The College Management Council voted to approve the request of the current Division II Men's Collegiate Division Conferences for a formal USA Rugby Men's Division II Collegiate Championship to be played this fall.
The CMC held extensive discussions before arriving at this closely-divided determination. Concerns raised included the lateness of the request given an unanimous Council decision to not approve any new competitions without at least an 18-month lead-in to ensure proper planning, budgeting and accurate communication with all impacted teams; the limited lead-in time for teams and players to adequately and safely prepare; the compressed schedule and that impact on institutions of differing academic schedules; availability of facilities.
In addition, the proposed dates for the Round of 16/eight conflict with the planned introduction of a Division II Men's Bracket at the USA Rugby National Collegiate 7s Championships scheduled for November 23 and 24.
New collegiate conferences for this year, particularly the Southern California (still to be named) Men's Division II Conference, have agreed to participate despite the late start of members’ academic calendars (end of September). This nearly complete cooperation from within and among all the conferences swayed the CMC to approve the Fall National Championship.
Provisions have been discussed to ensure that all Division II teams, including those left out of a conference structure, will be provided a pathway through to this National Championship.
USA Rugby will assist in securing venues and working with the tournament hosts to provide basic event support. Full national championship provisions will be limited due to this event not planned or included in the 2013 College Budget, an issue that met agreement of the Division II conference commissioners.
The CMC members in support felt that if this competitions schedule is being played by agreement of all parties, and it meets the requirements, it should be supported and sanctioned by USA Rugby. This approval is for a one-year trial after which the costs and benefits of the schedule will be evaluated in concert with each conference and the participating schools.
Source : http://www.rugbyrugby.com/news/by_country/u_s/7012683/men_s_division_ii_collegiate_championship_to_be_played_this_fall