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] * ***********************************