The Division I Women's Soccer Committee clarified championship selection procedures during its annual meeting February 5-7 in Indianapolis.

The committee agreed to develop a ranking and selection procedures document to be placed online. This information will include selection procedures and the definition of the Rating Percentage Index (RPI).

Additionally, the committee added a bonus/penalty system for the RPI, which also will be explained in detail.

In other action, the committee recommended to the Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet that a team must have an overall won-lost record of at least .500 to be selected for the championship.

Also, the committee discussed a change in format, prompted by a request from the Championships/
Competition Cabinet and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. After discussion, the committee decided to leave the format unchanged. Since the second weekend of the tournament falls on the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the committee was concerned about the challenges that involve competition over a holiday weekend and wanted to limit play to one game.

The committee did agree, however, to re-evaluate the format after the 2002 season, the second year under the current playing system.

Other highlights

Division I Women's Soccer Committee
February 5-7/Indianapolis

Heard a presentation from Dan Keohane from the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association, Inc., about the regional assigning process in preliminary rounds and the process by which officials qualify to work the NCAA championship.

* Discussed preferences for the championship, including a grass field surface with dimensions of 75 feet by 120, lighted facilities, and the fact that a soccer-exclusive facility is preferred over a multisport facility or football stadium.

* Emphasized that the Women's College Cup has exclusive use of all facilities during the event.

Approved that for preliminary-round site selection, preference will be given to institutions with a Friday/Sunday game schedule (with the exception of cases in which there is a conflict due to religious reasons).