OK. Easy question here.
What would you consider more important --
(1) a low entry fee for a regional basketball tournament, or
(2) a higher entry fee with enhanced quality, like entry into the national tournament?
Please provide a rationale so we can follow your thinking (and create some debate).
Monday, November 17, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
What about Volleyball?
I've had several committee members and colleagues ask me recently, "Why all the focus on basketball and flag football? What about soccer and volleyball?"
Okay -- let's talk about them.
What should we do about the Volleyball Championships? In their current form, the volleyball championships attract approximately 250 collegiate teams each year. This tournament is easily the largest and most representative of our national championship tournaments. So what's the problem?
Well, here are a few of the concerns that surround the volleyball championships.
1) Size and Format of the Tournament
The size of the tournament requires us to rent convention centers to hold our tournaments. This has both positive and negative outcomes. There are those that suggest we should return to campuses to host regional qualifying events -- consistent with our National Championship format adopted by the NCCS. The NCCS Committee has taken this stance. The question is, "What would this look like and how will it impact the existing championship?" Do we truly understand what it will take to accomplish this and are we, the NCCS and the NIRSA membership, willing to commit what it takes to see that through? Regional qualifying events require regional hosts. They require professionals willing to run tournaments. They require teams willing to attend and pay entry fees that can support the tournament and the winning teams qualifying expenses. Are we prepared for that? Are students?
2) Behavioral Issues
When you have 250 collegiate teams in one or more hotels surrounding the convention center, there will inevitably be behavioral issues that lead to increased expenditures -- we call it security. This has proven true for the NCCS. These behavioral issues are not uncommon when you get 2500 college students together in the same place. Issues of concern include alcohol use and abuse, sexual health, safety and security, among others. The question is, what does the NCCS do about it? Are we doing enough to safeguard the students that attend? Is that our role? The problem -- and yes there has been a problem -- hasn't been in the convention center or competitive venues. The problems occur in the hotel rooms that are reserved by these students. Noise violations, property damage, alcohol and alcohol related behaviors do pose a reputational risk to the NCCS. So we must address it in some way -- and we have. Is what we have done enough?
3) Cost
There are inherent costs involved when you rent out a large convention center -- costs that increase the amount of money a team must pay to attend. Facility rental, maintenance and custodial services, set-up and take down, staff meals, security and a host of other expenses are incurred at a higher rate than at a college or university (generally speaking). Moving these same expenses back to campus might create lower teams costs, but you then would be adding an additional level of play required for qualification to the national championship. Add these costs up -- which is better for students or institutions that foot the bill?
That's all for now. I know I haven't covered all of the issues, but I hope there are those of you who will help drive this conversation. Let me hear your feedback.
Okay -- let's talk about them.
What should we do about the Volleyball Championships? In their current form, the volleyball championships attract approximately 250 collegiate teams each year. This tournament is easily the largest and most representative of our national championship tournaments. So what's the problem?
Well, here are a few of the concerns that surround the volleyball championships.
1) Size and Format of the Tournament
The size of the tournament requires us to rent convention centers to hold our tournaments. This has both positive and negative outcomes. There are those that suggest we should return to campuses to host regional qualifying events -- consistent with our National Championship format adopted by the NCCS. The NCCS Committee has taken this stance. The question is, "What would this look like and how will it impact the existing championship?" Do we truly understand what it will take to accomplish this and are we, the NCCS and the NIRSA membership, willing to commit what it takes to see that through? Regional qualifying events require regional hosts. They require professionals willing to run tournaments. They require teams willing to attend and pay entry fees that can support the tournament and the winning teams qualifying expenses. Are we prepared for that? Are students?
2) Behavioral Issues
When you have 250 collegiate teams in one or more hotels surrounding the convention center, there will inevitably be behavioral issues that lead to increased expenditures -- we call it security. This has proven true for the NCCS. These behavioral issues are not uncommon when you get 2500 college students together in the same place. Issues of concern include alcohol use and abuse, sexual health, safety and security, among others. The question is, what does the NCCS do about it? Are we doing enough to safeguard the students that attend? Is that our role? The problem -- and yes there has been a problem -- hasn't been in the convention center or competitive venues. The problems occur in the hotel rooms that are reserved by these students. Noise violations, property damage, alcohol and alcohol related behaviors do pose a reputational risk to the NCCS. So we must address it in some way -- and we have. Is what we have done enough?
3) Cost
There are inherent costs involved when you rent out a large convention center -- costs that increase the amount of money a team must pay to attend. Facility rental, maintenance and custodial services, set-up and take down, staff meals, security and a host of other expenses are incurred at a higher rate than at a college or university (generally speaking). Moving these same expenses back to campus might create lower teams costs, but you then would be adding an additional level of play required for qualification to the national championship. Add these costs up -- which is better for students or institutions that foot the bill?
That's all for now. I know I haven't covered all of the issues, but I hope there are those of you who will help drive this conversation. Let me hear your feedback.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Hot Seat: How's the water?
I recently had a pool built in my back yard. It's nice. It's got water (no kidding), Shasta stone, an in-ground cleaning system, some crazy ozone injector, and even a couple of water features called Wok Pots (I don't know – whatever). Oh, it's nice! The anticipation of this pool has had my family giddy for weeks and weeks. Even through the construction delays, optimism was all around them.
We've had the pool operational for a month now. I've been in it twice!
I write this not to share with you how sad and depressing my life is (though there is considerable room for debate there), but to draw a comparison with our National Sports Program and its purpose within NIRSA.
I ask myself, "Why have I been in only twice?" Sure, there are a lot of demands on my time. Maybe I don't even like to swim. For Pete's sake, I live in a desert – why wouldn't I get in the pool?
The answer, I have concluded, is because the pool is not for me.
Like so many professionals in our field, our joy comes in building things that others will use. We serve without asking what's in it for us, and we take pride in the benefits others derive from our work. It's who we are. I built this pool so I could watch my family frolic in the water and avoid melting in the Arizona sun. My joy comes from that.
The NCCS is building a National Sports Program so our students and professionals can enjoy the benefits of that program. And when I say National Sports Program, I don't just mean playing basketball or any of our other sports – though certainly benefits come from that. I am referring to the professional skills developed through working in a regional or national tournament, or any of our NCCS work teams. Event management skills, supervisory skills, leadership, prioritization, compromise and vision are just a few of the characteristics one refines in these roles. At tournaments, we employ human relations skills, we teach, we learn, we watch others grow, and we employ the skills we use in our everyday jobs – and we refine them and bring value back to our campuses.
Some folks ask what the value of these tournaments is for NIRSA. There it is. For many NIRSA professionals in the intramural sports and sport club realm, these tournaments serve as our living laboratory – our ongoing symposia. And I shouldn't limit that to IM and Sport Club folks. Facilities people, fitness/wellness folks and upper administration can all benefit from participating in these events. In fact, we've had them all.
I got in the pool the other day, with my family. Yes, that was the second time. It's the first time in weeks we were all together at the same time. That has value. Thinking back on it, I realize that we need to take the time to enjoy the things we build. There are benefits that we know exist, but do not take advantage of: stress-relief, cardiovascular strength and conditioning, social networking, and family time to name a few.
Yet, many in our profession choose not to get in the pool (blatant pool-NCCS analogy). Many have been in the pool so long their skin is wrinkled and blue. We all have our reasons. But I encourage you to jump in and give it a try.There are a ton of pool analogies I could draw on to make my next point, but I'm tired of them already. So, I will simply invite all of our profession to experience one of the many NCCS National Sports Programs this year. Visit the NIRSA website to find out how, when and where.
One final note. I haven't quite figured out how to pay for my pool. Therefore, next month's column will center on that topic – paying for our pool (insert analogy here).
We've had the pool operational for a month now. I've been in it twice!
I write this not to share with you how sad and depressing my life is (though there is considerable room for debate there), but to draw a comparison with our National Sports Program and its purpose within NIRSA.
I ask myself, "Why have I been in only twice?" Sure, there are a lot of demands on my time. Maybe I don't even like to swim. For Pete's sake, I live in a desert – why wouldn't I get in the pool?
The answer, I have concluded, is because the pool is not for me.
Like so many professionals in our field, our joy comes in building things that others will use. We serve without asking what's in it for us, and we take pride in the benefits others derive from our work. It's who we are. I built this pool so I could watch my family frolic in the water and avoid melting in the Arizona sun. My joy comes from that.
The NCCS is building a National Sports Program so our students and professionals can enjoy the benefits of that program. And when I say National Sports Program, I don't just mean playing basketball or any of our other sports – though certainly benefits come from that. I am referring to the professional skills developed through working in a regional or national tournament, or any of our NCCS work teams. Event management skills, supervisory skills, leadership, prioritization, compromise and vision are just a few of the characteristics one refines in these roles. At tournaments, we employ human relations skills, we teach, we learn, we watch others grow, and we employ the skills we use in our everyday jobs – and we refine them and bring value back to our campuses.
Some folks ask what the value of these tournaments is for NIRSA. There it is. For many NIRSA professionals in the intramural sports and sport club realm, these tournaments serve as our living laboratory – our ongoing symposia. And I shouldn't limit that to IM and Sport Club folks. Facilities people, fitness/wellness folks and upper administration can all benefit from participating in these events. In fact, we've had them all.
I got in the pool the other day, with my family. Yes, that was the second time. It's the first time in weeks we were all together at the same time. That has value. Thinking back on it, I realize that we need to take the time to enjoy the things we build. There are benefits that we know exist, but do not take advantage of: stress-relief, cardiovascular strength and conditioning, social networking, and family time to name a few.
Yet, many in our profession choose not to get in the pool (blatant pool-NCCS analogy). Many have been in the pool so long their skin is wrinkled and blue. We all have our reasons. But I encourage you to jump in and give it a try.There are a ton of pool analogies I could draw on to make my next point, but I'm tired of them already. So, I will simply invite all of our profession to experience one of the many NCCS National Sports Programs this year. Visit the NIRSA website to find out how, when and where.
One final note. I haven't quite figured out how to pay for my pool. Therefore, next month's column will center on that topic – paying for our pool (insert analogy here).
Monday, September 15, 2008
NCCS Vision from 2008 Summit
The NCCS – A 5-Year Plan for Flag Football and Basketball
What will these National Sports Programs look like in 5 years?
This was the question I asked the NCCS committee at our annual summit just a few weeks ago. It touched off what I might describe as a colorful debate. Our task was to forge a vision of what these programs might look like in 2013-14. This is a summary of our vision.
· Flag Football and Basketball will employ a Championship format. Teams will qualify for this tournament at one of up to 12 regional tournaments throughout the country. Two teams from each of these regional tournaments will advance to a national tournament site to compete in the national championship tournament. An open collegiate tournament would take place alongside this championship tournament, balancing our dual missions of participation and championship play.
· Qualifying teams will receive support from a number of agencies, including the NSC and their corporate partners, the NCCS through the regional tournament structure, and from the team’s own college, university or military institution.
· These tournaments will be run by NIRSA professionals selected by the NCCS committee. These selections will be based upon the stated interest of the candidate and his/her qualifications relative to the standards established by the NCCS (these standards can be viewed on-line at http://www.nirsa.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Sports/NationalCampusChampionshipSeries/nccs_staff.htm )
· The professional development experience that NIRSA members take part in will be grounded in learning outcomes and professional development goals consistent with the NIRSA mission and NCCS guiding principles.
· These tournaments will be both affordable to students/institutions and fiscally responsible in their operation. We will partner with corporate sponsors when that partnership advances the interests of our programs and adds value to the student and professional experience. We will operate these tournaments regardless of partners in the business world.
· The student experience will be outstanding. By creating a financial infrastructure that reduces barriers to participation; by selecting time frames that minimize conflicts with school; and by selecting host sites that offer a broad recreational and social experience with a variety of exciting ancillary activities, students will identify the NCCS brand as being synonymous with high quality competitive sports activities.
From this point forward our goal will be to fulfill this vision. Our decision making process will be shaped by it. At the same time, we will be alert to opportunities that can enhance this vision; we extend our hand to all students and professionals who share this vision – and those who do not.
Steps to achieving this vision have already begun. The NCCS committee and its various work teams have already partnered with many other NIRSA committees and professional and student members to start this process. Please join us as we chart this new path together.
Future Hot Seat Articles will touch upon the critical decisions necessary to fulfill this vision. If you have input regarding this vision (pro or con), or the steps necessary to achieve it, visit the NCCS Blog site at http://nirsa-nccs.blogspot.com/ and share your thoughts.
What will these National Sports Programs look like in 5 years?
This was the question I asked the NCCS committee at our annual summit just a few weeks ago. It touched off what I might describe as a colorful debate. Our task was to forge a vision of what these programs might look like in 2013-14. This is a summary of our vision.
· Flag Football and Basketball will employ a Championship format. Teams will qualify for this tournament at one of up to 12 regional tournaments throughout the country. Two teams from each of these regional tournaments will advance to a national tournament site to compete in the national championship tournament. An open collegiate tournament would take place alongside this championship tournament, balancing our dual missions of participation and championship play.
· Qualifying teams will receive support from a number of agencies, including the NSC and their corporate partners, the NCCS through the regional tournament structure, and from the team’s own college, university or military institution.
· These tournaments will be run by NIRSA professionals selected by the NCCS committee. These selections will be based upon the stated interest of the candidate and his/her qualifications relative to the standards established by the NCCS (these standards can be viewed on-line at http://www.nirsa.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Sports/NationalCampusChampionshipSeries/nccs_staff.htm )
· The professional development experience that NIRSA members take part in will be grounded in learning outcomes and professional development goals consistent with the NIRSA mission and NCCS guiding principles.
· These tournaments will be both affordable to students/institutions and fiscally responsible in their operation. We will partner with corporate sponsors when that partnership advances the interests of our programs and adds value to the student and professional experience. We will operate these tournaments regardless of partners in the business world.
· The student experience will be outstanding. By creating a financial infrastructure that reduces barriers to participation; by selecting time frames that minimize conflicts with school; and by selecting host sites that offer a broad recreational and social experience with a variety of exciting ancillary activities, students will identify the NCCS brand as being synonymous with high quality competitive sports activities.
From this point forward our goal will be to fulfill this vision. Our decision making process will be shaped by it. At the same time, we will be alert to opportunities that can enhance this vision; we extend our hand to all students and professionals who share this vision – and those who do not.
Steps to achieving this vision have already begun. The NCCS committee and its various work teams have already partnered with many other NIRSA committees and professional and student members to start this process. Please join us as we chart this new path together.
Future Hot Seat Articles will touch upon the critical decisions necessary to fulfill this vision. If you have input regarding this vision (pro or con), or the steps necessary to achieve it, visit the NCCS Blog site at http://nirsa-nccs.blogspot.com/ and share your thoughts.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Permanent Regional Sites: A Regional Structure….what if?
Recently, the NCCS adopted a regional map that is consistent with the 6-region NIRSA map. Within the NCCS regional map, each region is divided into two sub-regions, making our maximum tournament capacity equal to twelve tournaments.
Why did we adopt such a map? Well, it was a bit of a compromise.
First, between the NIRSA regional map (used more often by sport club championships) and the 8-region map used exclusively by extramural tournaments, there was an obvious lack of consistency, which led to confusion all over the place.
Second, the sub-regions were developed to reduce the distances teams might travel to attend a regional tournament.
Third, it provides us flexibility if our regional tournament structure requires growth or retraction.
And finally, a more controversial – and I think, exciting – opportunity for the NCCS. If we choose to, we could designate four to six of these tournaments as permanent regional sites, or super-sites, and still have up to six regional tournaments rotating on an annual or bi-annual basis.
Let’s be honest with ourselves – there are a number of regional host sites that have hosted forever and will continue to do it every year, whether or not they are selected as an NCCS host site. Maryland, Southern Mississippi, Arizona State, Ohio State might be examples of such tournament hosts. Others might become so if they knew we were serious about this possibility.
What do we have to lose? Not much, in my opinion, as long as (1) we provide opportunities for other schools and professionals to host, if they so desire, and (2) as long as each tournament upholds NCCS standards of competition.
What do we stand to gain? Consistency…Dependability…Predictability….all of which are desirable for students, professionals and participants.
Let me hear your thoughts on this topic.
Why did we adopt such a map? Well, it was a bit of a compromise.
First, between the NIRSA regional map (used more often by sport club championships) and the 8-region map used exclusively by extramural tournaments, there was an obvious lack of consistency, which led to confusion all over the place.
Second, the sub-regions were developed to reduce the distances teams might travel to attend a regional tournament.
Third, it provides us flexibility if our regional tournament structure requires growth or retraction.
And finally, a more controversial – and I think, exciting – opportunity for the NCCS. If we choose to, we could designate four to six of these tournaments as permanent regional sites, or super-sites, and still have up to six regional tournaments rotating on an annual or bi-annual basis.
Let’s be honest with ourselves – there are a number of regional host sites that have hosted forever and will continue to do it every year, whether or not they are selected as an NCCS host site. Maryland, Southern Mississippi, Arizona State, Ohio State might be examples of such tournament hosts. Others might become so if they knew we were serious about this possibility.
What do we have to lose? Not much, in my opinion, as long as (1) we provide opportunities for other schools and professionals to host, if they so desire, and (2) as long as each tournament upholds NCCS standards of competition.
What do we stand to gain? Consistency…Dependability…Predictability….all of which are desirable for students, professionals and participants.
Let me hear your thoughts on this topic.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Standards and Qualifications for NCCS Tournament Staff
The 3rd annual NCCS Summit took place last week, July 28-30 in Phoenix, AZ. The group addressed a number of important issues regarding NCCS events.
The NCCS committee approved job descriptions and qualifications for tournament staff, including the Director of Officials and Director of Competition positions at the national tournaments. Flag Football nationals will be the first tournament effected and then move into full effect with basketball regionals in the spring.
For those wishing to apply to work at the NCCS Flag Football National Tournament, more details will be forthcoming via eFASTNEWS and NIRSA KNOW. In the meantime, click on the following link to check out the minimum qualifications:
http://www.nirsa.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Sports/FlagFootball/flag_football.htm -- located in the box on the right hand side.
A special "Thank You" to Jacob Tingle and the entire professional development work team and the many other NIRSA professionals who contributed to the development of these standards.
If you have comments or concerns about these standards, please post them here.
The NCCS committee approved job descriptions and qualifications for tournament staff, including the Director of Officials and Director of Competition positions at the national tournaments. Flag Football nationals will be the first tournament effected and then move into full effect with basketball regionals in the spring.
For those wishing to apply to work at the NCCS Flag Football National Tournament, more details will be forthcoming via eFASTNEWS and NIRSA KNOW. In the meantime, click on the following link to check out the minimum qualifications:
http://www.nirsa.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Sports/FlagFootball/flag_football.htm -- located in the box on the right hand side.
A special "Thank You" to Jacob Tingle and the entire professional development work team and the many other NIRSA professionals who contributed to the development of these standards.
If you have comments or concerns about these standards, please post them here.
Monday, July 14, 2008
What would make a Championship Model Successful?
For about a year now, the NCCS committee has been discussing the concept of changing the format of our national competitions from an Open Model of competition, where any team can participate in our national championship, to a Championship Model, where teams must qualify to compete at the national tournament. In a recent conference call, the committee agreed to move forward with the concept – to look at implementing a Championship Model for all of our national championships. Within those same discussions, there was a majority opinion that a Hybrid Model might work best, where a Championship Tournament takes place alongside an open tournament, at the same facilities, at the same time. I call this the Soccer Model, because it is currently employed with great success in our Soccer Championships.
A somewhat modified format exists for our tennis championships, where teams qualify at sectional tournaments. Moreover, non-qualifying teams that have competed in a sectional tournament can sign up for the national tournament on a first come, first served basis.
That leaves volleyball, flag football and basketball. Well, volleyball seems to be the furthest from this structure, where a very successful national tournament employs an open tournament format. Let’s leave that one alone for a while. Mr. Gary Colberg will be joining us at the summit in a couple of weeks to help us understand how this might or might not work in a future NCCS volleyball tournament.
That leaves football and basketball – two traditional “extramural” events – as the most likely tournaments to be initially transitioned. But what are the issues that we need to consider in this transition? Why do it? And how do we make a National Championship Tournament successful in this format?
Let’s make the case for the transition.
· Creates a true national championship
· Emphasizes participation in our regional tournaments
· Financial support to regional winners may be only avenue for teams to compete at the national level, thus increasing interest at the regional level
· Creates a unique collegiate tournament experience
· Creates a financial infrastructure that can help support the national tournament
· This format is more attractive to corporate America, increasing the likelihood of attracting and keeping important partners in the business world.
· For some schools, this format validates their student participation in national sports programs, creating greater opportunity for institutional financial support for their participating teams.
· We have the ability and flexibility to offer a Hybrid Model
Let’s make a case against transition:
· Why change? What we have works.
· A Championship format abandons our traditional roots – our philosophy of open participation for all.
· Emphasizing regional tournament play will put a greater burden on regional tournament hosts.
· It takes a lot of money to make this work – particularly if we provide travel stipends to regional champions (and runners-up).
Now, we understand that this shift to a Championship Model isn’t enthusiastically accepted by everyone. We also understand that this model may not be the best format for all of our championships; and that, even if it is, the timeline for transitioning to this model varies greatly between our championships. That’s why we are posting it here.
The NCCS Committee is interested in your thoughts. Please feel free to provide your opinions on this topic and/or new variables to consider when its time to reach a decision. The only thing we ask is that your comments:
1. Are on task to the matter at hand;
2. Provide input based on facts and not conjecture (if you need information, please email me…I’m happy to provide what I can); and
3. Are conducive to follow up comments.
Our summit occurs July 28-30, and we will discuss this issue extensively. The committee would appreciate any perspective you can provide prior to those dates.
A somewhat modified format exists for our tennis championships, where teams qualify at sectional tournaments. Moreover, non-qualifying teams that have competed in a sectional tournament can sign up for the national tournament on a first come, first served basis.
That leaves volleyball, flag football and basketball. Well, volleyball seems to be the furthest from this structure, where a very successful national tournament employs an open tournament format. Let’s leave that one alone for a while. Mr. Gary Colberg will be joining us at the summit in a couple of weeks to help us understand how this might or might not work in a future NCCS volleyball tournament.
That leaves football and basketball – two traditional “extramural” events – as the most likely tournaments to be initially transitioned. But what are the issues that we need to consider in this transition? Why do it? And how do we make a National Championship Tournament successful in this format?
Let’s make the case for the transition.
· Creates a true national championship
· Emphasizes participation in our regional tournaments
· Financial support to regional winners may be only avenue for teams to compete at the national level, thus increasing interest at the regional level
· Creates a unique collegiate tournament experience
· Creates a financial infrastructure that can help support the national tournament
· This format is more attractive to corporate America, increasing the likelihood of attracting and keeping important partners in the business world.
· For some schools, this format validates their student participation in national sports programs, creating greater opportunity for institutional financial support for their participating teams.
· We have the ability and flexibility to offer a Hybrid Model
Let’s make a case against transition:
· Why change? What we have works.
· A Championship format abandons our traditional roots – our philosophy of open participation for all.
· Emphasizing regional tournament play will put a greater burden on regional tournament hosts.
· It takes a lot of money to make this work – particularly if we provide travel stipends to regional champions (and runners-up).
Now, we understand that this shift to a Championship Model isn’t enthusiastically accepted by everyone. We also understand that this model may not be the best format for all of our championships; and that, even if it is, the timeline for transitioning to this model varies greatly between our championships. That’s why we are posting it here.
The NCCS Committee is interested in your thoughts. Please feel free to provide your opinions on this topic and/or new variables to consider when its time to reach a decision. The only thing we ask is that your comments:
1. Are on task to the matter at hand;
2. Provide input based on facts and not conjecture (if you need information, please email me…I’m happy to provide what I can); and
3. Are conducive to follow up comments.
Our summit occurs July 28-30, and we will discuss this issue extensively. The committee would appreciate any perspective you can provide prior to those dates.
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