With One Accord
Lauren Packer Webster, Director of Athletics & Recreation
Greetings Diplomats –
This is the sixth installment of a monthly update where I will provide direct reflections and information on issues facing our student-athletes. The title is a line from the F&M alma mater.
The goal of this piece is not to review specific game results, but to present an insider’s view of current national trends, on-campus happenings and what we can look forward to next.
What's Trending
NCAA Bylaws
Now that the members of the Association have adopted a new constitution, each division is currently working on writing the Bylaws that will govern its specific division. Areas of focus for Division III include:
Student-Athlete Voice
Membership Issues Survey
Campus Sexual Assault Policies
Transgender Student-Athlete Participation
NCAA Inclusion
NCAA Inclusion continues to be a great source of education for coaches, student-athletes and fans. Here is the Black History Month Resource Guide, and Title IX at 50 Years.
THC Testing
The Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports adjusted the THC test threshold and penalty structure. The new permissible levels align with those established by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The increase and lessened penalty structure have evolved from feedback from member campuses and public health and cultural views on use.
On Campus
F&M's inaugural Girls and Women In Sports Day
F&M’s inaugural Girls and Women in Sports Day on Feb. 5 helped girls try new sports and encouraged them to pursue healthy lifestyle choices. Here is a news feature on the event produced by local affiliate WPMT FOX43.
Welcome, Coach Blu!
The Diplomats welcomed Tom Blumenauer as the 40th head coach of football. Coach Blu, as he is known, has been full throttle recruiting Diplomats, engaging in one-on-one sessions with current Dips and meeting campus community members.
What's Next
Spring Break Training Trips
For the first time in two years our spring sports teams will head south to various destinations for training trips and competition during spring break.
Division III Week Preparations
SALC will use the month of March to prepare for NCAA Division III Week April 4-10. A highlight of the week is April 6, which is National Student-Athlete Day!