Recurring questions about a Division II bylaw has sparked a review of the regulations for athletes competing “unattached” in individual sports.

Thanks to championship policy changes enacted last fall, Division III’s budget isn’t projected to incur deficits until the 2019-20 academic year. However, the Division III Strategic Planning and Finance Committee has its eyes fixed on problems that could arise down the road in hopes of avoiding the type of strain that accompanied last year’s budget changes.

At a recent meeting in Indianapolis, the committee reviewed the fees paid to officials at NCAA championships, kicking off a larger discussion on the state of officiating in Division II.

Water polo officials will have more flexibility to address player conduct starting with the 2015-16 academic year.

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel tabled a proposed football rule that would have adjusted the ineligible receiver downfield rule from three yards to one yard in NCAA football on Thursday.

The Committee on Academics dug deeper into academic misconduct issues and legislative concepts at its February 16-17 meeting in Indianapolis, and the group intends to have legislative recommendations later this year.

The Division III Interpretations and Legislation Committee recommended legislation to remove the requirement that athletes seek reinstatement if they’ve received impermissible financial aid – provided the athlete was unaware that the aid violated rules and the institution's athletics department staff was not involved in the violation.

The Division I Championships/Sports Management Cabinet approved a new schedule format for the 2015 and the 2016 Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

The Division I Championships/Sports Management Cabinet referred a proposal for format changes to the Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships to the Competition Oversight Committee in the new governance structure for additional discussion and possible action.

A 2016 women’s basketball joint championship involving all three divisions has moved one step closer to becoming a reality.