A new SLR blanket waiver for softball was announced today:
The NCAA Division I Legislative Council Subcommittee for Legislative Relief approved a blanket waiver to permit softball programs at Division I quarter institutions to begin practice and competition during the 45 day nonchampionship segment as early as September 15, 2009, even if classes have not started for the 2009 fall term. The subcommittee granted the request based on the totality of circumstances. The subcommittee noted: (1) Adjusting the start date for the nonchampionship segment helps address competitive equity concerns related to the varying academic calendars (i.e., quarter versus semester institutions) and climates of Division I institutions; (2) The change of the start date does not provide a competitive advantage for these quarter institutions impacted by the blanket waiver because the waiver is not extending the length of the 132 day playing season in the sport of softball; (3) Applicant conference will sponsor legislation for the 2009-10 legislative cycle to address this issue in the future; and (4) The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and the NCAA Division I Women's Softball Committee supported the blanket waiver request. To view this blanket waiver in its entirety, please access SLR Case No. 11653 on LSDBi.