2004-05 NEWMAC RECOMMENDATIONS – GROUPED BY SPORT
NEWMAC FIELD HOCKEY
Motion #1: The field hockey championship on Saturday will remain at 12pm and 2pm and 1pm on Sunday. If the
highest seed cannot accommodate those times, the tournament will move to the second highest seed.
Passed: 8-2
Rationale: The change of game times on Saturday does not allow for appropriate rest for the game on Sunday. Also,
an overnight may be necessary.
Defeated: 3-7
Rationale: Group wants to do what they can to accommodate field hockey teams that earned a top seed through
their play in the regular season. Will continue to move these decisions through the Executive Committee
Motion #2: Along with the request for pre-game protocol, the official assignor shall submit a proposal for evaluation
of the officials. The assignor will produce an evaluation form to give to coaches at the conclusion of each game. The
form must be returned to the assignor 7 days upon completion of the contest. Passed: 10-0
Rationale: Due to the decrease in professionalism, this would provide immediate feedback to the assignor if an
official is late. It can also be used for ‘coaching’ purposes.
Moot. Work with the assigner to establish NEWMAC protocol.
Motion #3: Home team will provide 30 total balls, one hour prior to the start of all NEWMAC games, for the visiting
team to warm-up with.
Passed: 10-0
Rationale: To cut down on confusion created during the pre-game warm-up.
Defeated: 0-8-2
Rationale: 30 balls seems excessive, cost concerns; many coaches will bring balls anyway
NEWMAC CROSS COUNTRY
Motion #1: An ambulance should be present at the location of the Championships.
Rationale: this is becoming a standard of service at Cross Country Championship events. The number of contestants
increases the chances of an event necessitating the need for immediate medical transportation service.
Passed: 8-1-1
Defeated: 3-4-1
Rationale: Response rate is solid, especially when on campus; expressed thoughts of why needing this service
for cross country only
Motion #2: Request that each Runner of the Week for both men and women receive a certificate.
Passed: 10-0
Awards Committee Recommendation: Pass, apply to all sports having weekly award winners
Rationale: Standard practice, gives the student-athlete a memoir
Passed: 7-2-1; Apply to all sports
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
Motion #3: Request that the runner of the week be selected by the Cross Country liaison SID.
Passed: 10-0
Moot; already happening
Motion #4: Request that the post season meeting be held on Wednesday instead of Tuesday
Passed: 8-0-1
KH Note: Current post-season meeting schedule
Baseball: Thursday following the championship
Men's and Women's Basketball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Rowing, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball,
Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving, Men's and Women's Tennis, Volleyball: Tuesday following the
Championship at 10am
Men's and Women's Cross Country: Tuesday following the championship at 7pm
Men's and Women's Track and Field: Monday following the championship at 10am
Passed: 10-0
Motion #5: Request that the post season meeting be held as a conference call.
Rationale: Many of the NEWMAC Cross Country coaches are part time and those coaches have many outside and
family commitments that make attendance at an evening post season meeting difficult. Passed: 10-0
Defeated: 0-10
Rationale: Recognize importance of face to face meetings
NEWMAC MEN'S AND WOMEN'S SOCCER
Motion #1: Accept the following tie-breaking procedures for the sport of soccer.
Previous agreement by both groups (men's and women's coaches) included the first four (4) tie-breaking steps (see
below). The remaining discussion centered on using away results and results against non-conference opponents
prior to using a coin toss as the final criterion. A criterion (pro-rated index) was developed for using away results
that would account for an unequal number of away games played (see below). A vote to use non-conference results
as the final tie-breaking criterion prior to a coin toss was supported 12-4.
The following criteria for breaking ties for the purpose of seeding for the conference tournament are supported by
the men's and women's soccer coaches (in order of priority):
1) Total points for season standings (3 for win, 1 for tie)
2) Head to head competition between tied teams
3) Record/results between teams that are tied
4) Comparison record of tied teams vs. the rest of the teams in the standings, starting at the top of the standings
5) Pro-rate points for away results separately from points for league standings: 2pts for away win, 1 pt. for
away tie -- Example:
Team A has away record of 3 wins, 2 losses = 6 pts divided by 5 away games = 1.2
Team B has away record of 2 wins, 2 losses = 4 pts divided by 4 away games = 1.0
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
**Team A becomes the higher seed based upon this "tie-breaker index"
6) Results of tied teams against non-conference common opponents (first priority at home, then away, then
collective games both home and away).
7) Coin toss.
Passed: 8-1
NEWMAC MEN'S SOCCER
Motion #1: Move to a 4 team Championship bracket (from the current 7 team format). The group was reminded
that the recommendation from last year to move to a 4 team bracket for the Championship was moved to
Committee. The group wanted to reaffirm this vote and did so 6-0-1.
Passed: 6-0-1
Defeated: 2-7-1
Rationale: Philosophically not in favor of reducing bracket size at this time.
Motion #2: Discussion to re-seed the tournament if (Motion #1) is not adopted. The group was reminded that the
recommendation from last year to move to re-seed the brackets after the first round was moved to Committee. The
group wanted to reaffirm this vote and did so 7-0.
Passed: 7-0
Defeated: 1-9
Rationale: Philosophically not in favor of reseeding
Motion #3: When an institution requests a switch in contest site, the administrators involved take into account how
the decision would affect the balance relative to the two teams and the entire conference as a switch could negate
certain tie breaking steps.
Passed: 7-0.
Point of Interest, not motion
Motion #4: Require a student-athlete to play in 50% (not more than 50% as is currently stated in the handbook) of
conference games to be eligible for award(s).
Passed: 7-0
Rationale: there are only six league contests the fewest of any NEWMAC men's team sport (for example: MBB
plays a double round robin and baseball has single and doubleheaders) and a student athlete this past season was
injured after the third conference game and was consequently ineligible for awards.
Awards Committee Recommendation: Pass, apply to all sports.
Passed: 5-4; apply to men's and women's sports
NEWMAC WOMEN'S SOCCER
Motion #1: Conduct the vote for the conference Player of the Year first, then fill in with the other 21 players (rather
than just having the top vote getter being the player of the year---sometimes gets lost in the voting mix that way).
Awards Committee Recommendation: Pass, apply to all sports.
Passed: 10-0; apply to all sports
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
Motion #2: Have a “Player of the Year” for offense and defense, since soccer lends itself to that.
Awards Committee Recommendation: No. Committee recommends recognizing a player of the year and a
defensive player of the year.
Stopped in committee
Motion #3: Have a “Rookie of the Week”, and “Player of the Week” for both offense and defense. Gives publicity to
conference, generates enthusiasm on campus, and doesn’t cost anything.
Awards Committee Recommendation: No
Rationale: Keep focus, resources, on player of the week award; Do recognize rookie at end of year
Stopped in committee
Motion #4: Do not have “Co-Players of the Week”.
Awards Committee Recommendation: No, but should make every effort to choose only one
Defeated—ADs are willing to recognize co-players of the week
Motion #5: Recommend that one week prior to daylight savings time, game times should be at 3:30p.m.
Rationale: This year games were impacted by darkness when beginning at 3:30, and caused a void on overtime.
KH Note: Currently the handbook states that all soccer games should begin at 4:00pm or 7:00pm if under lights
Amended Motion:
Recommend that one week prior to daylight savings time, the home team has the option to move the game to as
early as 2:30p.m. Game time must be set in contract.
Passed: 10-0
Apply to men's and women's soccer
NEWMAC WOMEN'S TENNIS
Motion #1: All Saturday conference matches that are postponed due to weather be moved to the next day (Sunday).
Passed: 8-0
Moot due to a previous motion passing regarding scheduling (Saturday contests will be replayed on the Sunday
immediately following for all sports.)
Motion #2: Hold last Tuesday preceding conference tournament as make-up rain date. Passed: 8-0
Motion #3: One official at all home NEWMAC conference matches.
Passed: 8-0
Passed: 5-4-1; Effective date, Fall 2006—apply to men's and women's tennis
Motion #4: Move season ending tournament from 6 to 8 teams

Schedule
o Thursday – first round matches at highest seed
o Friday – rain date for first round
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
o
o
Saturday – two semifinal matches at pre-determined site, times would be 10:00am and 2:30pm
Sunday – championship match at pre-determined site, time would be 11:00am
Passed: 7-0-1
Defeated: 2-6-2
Rationale: Concerns expressed regarding indoor hosting capabilities
Motion #5: NEWMAC officially present a Sportsmanship Award (Presented annually to the team/school who
demonstrates the best sportsmanship)
Awards Committee Recommendation: Gather more information on the procedural aspects before making a
decision.
Moved back to the Sportsmanship Committee; they are currently developing a concept for a sportsmanship
award to be applied to all NEWMAC teams
Motion #6: NEWMAC present a Player of the Year Award(Separate nomination and separate vote – similar to
Rookie of the Year)
Awards Committee Recommendation: Pass
Rationale: Every NEWMAC sport except for crew recognizes an athlete of the year
Passed: 9-1; apply to men's and women's tennis
Motion #7: Change current Player of the Week recognition -- Nominate position at singles or doubles; Recognize
determination solely on singles play and doubles play
Awards Committee Recommendation: Pass
Passed: 6-3-1; Agreed to recognize a singles and a doubles team each week
NEWMAC MEN'S TENNIS
Motion #1: Every school should have the opportunity to host the semi-finals and finals of the NEWMAC
tournament, with the provision that the school can secure adequate indoor back-up (adequate meaning a minimum
of 4 courts).
Passed: 6-0
Rationale: This proposal is in keeping with NEWMAC philosophy. Fewer (indoor) courts are needed now that
quarter-finals are played at the higher seeds. Coaches would like for Clark, Babson, and Springfield to have the
opportunity to host, provided they can provide adequate indoor back up.
Defeated: Expenses associated with indoor hosting, facility would not be a cost share; option currently is
available
Motion #2: An official should be assigned to each NEWMAC regular season and tournament match. Passed: 6-0
Rationale: An official would aid the coach by enforcing rules, keeping the matches moving, and enforcing
sportsmanship.
Moot due to this passing for women's tennis—Effective date, Fall 2006
Motion #3: Coaches would like to have an official sportsmanship award to hand out to a deserving player each
year.
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
Rationale: Special recognition of good sportsmanship is in keeping with the conference emphasis on promoting
sportsmanship.
Moved back to the Sportsmanship Committee; they are currently developing a concept for a sportsmanship
award to be applied to all NEWMAC teams
NEWMAC VOLLEYBALL
Motion #1: To have lines officials for all NEWMAC Conference Games
Rationale: Students are not trained officials and are put in very difficult decision-making situations that could alter
the outcome of a game. Since emphasis is on conference play - coaches are requesting this for conference games.
Currently Coast Guard and Clark are already doing this.
Defeated: 5-5
Rationale: Training videos available for students; Concern, limited officials; expense concerns-add $100 match
Motion #2: To re-visit the passed proposal on moving the conference tournament from Fri/Sat to Sat/Sun.
Rationale: Coaches prefer the Friday/Saturday format for the Conference Championship. It is consistent with
regular season and NCAA post season play. Game times are at 5:30 and 7:30pm reducing missed class time.
Coaches feel the majority of their seasons are played on a Friday/Sat weekend format and would like to maintain
that consistency during post-season. Some coaches feel that Sunday Championship play impacts negatively on
personal time, family time and religious obligations.
Passed: 8-2
Motion #3: To select 7 players for First and Second All Conference Teams.
Rationale: The addition of the libero has been a change for the game.
The libero is considered a 7th starter and is announced as a starter.
Adding one more selection to the All Conference Team accommodates this new position.
Awards Committee Recommendation: No
Rationale: Keep consistent with other sports where NEWMAC recognizes the same amount that compete at one
time; Already recently increased amount of honorees recognized when NEWMAC decided to sponsor a second
team all-conference team.
Stopped in committee
NEWMAC SWIMMING AND DIVING
Motion #1: It is recommended that Springfield be dropped from the hosting rotation. A rationale for this
recommendation will be sent to all conference schools in the near future.
Springfield has made an institutional decision to withdraw their institution from the championship
Defeated: 0-9-1
NEWMAC MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
New Motion presented: Move basketball championship to Friday/Saturday
Defeated: 4-6
New Motion presented: Alternate years: one year men's is Wed/Sat/Sun, women's is Tues/Fri/Sat – next year
would be the reverse.
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
Rationale: This would reduce the number of days available for facility
Defeated: 4-4-2
NEWMAC MEN'S BASKETBALL
Motion #1: When admission is charged for NEWMAC conference games, NEWMAC head coaches will receive free
admission to all NEWMAC conference games (including the championship) in their sport.
Passed: 7-0
Rationale: In discussion of the admission procedures at games, the coaches agreed that for the approved 10 entries
for the visiting team, this list will be dropped off at the gate upon arrival (many schools forgot to get the info to the
host school in advance and it caused issues at the gate). Also, they requested that for all conference games that
coaches attend in a scouting or fan capacity at postseason, that the conference head coaches only receive free
admission.
Passed: 10-0, Apply to all sports
Motion #2: Regular season conference games in men's basketball will be scheduled for Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Passed: 7-0
Rationale: The coaches discussed changing the format for the regular season conference schedule from TuesdaySaturday to a Wednesday-Saturday format. They felt that it would provide the student-athletes a weekend day off
(Sunday) as teams would still have 2 days of practice before a competition; it would help with recruiting (can see
high school games); alleviate the athletic trainer coverage issues on Sunday that are becoming a problem at many
schools; and would have little affect on non-conference scheduling opportunities as few schools schedule nonconference games on Thursdays.
Passed: 4-3-3; Effective date: September 1, 2006
Motion #3: A Defensive Player of the Year will be awarded in Men's Basketball.
Passed: 7-0
Rationale: Due to the nature of statistics and scoring, this important area is very much overlooked. The coaches
wanted to highlight this area in basketball and bring the conference more in-line with other conferences' awards
(this is a pretty standard one in basketball).
Awards Committee Recommendation: Pass, for the sports of: men's and women's basketball, field hockey, men's
and women's soccer, lacrosse, volleyball
Rationale: Helps to promote the value of defense; recognizes athletes where stats are typically more difficult to
maintain and to compare to offensive players
Defeated: 2-7-1
Rationale: Player of the Year could be defensive player of the year
Motion #4: A Sportsperson of the Year will be awarded in Men's Basketball.
Passed: 7-0
Rationale: With the emphasis on sportsmanship in athletics, the coaches felt this would be an opportunity to show
the conferences commitment in valuing these qualities in the sport of men's basketball. This will provide the
teams/individuals the incentive to be recognized in a positive way.
Moved back to the Sportsmanship Committee; they are currently developing a concept for a sportsmanship
award to be applied to all NEWMAC teams
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
Motion #5: In men's basketball, the All-Conference Team will be comprised of a total of 11 members (increased from
10) with an Outstanding Player of the Year (1), a First Team (5-does not include Player of the Year) and a Second
Team (5).
Passed: 7-0
Rationale: The coaches felt that this configuration would be consistent with most conferences and would highlight a
Player of the Year while allowing an additional student-athlete to be recognized.
Awards Committee Recommendation: The Player of the Year should be part of the first team
Rationale: Conference already increased the number of spots recognized when went to a full second team.
Stopped in committee
NEWMAC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Motion #1: To have a complimentary list of two guests per athlete for institutions who charge for games during the
regular season (WPI, Springfield, Clark) in women’s basketball.
Passed 10-0
Defeated: 10-0; logistical issues cited
Motion #2: To have a complimentary list of two guests per athlete for the NEWMAC Championship in women’s
basketball.
Passed 10-0
Defeated: 10-0; logistical issues cited
Rationale for both Motions: NCAA uses a complimentary list for up to 4 guests, by requesting only 2 guests; hope
to still assist in offsetting costs of championship. Also, as only a few teams charge in women’s basketball, parents
often are taken by surprise by the idea of charging and are not pleased as they are all ready contributing to their
student’s tuition and it is an economic hardship.
Motion #3: To move to a double round robin format for the 2007-2008 season, including a post season tournament.
Passed 7-2-1 (Two coaches against the Double RR, would be for it only if the NEWMAC Championship was
decreased to 6 or 4 teams, the third coach voted against and wants to keep 8 team championship)
Rationale: We have a great conference and some good rivalries, this would support that structure even more. Nonconference games in the middle of the season are tough for athletes as they do not see the games as having as much
importance. For All Conference voting process, know some teams better than others, as you play some more than
others. Lastly, if there is a distinct difference in strength of the teams in either division (East or West), it can cause
an unlevel playing field as well as effect seeding for the championship.
Defeated 0-10
Rationale: Would need to start conference schedule early; Don't like the break that would be necessary in the
conference schedule; escalates the pressure on the December schedule since they'd be conference games; like the
non-conference traditional rivals
Motion #4: To have all conference institutions use the ECAC officials for women’s basketball.
Passed: 10-0 (Recognizing there may be financial restraints for some institutions)
Rationale: More professional organization.
Defeated: 3-7
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
Rationale: Group questioned whether they offered better officiating at games; do this in a different way—
consider different proposals; Do not like ECAC proposal
Motion to solicit bids from other assigners for women's basketball passed 10-0; find out what each institution
pays in the meantime
Set questions that we want the assignors to address
Katie to have discussion with other conferences to perhaps make a group presentation to the ECAC with
questions that we want them to address.
Motion #5: To establish a Rookie of the Week Award.
Passed: 10-0
Rationale: To recognize that we have a good pool of first years. It’s great to have more positive recognition for the
conference. It only requires an addition to the weekly report.
Awards Committee Recommendation: No
Rationale: Keep focus, resources, on player of the week award; Do recognize rookie at end of year
Stopped in committee
Motion #6: To establish an All Conference Rookie Team, Rookie of the Year plus 4.
Passed: 10-0
Awards Committee Recommendation: No. Top rookies already often make the all-conference team; already
recognize a rookie of the year.
Stopped in committee
NEWMAC TRACK AND FIELD
Motion #1: Hire an independent meet coordinator to handle all meet logistics, including officials, entries, etc.
o Cost: Approx. $500 to NEWMAC
o It would allow coaches to coach
o Coordinator would work with the host school
Passed: 10-0
Defeated: 0-10
Rationale: This year it was an extraordinary situation where a major high school meet was postponed to the
week of NEWMAC championships. We currently already pay for a timing system.
Motion #2: Host school must have an indoor option available.
Avoid postponed events to Sunday (i.e. high jump and pole vault)
 Exams
 Travel expense
Passed 9-0 (1 abstain)
Defeated: 1-9
Rationale: Don't want to limit championship hosting opportunities; recommend having a backup plan in place
prior to the championship
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
Motion #3: Coaches will meet and vote on all awards at the conclusion of the NEWMAC meet. All awards will be
presented at the awards ceremony following the meet.
o Since all coaches are present it can be done
o Better to honor student-athletes and schools because everyone is present.
Passed: 10-1
Awards Committee Recommendation: Fail
Stopped in committee
Motion #4: Post season conference meeting changed to a post season conference call
o Everyone is at the NEWMAC meet on Saturday
o To save expenses and time a conference call is sufficient to conduct remaining business
o Both pre-season and post-season call should take place at 12noon
Passed: 10-0
Defeated: 0-10
Rationale: Recognize importance of face to face meetings
NEWMAC SOFTBALL
Motion #1: NEWMAC institutions are required to have a tarp if they host the championship.
Passed: 7-2
Rationale: Although Smith was complimented on having the field in excellent condition, there was overall concern
about the ability of a school to host the tournament if the field couldn’t be covered. Liason provided some history
regarding discussions that the athletic directors have had about certain facilities not being acceptable to coaches for
the championship. The AD’s have determined that the institution needs to make a determination their facility is
not appropriate based on safety issues rather than whether or not it is an ideal championship facility. If a team has
earned the right to host, the AD’s have felt the institution deserves that opportunity. The coaches felt it was both a
time and safety issue and hosting included having the field playable on time and in the best condition possible.
Defeated: 1-8-1
Rationale: NEWMAC institutions may choose whether they will host, and shall have the autonomy to determine
whether their facility offers appropriate hosting capabilities. Decision in the hands of the institution, not the
AAG.
Motion #2: No team should play more than 3 games in one day during the NEWMAC Tournament.
Passed: 9-0
Rationale: Even though Wheaton didn’t mind playing four games in a day, coaches felt there was too much at stake
to feel everything had to be completed by Sunday (5 games), especially since post season selections don’t take place
until a week later.
Passed: 9-0
Motion #3: Conference members are expected to do everything possible to play their contest. However, if a
conference member fails to fulfill its contracted regular-season NEWMAC contest due to extenuating
circumstances, the institution at fault will be penalized with one conference loss for each game that was not played.
The loss(es) will affect conference seeding only and not their overall record. The conference member not at fault
will be awarded a conference win for each game that was not played for seeding purposes only and not their
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
overall record. Conference members are asked to be sensitive and aware of potential statistical changes when
selecting Conference honors had the two teams competed.
Passed: 9-0
Note: It is understood that the Executive Committee would need to determine if the circumstances would be
considered extenuating. It is also understood that if this situation occurred at the end of the regular season, the
Executive Committee may decide to delay the tournament in order for the game to be played.
Defeated: 0-9-1
Rationale: Would rather not legislate this exception when the executive committee can use discretion on
decisions. Executive committee may have the flexibility to award wins/losses for conference standing purposes
only. Guidance is to refer these situations to the executive committee. The Athletic Directors took no action on
the recommendation to be sensitive to the affect on statistics had the game been contested.
Motion #4: The NEWMAC will follow the NCAA Championship rules regarding equipment, ball (Note: NCAA has
just adopted Worth ball, a change from previous ball), and the determination of home team except host institution
will retain their regular season dugout.
Passed: 9-0
Passed: 10-0
Motion #5: The NEWMAC will follow the halted game rule for all regular season and tournament games with the
exception of the tournament final. The tournament final will be seven innings, except that a five inning, eight runrule will be used. If play is stopped before a seven inning game is completed and the eight-run rule is not in effect,
the game will resume at the point of interruption.
Passed: 9-0
Passed: 9-0
Motion #6: Move the NEWMAC tournament to a 6-team double elimination (F,S,Su) tournament format (Option A).
Passed: 7-2
Rationale: Coaches want to again pursue having a 6-team tournament bracket and reiterated the rationale (a)
replicates the format for the NCAA tournament; (b) eliminates the need to have a first round on Tuesday (avoiding
missed class time) and moves the tournament to Friday; (c) rewards the higher regular season seeded teams (d)
most conferences have moved to this format. The one draw back is that it precludes participation opportunities for
3 teams vs 1 team (current format eliminates 1 team)
There was a lengthy discussion regarding a 6-team double elimination tournament format with the coaches
reviewing 2 specific formats. While a majority of the coaches (7) are in favor of a 6-team bracket, 2 coaches still
favor the 8-team format. The coaches discussed several options, but ultimately agreed to focus on two 6-team
tournament formats.
Option A:
3-day same site
Friday (4 games @10, 12, 2, 4)
Saturday (4 games @ 10, 12, 2, 4)
Sunday (3 games @11, 1, 3)
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
Disadvantage to this format: missing classes some portion of one day-Friday
Option B:
4-day format
Tuesday (3 games at 3 separate sites-highest seed)
Thursday (3 games at 3 separate sites-highest seed)
Saturday (3 games at highest remaining seed)
Sunday (2 games at the highest remaining seed)
Disadvantage to this format: missing classes on two days; 4 days of travel
Defeated: 3-7
Rationale: Felt that there wasn't a compelling argument except protecting the highest seed, but the ADs
expressed philosophical opposition to protecting the highest seeds, since the opportunity for upsets brings
added excitement to the tournament; opposed to missing a whole day of classes on Friday—some NEWMAC
institutions have heavy Friday class loads.
Motion #7: NEWMAC will retain the services of the ECAC for the assignment of umpires for both the regular
season and tournament.
Passed: 8-1
Failed: 4-6
Rationale: Other assigners could create more personal service; Bob provided personal service at the NEWMAC
tournament
If motion fails, the softball coaches move the following:
Motion #8: NEWMAC will retain the services of the ECAC for the assignment of umpires for the conference
tournament
Passed: 9-0
Failed: 4-6
Softball Assignor Discussion:
There were three proposals submitted for the coach’s consideration. One from Bob Swidler (Clark Assignor);
one from the ECAC; and one from the East Coast Umpires Associates. Linda summarized the three proposals:
Bob Swidler
 Pool of 29 officials (14 are ECAC/OCHA affiliated)
 $100.00 per institution for assigning
 $100.00 for the NEWMAC tournament assigning
 $75.00 per single game
 $150 per double header
 $20 if mileage is over 50 miles one-way
 1 non-paid scrimmage (used as training for newer officials)
 umpires required to meet twice a year prior to the season to review rules
 no required training or evaluation of the officials
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
ECAC
 Large pool of officials (some do all Divisions and some do specific division)
 $300.00 per institution for assigning
 $85.00 for single game
 $155.00 for double header
 mileage (up to $60.00 depending on distance)
 paid ECAC observers/evaluators
 online rating and assignment system
 ECAC Coordinator will attend NEWMAC coaches meeting if requested
East Coast Umpire Associates
 $360.00 per institution for assigning
 $100.00 for single game regular season
 $110.00 for single game tournament
 $165.00 for double header regular season
 $185.00 for double header tournament
 $33.00 flat travel per diem every official
 50% fee for scrimmages
 provide rules interpreter
 optional evaluation system
 recommend 3-person crews
 no required training of the officials
Overall the coaches felt the ECAC was the best option in terms of the pool of official’s available, training, and
evaluation.
NEWMAC BASEBALL
Motion #1: Consider adding a third conference game against each team during the regular season (to be played
against the same team on the Thursday or Friday preceding the weekend doubleheader). Sites to alternate between
the two days. Day (Thursday or Friday) to be selected by AAG.
Passed: 7-0
Rationale: adds more emphasis to the conference and would help break ties in seeding.
Defeated: 3-4
Rationale: More conference games to reschedule; Difficult to schedule
Motion #2: Implement a 6-team double elimination tournament rather than the current format.
Passed: 7-0.
Rationale: double elimination format is better suited to baseball where pitching is a prime issue. Better opportunity
for the strongest teams to advance rather than single “play-in” game in mid-week. Can be completed in the same
week time frame with tournament starting on Tuesday.
Defeated: 2-6-1
Rationale: Felt that there wasn't a compelling argument except protecting the highest seed, but the ADs
expressed philosophical opposition to protecting the highest seeds, since the opportunity for upsets brings
added excitement to the tournament.
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
Motion #3: To clarify tournament operation: if current format stays in place, a) implement NCAA format for home
team designation after the first round; b) stipulate that if a halted game had to be played in mid-week the game
would be played at the team designated as the home team.
Passed: 7-0.
Rationale: current format of using all tournament games (including first round) can penalize the top seed in the
championship round by designating the home team as the team that has the most wins “in the tournament” to that
point. A recent situation resulted in a higher seed being disadvantaged: the team had not lost, but played fewer
games because they were successful (due to bye in the first round). Also designates which team would host if a
game was halted and had to be continued at a site other than the championship site.
Passed: 9-0-1
Motion #4: Recommend having a vote for the conference Player of the Year first prior to vote for all-conference
team.
Passed: 7-0
Rationale: Separation of voting would provide more focused thought on selecting the outstanding conference
player.
Awards Committee Recommendation: Pass
Passed: 10-0
Motion #5: Recommend separating “Pitcher of the Week” and “Hitter of the Week” due to the uniqueness of the
pitcher position. No cost.
Passed: 7-0
Awards Committee Recommendation: Moot as this already exists. Instead of "Hitter of the Week," have "Player of
the Week" along with "Pitcher of the Week"
Stopped in committee
Motion #6: Recommend “Player of the Year” and “Pitcher of the Year”.
Passed: 7-0
Awards Committee Recommendation: Pass
Comments: NEWMAC recognizes Pitcher of the Week already
Passed: 7-1; Apply to softball and baseball
NEWMAC ROWING
Motion #1: Allocate $500 in shared costs in order to assist the host school in setting the buoyed course.
Rationale: Each year it is more and more difficult for coaches to set aside an entire day to participate in setting the
course. Setting the course is more difficult than coaches first assessed because there are inevitably cable line issues
that must be figured out. Coaches can be standing around during this time waiting for the cable to be fixed. If the
host school could actually hire students at $10 per hour to put in buoys when they are ready to go in, it would be
easier on everyone involved. Currently, six schools at 8 hours for the day totals 48 hours of time needed to buoy
the course.
Passed: 6-0
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI
Motion #2: Change the events contested to V8, II-8, III-8, IV-8 and change the scoring of the Florence Smith Cup
Points Trophy.
Rationale: There are two parts to this motion. First, by specifying four eights without a novice designation, coaches
have more flexibility to row the maximum number of athletes at the championship. Second, there is too much
emphasis on overall depth with little regard to quality of that depth in the points trophy. Coaches agree that depth
is important but would like to see more weighting of the boats so that the V8 received more points than II-8 and so
on. This would also give teams who may not be able to field four eights a chance at winning the points trophy if
they have quality. If this principle is approved, then coaches and liaison will finalize the new point system.
long term would hurt rowing; not to go 15 deep in varsity
Passed: 4-2-4
Defeated: 2-3-4
Removing the novice race was first discussed, and this was opposed primarily due to the impact that this would
have on institutions that are not able to fill all four boats. The novice boat would need to be placed typically in
either the second or third varsity race, and would be less competitive in this race.
The second piece that was discussed was the Florence Smith Cup Points Trophy. Liaison will bring a proposed
point system back to the AAG group for further discussion on this topic.
Motion #3: Move the NEWMAC Championship to Sunday, April 23.
Rationale: The Saturday date has traditionally fallen on a day when all senior engineering students must take a
national exam. This has affected rowers from USCGA, Smith, and WPI and will continually be an issue in the
future. Moving the race to Sunday on the same weekend will also preserve racing schedules for other dates. New
Englands Championship moved to a Sunday race schedule and this date would be two weeks prior to New
Englands (same formula).
Tabled
Motion was referred back to sport committee for further information about cost, race times, and make-up date.
BABSON  CLARK  COAST GUARD  MIT  MOUNT HOLYOKE  SMITH  SPRINGFIELD  WELLESLEY  WHEATON  WPI