Higher-seeded teams may not necessarily host semifinal games in upcoming Division III Football Championships as a result of a decision made by the Division III Football Committee.

At its meeting February 6-9 in Indianapolis, the committee voted to establish a system for predetermining the sites for the semifinals. The two bracket champions that will host the games will be announced at the same time the 28-team field is released.

Semifinal sites previously were awarded to the highest-seeded teams remaining, assuming that those teams met all of the site-selection criteria and had submitted bids to host the games. The new policy follows the Division III Championships Committee's directive to increase the number of institutions that have opportunities to host NCAA championships.

In conjunction with the decision, the committee determined that no region will be able to host a semifinal contest more than two consecutive years.

The committee also reviewed the principles by which conferences earn automatic qualification into the championships for their champions and possible enhancements to the Division III selection criteria. The group also voted to retain the same selection and seeding criteria for the 2001 season.

In other actions, the committee voted to increase the minimum adult admission price for all first- and second-round, quarterfinal and semifinal games from $5 to $8, and the minimum student admission price from $3 to $4.

The committee also discussed potential realignments that would equalize the number of teams in each evaluation region. Although no action was taken, the committee believes that some realignment may assist institutions in scheduling more in-region games.

Other highlights

Division III Football Committee
February 6-9/Indianapolis

Directed the NCAA staff liaison to inquire about holding a Youth Education through Sports (YES) clinic at the 2001 championships.

Voted to limit the participating institutions at the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl to 52 players for the Thursday practice.

Decided to distribute a ticket report form to all NCAA representatives staffing first- and second-round, quarterfinal and semifinal games. The host institutions will be responsible for providing unofficial sales and attendance figures immediately after each game.

Voted to expand the Stagg Bowl postgame awards ceremony to include the presentation to the national runner-up team.

Voted to require potential NCAA game representatives to participate in a conference call for training before the championship.