I'm kind of puzzled and even a bit exasperated at times by some (not
all) of the NCAA-bashing that occurs here.  I totally agree with the
annoyance expressed about the procedures which allow non-hockey
programs in a division vote on rules for hockey programs (outside of
general academic and ethical areas), particulary since the non-icers
greatly outnumber the hockey schools, especially in Division I.  (What
is the ratio of non-hockey to hockey schools IN Division I?  Must be
horrendous--say 130:20?  Too bad more Div I hockey programs aren't in
"Division I prgrams.")
 
BUT. . . lots of the beating on the "NC$$" (I DO kind of like our
use of the $$'s in place of the AA's, ;-)  ) is directed at our own
people.  In particular, the seedings of the national tournament are
the work of a group of Div I hockey program coaches and AD types
who, maybe for better or for worse, are US.  ("We have met the enemy
and it is us."?)
 
Now, the fact that all the proceeds from the Division I hockey
tournament go to Divsion I schools, which means the actual hockey-
playing members get only a tiny share of it--what, 20/130 = 15%, and
that AFTER the NCAA headquarters gets its rakeoff, well . . . humph!
And most of "us," not being "Division I programs," get NONE of it,
grrr!  Ironically, the majority of the Division I hockey programs
(admittedly a small majority) would be better off financially IN
TERMS OF THE NATIONAL TOURNAMENT PROCEEDS if we were Division II
in hockey, now that a Division II tournament is being reistituted--
this is because we're "Division II programs" and would thus get a
share of the proceeds.  Of course, I think it would be a mistake for
the Division II schools to move out of Division I hockey status
when you look at the overall picture:  we would be crazy to give up
affiliation with the hockey programs at places like Minnesota and
Wisconsin, speaking for NMU (and presumably the other Div II WCHA
programs), and I would think Ferris, UIC & LSSU would like to
continue bumping heads on a regular basis with Michigan, Michigan
State, et al. in the CCHA.
(Actually, maybe you Eastern fans wouldn't see it this
way, come to think of it.  At least quite a few traditional hockey
powers in the East are associated with non-Div I athletic programs.
However, I assume the Ivy League schools are important to you, so
my general assumption is probably closer to what you're thinking.)
 
Well--the FAIR solution would be for PROGRAMS in each NCAA (there, I'm
being nice!) division to vote and share revenues as a group.  I
suppose that's just too complicated (sigh!)--or too rational?
 
Hey!  This was supposed to be a "stop being so hard on the NC$$" piece
and look what happened!  Maybe you guys are right!  (But I still feel
I'm right about the hockey tournament seeding comments.) :-)
 
                      ***********************************
                     *      Steve Christopher, NMU       *
                    *  "Go 'Cats!''Going for two in '92!" *
                     *        [log in to unmask]         *
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