news-record.com

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- The Southern Conference will cut all conference baseball series from three days to two for the 2009-10 year, part of a move to cut $120,000 from its budget.

Other budget-cutting moves include:

l increasing the use of teleconferences instead of in-person meetings for head coaches and select administrative committees.

l 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.

l eliminating football and basketball media days.

l eliminating printed media guides next year, as well as staff travel to regular-season contests, televised games and conventions.

"We are all faced with some difficult choices right now," said UNCG Director of Athletics Nelson Bobb. "This isn't limited to small schools or big schools, athletic departments or academic departments. While different institutions are affected in different ways, no one is immune to it at this time.

"Everyone is taking a hard look at expenditures and methods of operation at a tough financial time," he said. "Hopefully, the choices that we are all having to make are just for the short term."

The conference will review these measures in January 2010 to determine the financial play for the 2010-11 season.

"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."

The savings will be distributed back to the athletics departments. Iamarino estimated the conference would save about $120,000. Schools also will realize savings in reduced team and committee travel and lodging.