The NCAA News - News and FeaturesAugust 4, 1997
Championship criteria kept in I ice hockey
Championship selection criteria was a primary topic of discussion at the recent Division I Men's Ice Hockey Committee meeting.
During its annual meeting July 8-11 in Kansas City, Missouri, the committee discussed at length the criteria currently used to select teams for the championship, and determined that the criteria would remain intact for the 1998 championship.
While voting to retain the current criteria, the committee agreed to evaluate alternatives to the "results of the last 20 games" criterion.
With regard to the rating percentage index (RPI), the committee also voted that games against emerging programs (institutions starting new hockey programs that are not eligible for championship competition) would not be considered. The action was taken in an effort to assist the institutions with emerging programs in establishing quality schedules.
Other highlights
Division I Men's Ice Hockey Committee
July 8-11/Kansas City, Missouri
Met with Division I hockey conference commissioners to discuss issues related to the championship, including the selection process, sites, television exposure and marketing efforts.
Agreed to implement a detailed effort to educate coaches and the public about the selection process.
Reiterated that the rules satellite broadcast will be conducted Sunday, September 7.
Expressed concern regarding the travel party size, noting that the travel party at most institutions has exceeded the number for which the NCAA provides reimbursement (31). The committee noted that the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) currently is conducting a study and will work with its representatives in an attempt to increase the travel party size.
Expressed appreciation to the 1997 regional championship hosts [Western Michigan University (West) and Boston University (East)] and the 1997 national-championship host (University of Wisconsin, Madison). An honorarium will be provided to both institutions.
Reiterated its policy that, whenever possible, conference matchups in the first round of the championship should be avoided.
Voted to recommend that the four Division I ice hockey conferences (CCHA, Western Collegiate Hockey Association, Eastern College Athletic Conference and Hockey East Association) each receive two automatic berths to the 1998 championship. Also, the committee noted the establishment of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference for hockey.
Revised the postgame interview format as follows: Five-minute cooling-off period for the winning team and 15-minute cooling off period for the losing team. The format for the championship game remains the same, with the losing team reporting to the interview area, followed by the winning team.
Reiterated that the official championship schedule of events must be followed by all participating teams and that institutions deviating from the schedule are subject to penalty.
Determined that the 1998 championship handbook will be available via NCAA Online (www.ncaa.org) and that handbooks will not be distributed unless institutions specifically request a printed copy.
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