There are six women's team sports recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): field hockey, basketball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, and softball. Associated with each of these sports are polling procedures conducted to indicate national rankings in terms of quality of performance. These polls generally are referred to as "Top Twenty Polls."

Questionnaires were designed and mailed to the coaches and selection committee members associated with the two study sports: basketball and field hockey. Respondents were to rate a series of questions pertaining to either basketball or field hockey as to the relative importance in the ranking process of the content of each question.

Returned questionnaires were compiled and a frequency analysis done on the questions. Analysis showed there to be no difference between sports. or among divisions within a sport as to the selection methodology used to develop a Top Twenty Poll. A model was developed to provide unbiased information to the selection committees designed to allow for comparisons which might otherwise not be available. Following analysis, the following variables were chosen for the model: win/loss record against common opponents, scoring margin, strength of schedule during the season, "credible" losses, record for the week, record for the season, record against teams 1-10 in the top twenty poll, record against teams 11-20 in the top twenty poll, and a performance quality indicator statistic.