The Division II Executive Board this week adopted emergency legislation to establish a transfer window in football that will take effect June 1.
Modeled after the Division I football transfer window, this legislation will require a Division II football student-athlete to initiate the notification-of-transfer process during a Jan. 2-16 window unless using an applicable Division I exception.
The legislation also will require Division II football student-athletes to be entered into the NCAA Transfer Portal by their school within two business days of receipt of a written notification of transfer from the student-athlete or receipt of confirmation of the student-athlete’s completion of a transfer educational module, whichever occurs later, rather than the current seven consecutive calendar days.
The June 1 effective date provides Division II football student-athletes an opportunity to initiate the notification-of-transfer process this spring, based on current Division II legislation, which allows student-athletes to begin the process at any time. After June 1, a football student-athlete will be required to wait until the Division I football transfer window to initiate the transfer process.
“By approving a legislated transfer window in Division II football, the Executive Board is providing greater clarity, consistency and structure to the transfer process while aligning more closely with Division I timelines,” said Sandra Woodley, Division II Executive Board chair and president of The University of Texas Permian Basin
The Division II Legislation Committee will review Transfer Portal data for all sports during its June 16-17 videoconference and determine whether legislated transfer windows in all other sports are appropriate.
Budget and championship structure adjustments
The Executive Board amended the Division II long-range budget assumptions, reducing the annual increase to championship travel funding from 5% to 2%. Based on historical average travel costs, the division had been budgeting more than is needed for championship travel.
Amending the annual increase does not change the number of travel opportunities (bracket/field sizes and travel party numbers) for Division II championships. Funds resulting from the adjustment will be reallocated to support other championship priorities. The annual increase will continue to be evaluated each year based on changes within the travel industry.
The board also approved changes to the Division II Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships beginning in the 2027-28 academic year. The men’s championship bracket will be reduced from 48 to 32 teams, consistent with the access ratio policy for team sports. Additionally, both the men’s and women’s championships will move to eight teams at the finals site. This new format consists of four super regions, two hosting sites per region and enhanced on-site administration support during the preliminary rounds.
Funding for Mental Health First Aid training
Funding was approved to support Mental Health First Aid training for each active and eligible Division II school. Up to 30 individuals per school can be certified through the training program. Details regarding this program for Division II members and how to access the training will be communicated to the membership later this summer. The training is provided by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Mental health is a key focus within the Division II Operating Plan and has been identified as a priority by members. The training will equip participants with the knowledge to recognize mental health symptoms, provide appropriate assistance and connect individuals with professional help when needed.
Other items
- NCAA Power Index dials for fall sports: The board received an update on the implementation of NCAA Power Index dials for field hockey, football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball.
- Use of commercial logos: The board received an update on the ongoing review of commercial logos and the concept adopted by the Division II Management Council. The measure, which will be finalized this summer, would increase the size of permissible manufacturer’s or distributor’s labels or trademarks to 4 square inches.
- Ratification of appointment: The board approved the election of Julia Rowland, deputy athletics director and senior woman administrator at Coker, to the Management Council, effective immediately. She will represent the South Atlantic Conference.
