One concept is to create a new division or subdivision that has less restrictive bylaws. This could mean longer playing seasons and the option of redshirting, for example. It might also mean additional playing opportunities during nontraditional seasons. Or a more restrictive division could be created that might feature tighter recruiting rules and shortened playing seasons.

Another idea would use sponsorship levels to create new divisions. Since current Division III members are generally clustered in two groups--one at 10 to 12 sports and one at 18 to 20--a break point could be established at 16 sports teams.

The group's report is a starting point for discussions that will likely last for the next 18 months. After a review by Division III governing bodies, including the Management Council and Presidents Council, the suggested options are expected to go to an association-wide working group that is also looking at issues in Divisions I and II. It plans to present membership models for discussion at the 2008 NCAA Convention.

Division III is the largest of the NCAA divisions at 441 schools and expects to continue growing after a moratorium on new members expires in 2008. At its current size, it cannot meet suggested NCAA championship guidelines of one tournament spot per 6.5 teams in every sport and stay under the 64-team, three-week tournament cap. Women's basketball, for example, currently awards one bid for every 6.8 teams to create a 64-team field.