The Division I Field Hockey Oversight Committee at its meeting last week proposed changing the overtime format for the 2026 season.
Under the recommendation, Division I games going to overtime would be conducted in one 15-minute period in a sudden-victory format. If the score remained tied in the 11-on-11 format, the teams would go to a shootout to determine the winner.
The proposal is scheduled to go out for comment from the membership, and the rule change could become official this month.
"The NCAA Division I Field Hockey Oversight Committee has unanimously voted to change the overtime format to continue with competitive integrity," said Amy Densevich, committee chair and associate athletics director at Kent State. "It allows the game to be decided through true team play, while still preserving the excitement of a sudden-victory finish before advancing to a shootout."
Currently, the sport's overtime format calls for two 10-minute overtime periods played in a 7-on-7 sudden-victory format. If the game remains tied, a shootout is conducted.
The Division II and III Rules Committee also discussed this proposal but decided to table the recommendation. The committee is asking the membership to vote on which overtime configuration they prefer for the upcoming season: adopting the new Division I proposed overtime format or remaining with the current format.
Once the survey is completed, the committee will reconvene to review the results and propose a rule for the upcoming season.
As a point of emphasis for on-field officials next fall, both rules committees would like officials to use consistent timing when penalty corners are taken.
