The Division II Field Hockey Committee is suggesting changes to its selection criteria to consider only games played against Division II opponents for championship selection. The action still must be approved by the Division II Championships Committee.

"The Division II philosophy is clear, and we want to continue to emphasize the importance to our teams to build upon the strength of Division II field hockey by playing each other," said committee Chair Coni Fichera, head field hockey coach at Bryant College.

If the recommendation is approved, the committee would consider overall Division II won-lost record, the overall Division II strength of schedule, in-region Division II won-lost record and the Division II in-region strength of schedule to determine bids.

The committee made the recommendation during a recent conference call. The group was forced to cancel its annual meeting in February because of weather.

In addition to selection criteria, the committee will recommend to the Division II Championships Committee an extensive list of guidelines for hosting. The list would be sent along with the bid packages to make sure potential hosts will be able to meet expectations for championship.

"It is very difficult without a predetermined site to get everything organized on such short notice," Fichera said. "Hopefully with these guidelines, institutions submitting a bid will prepare in advance and avoid the crisis-management state and truly be able to enjoy the hosting of a national championship as much as the student-athletes."

The list includes specific requirements for natural grass fields, filled surfaces and artificial non-filled surfaces, since all of the three surfaces are acceptable for a championship bid. Event-management duties and personnel also are spelled out in detail, along with athletic training and sports information needs.

In an effort to stay consistent with the FIH playing rules, the committee also voted to adopt two experimental rules to be used next year at the international level. Both experimental rules already have been accepted by the Division III Field Hockey Committee and are pending approval in Division I. All three divisions must approve since playing rules are not federated.

The first experiment will eliminate the requirement to stop the ball on a penalty corner, essentially allowing an attack player to swing for the goal without first controlling the ball.

"The previous rule change two seasons ago, which required the ball to travel outside the circle (and then be stopped), seemed to take a little of the speed, creativity and excitement out of penalty corners," Fichera said. "This rule change, if adopted, could certainly put the pressure back on the defense."

A defender also will be allowed to raise her stick above her shoulders to stop a shot on goal, previously a violation.