The Divisions I, II and III Field Hockey Committees used their recent meetings to discourage unsportsmanlike behavior by strengthening the penalty for red cards.

In addition to an immediate ejection, the committees proposed that any player, bench player or coach who earns a red card also will be assessed a one-game suspension to be served during the next game. Should a player or coach receive a red card in the last game of the season, the suspension would carry over to the first game of the following season. The modification of the rule, which previously carried only an ejection penalty, would apply to both regular-season and championships competition. It still must be approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel before being implemented next year.

The committees also discussed the possibility of conducting all three championships at the same site in the future. A combined-championship format has not been conducted since the championships were established in 1981. Last year, the Division I championship was decided at the University of Louisville, while the Divisions II and III championships were held at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and Washington and Lee University, respectively.

In other actions during the committees’ joint meeting, members confirmed that, in accordance with international rules, the game ball shall be white unless both coaches agree to use a different-colored ball — or in the case of special circumstances such as a contest being played on a football field with white markings. If an agreement cannot be reached between opposing teams, the default color of the ball shall be white.

The committees also clarified the requirements for backup clocks. The rule requiring a visible clock on the field, which became effective this past season, remains the first option for keeping official game time. Each site also is required to have a backup clock, and umpires shall keep time as well.

Committee members also reviewed a newly established umpire manager, who is responsible for assigning umpires for championships in all three divisions. While members were pleased with the processes that were established, minor changes are anticipated. The committees will work with the umpire manager to develop a manual for umpires at all NCAA levels.

The field hockey committees also met separately. Actions by division follow.

Division I

The Division I Field Hockey Committee reviewed possible sites for the 2007 and 2008 championships and forwarded its recommendations to the Championships/Competition Cabinet for approval. Wake Forest University will host the 2006 championship. In addition, the group awarded automatic qualification to six conferences and two play-in games for this year’s championship.

In other actions, the committee affirmed its decision to require teams to report scores online beginning this year. Institutions will receive information about the process this summer. The group also discussed the possibility of increasing the number of times it releases a Rating Percentage Index. Presently, the field hockey RPI is released only at the end of the season.

Also, the committee selected Erin McDermott of Princeton University as the new chair, effective September 1.

Division II

The Division II Field Hockey Committee adjusted the championships selection criteria and modified the composition of the all-tournament team.

Effective with the 2006 season, the quality-of-winning-percentage index will be eliminated from the primary selection criteria. The committee also replaced the overall won-lost record criterion with record against teams with winning percentages above .750. Members also re-ordered secondary criteria as follows:

1. Results against common opponents;

2. Record against teams with winning percentages above .750;

3. Overall won-lost record in the last 10 games of the season (including conference tournament games);

4. Head-to-head competition.

The group also agreed to change the makeup of the all-tournament team that is selected annually at the end of each championship. Beginning next season, the team will consist of 11 players, regardless of position. Previously, the team included 10 field players and one goalkeeper.

The committee also continued preparing for the 2006 championship that will be played November 16 and 18 as part of the first fall Division II National Championships Festival.

In addition, the committee selected Pam Arpe, head field hockey coach at Stonehill College, as the new chair, effective September 1.

Division III

The Division III Field Hockey Committee supported an opponents’ average winning percentage as one of the primary selection criteria. In response to the Championships Committee’s request to all Division III sports committees for feedback on the issue, the field hockey committee felt the criteria would be most effective if applied at the end of the season due to the lower number of games played in comparison to other sports. Members recommended its use one week before selections and on selection weekend. Ultimately, the Championships Committee will decide whether to add the criteria to the current list for all team sports.

The committee also voted to eliminate live scouting at sites other than a team’s assigned venue. Under the new policy, teams are prohibited from traveling to a championship site other than their own to view games of potential opponents. It also prohibits teams with first-round byes from attending contests of possible second-round opponents.

The group established that unless agreed upon by the host institution and participating schools, practices for first-round games will begin no later than 4 p.m. local time on fields without lights and no later than 6:30 p.m. on fields with lights.

The committee also established pools for next year’s championship. Pool A will consist of 13 teams, Pool B will contain three squads and Pool C will consist of eight teams.

Penny Kempf, assistant director of athletics and head field hockey coach at Rowan University, was named as the new committee chair, effective September 1.