FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Trin9-0]

I've long been a naysayer regarding possible NESCAC participation in the NCAA tournament. However, based on a recent conversation with a very reliable source I now firmly believe it will happen, and more than likely within the next few seasons. Apparently, the league football coaches/ADs submitted a joint request to the NESCAC presidents to both reinstate spring football and to allow the league champion to accept their automatic bid to the D3 playoffs. As a side note, I was unaware that the NESCAC champion actually receives a playoff bid each year and that they simply decline it.

The response from the league presidents was "pick one", and the decision by the coaches was made to choose the reinstatement of spring football over accepting its playoff bid. I don't know how close the vote was, but it's understandable considering more than half of the NESCAC doesn't typically have a realistic shot at the league title/playoffs anyway. However, given the emphasis on equity in all things across the higher education landscape I do think this next step will eventually happen; my guess is within the next four years, if not sooner.

Another point worth noting is that this would NOT guarantee that a 10th game would be added to NESCAC schedules as you only need 9 games to qualify for a postseason bid. My understanding is that a 10th out of conference game is far less likely to be approved than the league champion being allowed to accept their playoff bid.


On a non-playoff note, I can confirm that Trinity has TWELVE 5th year seniors returning this season. While I don't have all the names, I was told that all but one was a starter on last year's 9-0 team. That's a significant number especially when you consider that many of top players in the league from the other contenting teams elected to transfer and use their final year of eligibility elsewhere.

[Charlie]

I've long been a naysayer regarding possible NESCAC participation in the NCAA tournament. However, based on a recent conversation with a very reliable source I now firmly believe it will happen, and more than likely within the next few seasons. Apparently, the league football coaches/ADs submitted a joint request to the NESCAC presidents to both reinstate spring football and to allow the league champion to accept their automatic bid to the D3 playoffs. As a side note, I was unaware that the NESCAC champion actually receives a playoff bid each year and that they simply decline it.

The response from the league presidents was "pick one", and the decision by the coaches was made to choose the reinstatement of spring football over accepting its playoff bid. I don't know how close the vote was, but it's understandable considering more than half of the NESCAC doesn't typically have a realistic shot at the league title/playoffs anyway. However, given the emphasis on equity in all things across the higher education landscape I do think this next step will eventually happen; my guess is within the next four years, if not sooner.

Another point worth noting is that this would NOT guarantee that a 10th game would be added to NESCAC schedules as you only need 9 games to qualify for a postseason bid. My understanding is that a 10th out of conference game is far less likely to be approved than the league champion being allowed to accept their playoff bid.

If this information is accurate I believe you have a better chance of Spring Football being implemented and nothing happening to the schedule. I also heard that if roster sizes are not adjusted then JV teams featuring 2 to 3 games along with Spring practices could be on the table. Wesleyan has this type of set up for s modified JV type program not sure on how they have implemented this and to what success they are having. This would give the younger players chance to play develop and with the help of spring football help each program.

Let's keep in mind that several NESCAC schools turned down spring ball and that they league does not want to emphasize football over academics. This is a big hurdle not sure how they would change their beliefs. Baby steps

[Trin9-0]

I've long been a naysayer regarding possible NESCAC participation in the NCAA tournament. However, based on a recent conversation with a very reliable source I now firmly believe it will happen, and more than likely within the next few seasons. Apparently, the league football coaches/ADs submitted a joint request to the NESCAC presidents to both reinstate spring football and to allow the league champion to accept their automatic bid to the D3 playoffs. As a side note, I was unaware that the NESCAC champion actually receives a playoff bid each year and that they simply decline it.

The response from the league presidents was "pick one", and the decision by the coaches was made to choose the reinstatement of spring football over accepting its playoff bid. I don't know how close the vote was, but it's understandable considering more than half of the NESCAC doesn't typically have a realistic shot at the league title/playoffs anyway. However, given the emphasis on equity in all things across the higher education landscape I do think this next step will eventually happen; my guess is within the next four years, if not sooner.

Another point worth noting is that this would NOT guarantee that a 10th game would be added to NESCAC schedules as you only need 9 games to qualify for a postseason bid. My understanding is that a 10th out of conference game is far less likely to be approved than the league champion being allowed to accept their playoff bid.

If this information is accurate I believe you have a better chance of Spring Football being implemented and nothing happening to the schedule. I also heard that if roster sizes are not adjusted then JV teams featuring 2 to 3 games along with Spring practices could be on the table. Wesleyan has this type of set up for s modified JV type program not sure on how they have implemented this and to what success they are having. This would give the younger players chance to play develop and with the help of spring football help each program.

Let's keep in mind that several NESCAC schools turned down spring ball and that they league does not want to emphasize football over academics. This is a big hurdle not sure how they would change their beliefs. Baby steps

Sorry if I wasn't clear Charlie. Spring football was approved by the NESCAC presidents and will be reinstated on a three year trial basis starting next spring.

[NESCACFball24/7]

Does anybody see a scenario where schools like Tufts, Trinity and Wesleyan which are all basically the top teams in every important sport(lacrosse, football, basketball, soccer) and clearly have a difference of values than the smaller schools especially Tufts with it's size think about moving on from the NESCAC?

The only way I see it happening is them jumping to the patriot league or forming another non scholarship D1 conference similar to the Pioneer league and pulling Georgetown(only non scholarship Patriot league) and Davidson and some other schools? Not saying it's likely but given the way that the nescac schools seem to be going two different directions and frankly schools like Hamilton and Bates never being competitive it could make sense for the top half of the league to go

[VoodooDoc]

Trin 9-0l This is very good news about a spring football session.  Unlike D-1 spring ball, most D-3 spring sessions focus on teaching session where position coaches work with players on the techniques needed for their unique positions and opportunities for strength and conditioning.  While a few D-3 schools might have a spring game, unlike the D-1 schools most do not.  Most of the sessions are done in pro pads and don't involve more than incidental contact.

Players are able to learn or improve skills.  Due to COVID, many players, even those from high school programs the normally focus on basic skills where unable to do.  Hence, spring sessions allow players to refine skills that they could not get in high school.  The strength and conditioning sessions help players for the upcoming fall season.  Strength and conditioning are absolutely essential to player safety on the field.  I recall a freshman player who came from a high school program that placed an emphasis on strength and conditioning who came into 2 a days in August during his freshman year and sustained a serious neck injury.  While the injury led to his retirement from football, the strength in his neck muscles allowed him to live an otherwise normal life.  The doctor said absent the well toned and developed neck muscles, he would likely have been confined to a wheelchair.

Hence for the safety and skill development of players, a spring practice is very good idea.  Most players work out and practice in conditioning during the spring anyway so you are not taking away from study time.  Athletes who stay in physical condition, set a pattern that can last long after playing a sport and can focus on the academics better.

[Charlie]

Trin 9-0l This is very good news about a spring football session.  Unlike D-1 spring ball, most D-3 spring sessions focus on teaching session where position coaches work with players on the techniques needed for their unique positions and opportunities for strength and conditioning.  While a few D-3 schools might have a spring game, unlike the D-1 schools most do not.  Most of the sessions are done in pro pads and don't involve more than incidental contact.

Players are able to learn or improve skills.  Due to COVID, many players, even those from high school programs the normally focus on basic skills where unable to do.  Hence, spring sessions allow players to refine skills that they could not get in high school.  The strength and conditioning sessions help players for the upcoming fall season.  Strength and conditioning are absolutely essential to player safety on the field.  I recall a freshman player who came from a high school program that placed an emphasis on strength and conditioning who came into 2 a days in August during his freshman year and sustained a serious neck injury.  While the injury led to his retirement from football, the strength in his neck muscles allowed him to live an otherwise normal life.  The doctor said absent the well toned and developed neck muscles, he would likely have been confined to a wheelchair.

Hence for the safety and skill development of players, a spring practice is very good idea.  Most players work out and practice in conditioning during the spring anyway so you are not taking away from study time.  Athletes who stay in physical condition, set a pattern that can last long after playing a sport and can focus on the academics better.

By the way I also heard that Amherst & Williams were the major schools against spring practices and playoffs is that true ?

[lumbercat]

I've long been a naysayer regarding possible NESCAC participation in the NCAA tournament. However, based on a recent conversation with a very reliable source I now firmly believe it will happen, and more than likely within the next few seasons. Apparently, the league football coaches/ADs submitted a joint request to the NESCAC presidents to both reinstate spring football and to allow the league champion to accept their automatic bid to the D3 playoffs. As a side note, I was unaware that the NESCAC champion actually receives a playoff bid each year and that they simply decline it.

The response from the league presidents was "pick one", and the decision by the coaches was made to choose the reinstatement of spring football over accepting its playoff bid. I don't know how close the vote was, but it's understandable considering more than half of the NESCAC doesn't typically have a realistic shot at the league title/playoffs anyway. However, given the emphasis on equity in all things across the higher education landscape I do think this next step will eventually happen; my guess is within the next four years, if not sooner.

Another point worth noting is that this would NOT guarantee that a 10th game would be added to NESCAC schedules as you only need 9 games to qualify for a postseason bid. My understanding is that a 10th out of conference game is far less likely to be approved than the league champion being allowed to accept their playoff bid.


On a non-playoff note, I can confirm that Trinity has TWELVE 5th year seniors returning this season. While I don't have all the names, I was told that all but one was a starter on last year's 9-0 team. That's a significant number especially when you consider that many of top players in the league from the other contenting teams elected to transfer and use their final year of eligibility elsewhere.

I heard from my own "reliable source" that there were significant conference changes afoot and posted this a few months back. Like Trin 9-0 I was also a perennial doubter but this now unquestionably has some validity.

The coaches voted for Spring Practice instead of Playoff eligibility ??

[VoodooDoc]

Charlie

The primary concern about a spring football session is that there are a number of other sports using the fields in the spring, so space becomes an issue.  Given the benefits arising from a spring session, Athletic departments will need to work out scheduling conflicts.  Usually this can be solved by creativity. 

The IVY League had some of the top football programs in the country in the 1920's.  Yale traveling to Athens Georgia in the 20's was one of the most important games in the history of football in the South.  Georgia built the stadium that they play in today to welcome Yale.  Obviously, it has been expanded over the years.  In the 20's, trips to play national opponents were by train and could take 5 or more days.  The Ivy League teams were concerned about this and other factors in deciding to take a more limited approach to football.  Whereas the Yale game at Georgia and Alabama going to the Rose Bowl shortly thereafter turned football in the SEC into what it is today.

Today, the Selection Committee for the D3 playoffs tries to pair up qualifying teams within 500 miles of each other - a day's bus ride more or less.  Teams travelling longer distance go by air.  The NCAA does not have an unlimited budget for D3, but teams playing out of region opponents do get flown.  Hence the arguments about an adverse impact on academics from travel for playoffs isn't really valid today as it may have been in the 1920s.  NESCAC teams in other sports have been very successful in the playoffs for their sports.  While players take great pride in winning a conference championship, the memories of going to the playoffs will be talked about and enjoyed for a lifetime.  Alumni gatherings in the future will remember the opportunity fondly.  Happy alumni tend to donate let us not forget.

[GroundandPound]

Thanks Trinity 9-0 for the info on the 12 returning seniors. 
I just found this site re: NESCAC that looks like it will be active this fall....

https://nescacfootballreport.com/team-overviews/

[The Mole]

Congrats to Trinity for receiving votes in the preseason top 25 Poll

https://d3football.com/top25/2023/preseason

[SpringSt7]

Practicing as much as the other D3 schools but still playing way less games is not a great sell for recruits. For the longest time, the shorter season has been a great way to spin a balanced student-athlete lifestyle as a way to get kids to choose a NESCAC over a Centennial or other strong academic school that has 12 games scheduled. They would've been better off taking the 10th game.

I don't think a lot of the players will be excited to hear about spring practices.

[LochNescac]

Practicing as much as the other D3 schools but still playing way less games is not a great sell for recruits. For the longest time, the shorter season has been a great way to spin a balanced student-athlete lifestyle as a way to get kids to choose a NESCAC over a Centennial or other strong academic school that has 12 games scheduled. They would've been better off taking the 10th game.

I don't think a lot of the players will be excited to hear about spring practices.

Spring is on point;  I just relayed this info to a few current NESCAC players, after hearing this possible news.

Their response;  Playoff invite!?...cool.."    "Spring ball...?...No thanks".

Unsolicited comments...just sayin'

[VoodooDoc]

Lumbercat - the coaches understand the uneven playing field they face today.  Most coaches want an even playing field and they will play anybody.

  Today it is like taking a knife to a gun fight.  Spring practice is step one.  Still needed are a 10th game - whether it is against an out of conference opponent or even a scrimmage game.  The conference cap on players will need to increase to a squad of 100 players to have the minimum depth to play a 14 or 15 game season. 

Spring ST 7- most players enjoy a spring practice when they understand how it is organized.  If they go elsewhere, they will still have a spring practices.  Players want to win.  Spring practice can also be a good team building exercise and create momentum for the regular season.  It is bit of pain, but no pain no gain.

At the end of the day, the NESCAC wants to send competitive teams to the playoffs. Today, it will like Russian generals sending troops to slaughter against Ukranian cluster bombs.  If Putin was not standing there offering a bullet in the back of the head or an all expense paid vacation to Siberia, they might not do so.

[lumbercat]

I know the ultimate consensus among NESCAC coaches is the aspiration to a 10 game schedule with playoff eligibility.
Voodoo makes a great point and I agree. It can't all happen at once so they are starting with spring practice.
Following the adoption of spring practice the next step will be playoff eligibility and possibly, hopefully a 10th game.
A good plan by the coaches which makes sense.

From the beginning this has been a very well crafted campaign by the coaches based on equity for Football within the NESCAC athletic programs. Their presentation to Administrative decision makers had to be masterful based on all the unsuccessful failed initiatives within NESCAC Football I have observed since the 1990's.

I still can't believe it but it's obvious that the equity stance goes a long way.

[Scoops]

Well done analysis, but it is quite clearly written by a Trinity fan 

Thanks Trinity 9-0 for the info on the 12 returning seniors.
I just found this site re: NESCAC that looks like it will be active this fall....

https://nescacfootballreport.com/team-overviews/