Houghton Moves from "Sunday Policy" to "Sabbath Policy" in NCAA Process

The controversy that arose over Houghton athletes participating in athletic events on Sundays, as part of the NCAA, has finally been resolved with the approval of the new Sabbath observance policy, passed at the faculty meeting March 17. The policy states that while "historically the College honors Sunday as a special day," the revised policy now makes exceptions for rare events to be scheduled on Sundays, which must be approved by the College president after approval from area associate deans or directors.

The policy states: "Decisions on these exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis and are not to be considered precedent-setting for future decisions. When an exception is granted, adjustments in schedules shall allow appropriate Sabbath rest for those affected." According to Athletic Director Harold "Skip" Lord, this means that on the rare occasion a team is scheduled to play on a Sunday, the athletes would be given a day off on another day of the week, and games would either be scheduled in the afternoon to allow time for church, or a team worship service would take place. Lord was clear in stating that the emphasis of every team on sports ministry would not change, and in fact having worship as a team may become another method of outreach, if the opposing team was invited to worship as well.

These types of guidelines for the implementation of the policy are being developed, so that the policy will be finalized and in place by the 2012 fall semester. The goal of the policy, according to Lord, is to determine the best way to maintain the historical tradition of honoring the Sabbath on Sundays, while still allowing occasional Sunday play.

"It's a move from a Sunday policy to a Sabbath policy," he said, and while the NCAA decision was the impetus for re-examining the existing policy, the document itself makes no mention of sporting events.

Though the suggestion of Sunday athletic competition was controversial at first, Lord said he feels confident that the majority of opinions expressed regarding the decision are represented in the new policy. A survey to gauge the opinions of every constituency on campus was distributed in February, and Lord met with multiple committees and representatives of each constituency so that every voice could be heard on the issue. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents responded to the survey, and the topic was discussed in Academic Council meetings, Student Life, the Athletic Committee, SGA, and among athletes.

"Everybody who could weigh in, did weigh in; everyone had a part in the process," said Lord.

The survey showed that 70% of respondents were in favor of rare Sunday play, and it was this majority opinion that was reflected in the Sabbath policy.

"You'd have to be at the far end of one extreme not to feel like the policy represents you," said Lord, "but even then you still had the opportunity to share."

The process for making the change from NAIA competition to NCAA is ongoing. While the decision to move forward in the application for membership has been made, the athletic department is still waiting for confirmation on Houghton's acceptance to the Empire 8 Division III conference. Once accepted, Houghton would begin an exploratory year in 2011-2012, meaning that teams would still play only NAIA teams, but would be learning more about what being part of the NCAA looks like. Following a year of education, Houghton could move to provisional membership, in which case the College would no longer be part of the NAIA. Only about four schools a year transition from exploratory to provisional membership, according to Lord. Altogether, the process will take four to five years until NCAA membership is complete, allowing the students who signed on to play for Houghton in the NAIA to graduate before NCAA play begins.

Reactions to the decision to make the switch have been largely positive from athletes and coaches.

"I would say the switch is good for the field hockey program, because it allows us to have a post season, which we currently do not have in the NAIA," said Jennifer Huyett, senior field hockey captain. "Having a post season would encourage prospective players to look more seriously at our program and allow an end of season goal for the current players to strive for."

Senior soccer player Timothy Lewis echoed Huyett's comments.

"The competition will be tough, but we have previously shown the ability to hold our own against NCAA caliber teams," he said.  "The NCAA offers a great chance to test our skills; the switch represents another opportunity to use the gifts that God has given us for His glory, whether it be NAIA or NCAA."  

Not only does the NCAA offer more incentives for athletes to work harder, but also the current size of the NAIA makes scheduling nearby games difficult.

"One practical advantage will be the closer proximity of games, whether it means more supporters attending away games or less time away from school," said Lewis.  "I always dread the weekend bus trips that get us back home just in time for the sunrise, however beautiful it may be."  

Matthew Webb, head coach of the men's soccer team, feels the transition will be bittersweet.

"On the one hand I am sad that we cannot stay in the NAIA as it has been a good ‘home' for Houghton for a number of years," he said. "However, we do not really have a choice regarding staying in the NAIA, as many other teams from our conference have already made the move to the NCAA, and it just doesn't make sense anymore for us to stay in the NAIA.  Although I am disappointed about having to leave the NAIA, the NCAA is the most recognizable athletic affiliation in the country, and joining the NCAA is also very exciting."