NCAA.com | August 7, 2014 WCBO, LLC proposes improvements in rules strategy session Share IRVING, Texas -- Women’s basketball stakeholders convened for a 2014 WCBO, LLC Rules Strategy Session at the Big 12 Conference office August 5-6 with a primary focus on ways to improve the collegiate game. Attendees included representatives from the NCAA women’s basketball staff, NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee, NCAA Rules Committee, Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), USA Basketball, Women’s Collegiate Basketball Officiating (WCBO, LLC) and the Conference Commissioners Association (CCA). The group identified focal points that drove its discussion on playing rules changes that would appeal to fans and players, create more parity among programs, foster a positive public image and support USA Basketball’s efforts for a youth development program. WCBO individual attendee list Attendee Association Val Ackerman Big East Conference Patty Broderick Women's Basketball Officiating Consortium Anucha Browne NCAA Doug Bruno DePaul University Dan Calandro NCAA Kelsey Cermak NCAA Leslie Claybrook Southeastern Conference Chris Dawson Pac-12 Conference Jay Demings USA Basketball Danielle Donehew WBCA Carolyn Schlie Femovich Patriot League Nora Lynn Finch Atlantic Coast Conference Dru Hancock Big 12 Conference Connie Hurlbut Western Athletic Conference Dee Kantner Official Tina Krah NCAA Jon Levinson NCAA Secretary Rules-Editor Michael Schafer Richmond University Rachel Seewald NCAA Debbie Williamson NCAA National Officiating Coordinator Recommendations for experimental rules changes include widening the lane to 16-feet, increasing the 3-point shot line to 22-feet and utilizing four 10-minute quarters instead of two halves. Additionally, discussion included the merits of allowing bands or electronic music to be played during certain dead ball situations to enhance atmosphere during the game and encouraging all Division I programs to include names on the back of uniforms for easy fan and media identification. The implementation of a National Women’s Basketball Media Day was also among the proposals. The format would bring together coaches, student-athletes, officials, administrators and media partners in one setting, or participants could be located in multiple sites and participate through video to promote the game. The recommendations will be discussed by the WCBO Competition Committee with their formal recommendations to be considered by the WCBO Board of Directors in January, prior to the February 1, 2015 deadline for the submission of rules proposals to the Rules Committee. Feedback will be solicited from valued stakeholders, such as the NCAA Secretary Rules Editor, WBCA Playing Rules and Officiating Subcommittee, WCBO, MCBO, NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee, game officials, coordinators and student-athletes. Nora Lynn Finch, chair of the WCBO Competition Committee, summed up the rules strategy session. "Nationally recognized members of the collegiate women's basketball community looked at our game through the lens of fan appeal, image and parity, and it produced an understanding of how to invest the multiple and varied viewpoints of our coaches, officials and administrators into rules considerations. The passion for our game and determination to grow its popularity were echoed in every conversation." 2023 March Madness: Women's NCAA tournament schedule, dates, times This is the schedule for Women's March Madness in 2023, which begins with selections on March 12. READ MORE DI Women’s Basketball Committee announces 2023 championship format The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee completed its annual summer meeting last week, with planning for the 2022-23 season and championship front and center. READ MORE We picked the all-time starting five for Tennessee women's basketball Candace Parker, Tamika Catchings, Chamique Holdsclaw and so many others are among the best players to ever play at Tennessee, which has won eight national championships in women's basketball. NCAA.com's Autumn Johnson broke down dug into the record books and picked the Lady Vols' all-time starting five. READ MORE