When did the Ring rule change?

[Newportcat]

I have noticed this over this years, that more and more teams give out Rings for things less then a national championship in college basketball or college football. When did that change, I always thought you only get a big ring like this when you win a National Championship. Pac-12 championship and Elite 8 doesn't deserve a ring in my opinion. I mean in the intro to Arizona video at McKale, Lute says "1 National Championship" he flashes his ring and I immediately know what that means.

Thoughts/Comments

[ASUHATER!]

Been like that forever. They give out division and conference rings in the pros.

[rgdeuce]

I think a ring for a conference championship is fine. Conference tournament championship, no. In terms of the NCAA tournament, I'm not feeling it for an elite eight. Final four or natty only. If you want to do a combo ring after all is said and done, Elite Eight on top, conference and regular season tourny champs on the side, that's good too.

[Jefe]

Guess on cost?

[Merkin]

PAC-12 is so much nicer than the Elite 8. "Cats" is just too generic.

[PHXCATS]

Everyone gets a trophy day with the basketball team I guess

[PieceOfMeat]

Everyone gets a trophy day with the basketball team I guess

While it seems kind of excessive/dumb to me, I could see where players would want to wear such rings. I wouldn't imagine Coach would walk around with it on though.