I hope that at least a few of us realize that most of our NCAA bashing is just that ... bashing, as in attacking and abusing. It's pretty easy to do that because - We see actions and decisions without knowledge of the entire situation. - Rules are developed for a few abnormal situations, but applied everywhere in the interest of fairness. - There is no one in this group able to speak about the facts leading to specific rules and cases. - There is no one in this group able to speak for the NCAA. Perhaps some of us could take an item discussed on HOCKEY-L that is particularly troubling or otherwise of interest, and then call or write to the NCAA and get an "official", or at least more knowledgeable voice in some of the things we have been hearing. I'm convinced it's possible to bludgeon anyone and any organization that does or tries to do ANYTHING, without regard to truth or merit. I hope some of us might dig a little deeper to report a bit more of the story. For my part, I'll try to write a story this summer on what I can learn about my local areas' perspective of the NCAA and its operation. I'll chat with acquaintances that are NCAA compliance and accreditation officers and write a few letters to school administrators. I like playing reporter now and again. HOW ABOUT YOU? Wayne Smith The College Hockey Discussion List administrator Systems Group - CAPS BITNET/CREN: wts@maine University of Maine System internet: [log in to unmask]