Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the Southeastern Conference is an NCAA Conference with 14 member institutions. The SEC crowns champions in 21 sports - 12 women's sports and nine men's sports. Since its formation in 1933, the SEC has directed and organized interscholastic athletic competitions, conducted tournaments and prescribed eligibility rules for student-athletes. The Conference also facilitates and assists its member institutions in maintaining intercollegiate athletic programs compatible with the highest standards of education and competitive sports.