Southland Conference redefines membership definition

[slycat]

Looks to affect UTSA if they can't find a home right away.

http://www.southland.org/ViewArticle.db ... =204955246

The Southland Conference's Board of Directors has redefined the league's sports sponsorship standards for its member institutions, requiring all institutional varsity sports programs to participate fully within the conference's competitive structure if the league also sponsors the sport.

The decision, with an effective date of July 1, 2011, was announced by the Southland's governing presidential body at the conclusion of the conference's annual spring business meeting Friday. If an institution chooses not to meet this requirement, then it shall relinquish its membership and notify the Conference per the withdrawal provisions listed in Article 3.04 of the league's constitution, which requires a two-year notification of withdrawal or $250,000 penalty.

[dbackjon]

Good for the Southland - stay proactive

[UCABEAR]

Fantastic! The Southland needed that to be stated. I don't think the Southland has soccer so that's why UCA is part of the OVC in that sport.

[slycat]

Response from UTSA

Fellow Roadrunners,


As you may have heard today, the Southland Conference Board of Directors voted to change the league’s sports sponsorship requirements. There are reasons the conference needs to have these rules in place but they create additional considerations for Roadrunner Athletics.

This decision gives us three primary choices:

(1) Join the Southland Conference as a full 17-sport member.

(2) Leave the Southland and operate as an FBS independent in all sports.

(3) Join another conference, preferably in the FBS.

While the timing of this is not ideal for our athletics department, I can assure you that it does not change our vision of obtaining an invitation from a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)-level conference in the immediate future.

I understand that many of you want answers as quickly as possible, but it is far too early to speculate or even make a decision on what route we may take.

We began this process last year based on Southland Conference bylaws that were in effect at the time. We were playing by the rules, but now those rules have changed.

We have a good business plan that is in line with Dr. Romo’s vision for the University. With the support of UTSA and the city of San Antonio, we will continue to work diligently toward reaching our goal of being as attractive as possible to an FBS-level conference.

I can assure all of you that today’s decision will not change our long-term vision of what we want to accomplish. It may change the way we go about it, but we will not know for sure until we spend the next year looking at all our options and opportunities.

Have a great summer and Go Runners!

If you would like to donate to the Roadrunner Athletic Fund, please call 210-458-4665 or visit http://www.StepUpUTSA.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Season Ticket deposits for the 2011 season can also made at http://www.GoUTSA.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or by calling the ticket office at (210) 458-8872.


Go Runners,
Lynn Hickey

[UCABEAR]

We began this process last year based on Southland Conference bylaws that were in effect at the time. We were playing by the rules, but now those rules have changed.

and "now we must adapt" should be at the end of that sentence! Good luck UTSA! With all these power conferences getting realigned, you will probably be in the Sunbelt. But then again, it is an FBS football conference. I also don't see the Sunbelt getting a BCS designation. What a bad position to be in! Oh while you're there, beat ASU yearly for me. It's not that tough, their own fans predict a losing record yearly...