March 18, 2009

Center Valley, Pa. - At their recent meeting, the Patriot League athletic directors unanimously adopted several cost-saving measures that pertain to the conduct and administration of the Patriot League regular season and Championships.

These measures were endorsed by the membership for implementation in 2009-10 and are in response to the current financial climate and anticipated budgetary impact on their respective campuses. It is expected that the measures will be in place for at least two years, pending further review of the economic condition.

Specifically, the measures adopted by the athletic directors include the creation of a sport specific travel squad size policy for all 23 sports, the elimination of awards banquets at League Championships for all sports and the use of teleconferencing for all head coaches meetings and select administrative committees.

"In response to the current economic situation we have adopted and will continue to review cost-savings policies that will save all of our institutions and the League significant money without altering the student-athlete competitive experience," said Colgate Athletic Director David Roach, Chair of the Patriot League's Committee on Athletic Administration."

In addition to the strategies already adopted, the athletic directors will continue to discuss cost-saving measures during their May meeting. In particular, they will focus on ways to reduce spending in areas such as the League governance meeting structure, officiating, regular-season scheduling policies and Championship formats.

Finally, as part of the overall cost containment review, the League office is also engaged in an evaluation of current practices and operational expenses designed to create cost efficiencies.