NCAA opens door to CIS schools

UBC and Simon Fraser likely candidates to make the move

Myles Gough, the Charlatan (Carleton University)

OTTAWA (CUP) — With the inception of a groundbreaking pilot project at its annual convention this week, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) appears ready to admit a select group of ambitious Canadian institutions.

. The project, which was overwhelmingly approved by delegates Jan. 14, will allow Canadian schools to apply for Division II NCAA membership before June 1.

. Delise O’Meally, the director of NCAA membership services, said the parameters of the project still need to be finalized, but said, “There is a possibility that Canadian schools can begin the provisional membership process as early as September.”

. According to O’Meally, six Canadian institutions have expressed interest in the possibility of entering the NCAA.

. They include Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, Lakehead University, Ryerson University, and St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont..

. Marvin Washington, a sport management professor at the University of Alberta, said it’s almost a foregone conclusion that UBC and SFU will explore membership in the NCAA.

. “I think UBC and Simon Fraser are gone,” he said. “And I think this is because they will actually save money, especially if they get into a conference that allows them to minimize travel costs.”

. Although Washington said a similar move might not be viable for the other schools, he said it is an interesting prospect that could have a tremendous upside. According to Washington, a jump to the NCAA would generate increased media attention, which in turn would raise the profile of an institution. He said this increased visibility would be an important tool for Canadian schools trying to retain home-grown athletes who are tempted to head south.

. Despite the potential benefits of this pilot project, however, there is also speculation that an open door to the NCAA could have a damaging effect on Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS).

. “If UBC and Simon Fraser leave, that puts a big dent in the Canada West conference,” Washington said.

. “It could hurt the status of the CIS and it could also hurt other institutions.”

. Marg McGregor, chief executive officer of the CIS, said she anticipated the approval of the project by the NCAA.

. “From our perspective, we certainly hope that these institutions will remain in the CIS.”

. McGregor added, however, that the organization will not bend over backward to accommodate schools considering the move.

. While she says the pilot project has the potential to change the composition of the CIS, she insists it is not a crisis.

. “The vast majority of institutions I’ve talked to are pleased with the CIS and do not want to migrate south,” she says.

. “If it comes to pass that UBC leaves, this will not be our tipping point.”

. The idea of Canadian schools joining the NCAA arose nearly a decade ago when SFU approached the organization requesting admission.

. This request was denied, and the issue was not revisited by the NCAA until a similar request was made by UBC in 2005.

. But last January at its annual convention in Orlando, Fla., the NCAA executive committee outlined a 10-year pilot project to allow cross-border membership. The project was then moved forward by Division II on Jan. 14 at this year’s annual convention in Nashville, Tenn.

. Division II is the smallest NCAA division but still boasts a roster of more than 250 colleges spread across the United States.

. It is likely that UBC will use this initial breakthrough as a stepping stone to reach their ultimate goal of competing in Division I.