Site specifications and selection criteria dominated the discussion at the Division III Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Committees' annual meetings June 3-6 in Indianapolis.

The women's committee discussed rink specifications in championship competition and put in place several preferences, while the men's committee reviewed the new criteria that will be used for ranking and selection during next season.

Women's committee

The women's committee decided that the preferred ice size will be no less than 85 feet by 185 feet. Additionally, the committee noted that all ice specifications must be in accordance with the NCAA Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules book for consideration.

The group also evaluated the best dates for the championship. For first-round competition, the committee noted that Saturday would be the preferred day of the contest. Additionally, the committee voted that the championship date formula be amended to allow play on Friday and Saturday only. Previously, a Saturday and Sunday format also was allowed.

The geographic site of the event also was discussed at length. The committee decided that a predetermined site for the finals would not be in the best interests of the championship. The committee did agree, however, that it would prefer rotating the finals site between regions. To that end, the committee voted to give strong preference to a region that has not hosted the championship in three years or more.

Men's committee

The Division III Men's Ice Hockey Committee focused on the new Division III selection criteria to be used next season (see accompanying chart).

The committee also discussed moving the championship semifinal and final games to a predetermined final site on a trial basis. The Division III Championships Committee will consider this idea later this year.

The group feels that having a predetermined site would allow the committee to have the championship in each region. The committee is committed to providing hosting opportunities in each region. Under the current format, the championship most likely will be held in the East region.

The committee also recommended that Russ Reilly, athletics director at Middlebury College, be named the next chair of the group.