The real key as to whether the NCAA will even consider sponsoring a women's hockey championship is the number of varsity programs competing in the sport. Under section 18.2.4.1 of the 1996-97 NCAA Manual, "A National Collegiate Championship or a division championship may be established during the 1994-95 through 1998-99 academic years in a women's sport in which the Association does not already conduct a championship if at least 40 institutions sponsor the sport." The number is 50 institutions for a men's sport. 18.2.4.2.1 adds the provision that "The applicable minimum spnsorship number must exist for two consecutive academic years in order for a championship to be established." The way I understand this, it would be possible to establish a single women's NCAA championship that would cover all divisions once there are 40 programs existing at the NCAA level for two straight years. I don't know how many there are now. (Richard?) However, according to 18.2.1, "A National Collegiate Championship for which any active member in good standing is eligible may be established by majority vote of all members present and voting at an annual Convention, subject to the requirements, standards and conditions regarding the required number of members sponsoring the sport as prescribed in this bylaw." So, not only does there have to be the 40 program minimum for two years, but it would also be necessary to get the NCAA to vote for a championship at its annual convention. That looks to be the biggest hurdle once the 40 program minimum is reached. --- --- Mike Machnik [log in to unmask] *HMM* 11/13/93 ***** Unofficial Merrimack Hockey home page located at: ***** ***** http://www.tiac.net/users/machnik/MChockey/MChockey.html ***** HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.