SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced Friday a number of cost containment measures at both the institutional and Conference levels. All measures are designed exclusively for the 2009-10 academic year. A review of all measures will take place in January of 2010 to determine strategies for the 2010-11 year.



The measures include reducing all Conference baseball series to two days instead of three; increasing the use of teleconferences instead of in-person meetings for head coaches and select administrative committees; reducing the number of teams qualifying for Conference tournaments in the sports of women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s soccer, softball, men’s tennis and women’s tennis to the top four teams; the elimination of the football and basketball media days.



Additionally, the Conference office will not print media guides next year and staff travel to regular-season contests, televised games, and conventions and professional development seminars will be curtailed.



“It’s important to know that all these measures are being undertaken for one year, with the understanding that we will review the economic climate early in 2010 before proceeding,” said Southern Conference Commissioner John Iamarino. “These steps are not pleasant ones. Our Presidents and athletic administrators approved them reluctantly, but these actions became necessary as they considered the heavy financial challenges we’re all facing.”



All savings realized by the Conference office from these measures will be distributed back to the athletic departments. Iamarino estimated the Conference would save approximately $120,000 from its current budget. Institutions will also realize savings in reduced team and committee travel and lodging.