the game. And when it's over, when we walk off that court or field for the last time, our hearts crumble. Those tears are real. But deep down inside, we are very proud of ourselves.
We will forever be what few can claim...college athletes.
(This article first appeared in the Dec. 3, 1999 edition of The Cornellian, the student newspaper at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.)