The Division II Football Committee reviewed championship administration issues during its February 4-7 meeting in Indianapolis, including how regional rankings factor into the new Division II playoff structure.

Effective with the 2004 season, the committee, pending approval of the Division II Championships Committee, will rank the top 12 teams each week in each region, rather than the top 10 teams as has been done in the past. This is because of the new "earned access" concept for the Division II football playoffs.

The committee also is recommending a modification in the strength-of-schedule index for selection criteria. The main changes have to do with how to count results against Division I-AA opponents.

The committee reviewed television ratings for the 2003 championship and noted that the championship game between the University of North Dakota and Grand Valley State University was one of the most-watched championship games ever for Division I-AA, Division II or Division III.

With regard to seeding, the committee has recommended a new bracket format and regional rotation based on the expanded playoffs. In 2004, the field will expand to 24 teams, consisting of six teams in four regions. The four regions are: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest. Also, the football committee has recommended the bid minimums for the second round of competition to the Championships Committee.

The 2005 and 2006 championships were awarded once again to Florence, Alabama, where the final has been played since 1986. The games will be played at Braly Municipal Stadium and will be hosted by the University of North Alabama and the Shoals National Championship Committee. On September 1, the committee will send out a request for proposals for site selection for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 championship games.

The committee also looked at ticketing and seating arrangements and has recommended a change in the policy. In an effort to promote a spirit of sportsmanship, opponents' fans will not be allowed seats directly behind the opponents' bench. Each team will be guaranteed a minimum of 500 tickets, with those seats being located directly behind their team bench.