For the first time in its history, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is officially adding girls’ field hockey as a sponsored sport. This exciting step was confirmed during the MHSAA Representative Council’s Winter Meeting held on March 21 in East Lansing. With rules, dates, and guidelines now in place, the inaugural MHSAA-sponsored girls’ field hockey season will begin this fall in 2025.
Key Dates Announced for the New Season
One of the major decisions approved by the Council was the start of the girls’ field hockey season. According to the new schedule:
- First practice: August 11, 2025
- First match: August 15, 2025
- First MHSAA Final: October 25, 2025
The new schedule gives teams enough time to train and compete in a full season. The Council also approved contest limits for teams—each team can play on 18 dates and have up to four scrimmages.
Tournament Format and Seeding Process Finalized
Another big update was the structure of the first MHSAA Girls Field Hockey Tournament. It will be held in a single division format and divided into four Regionals. The top four teams during the regular season will be decided using the Michigan Power Ratings system. These teams will be placed as top seeds in separate Regionals to ensure fair competition, and the rest of the teams will be placed based on geography.
Overtime Rules Introduced for Tournament Play
The MHSAA also approved specific overtime procedures for field hockey tournaments. If a game ends in a tie, it will go to a 6-on-6 format with goalies. If the tie continues, a 1-on-1 shootout will take place, where one attacking player faces off against the goalkeeper. These rules are set for tournament play but can be used in regular-season bracket tournaments if desired.
Updates to Ice Hockey and Competitive Cheer
Apart from field hockey, the Council also made changes to ice hockey and competitive cheer for the 2025–26 season.
In ice hockey, the regular-season game limit was increased to 27 games, along with one scrimmage. This gives teams more competitive opportunities.
In competitive cheer, the Finals schedule was changed for one year due to a conflict at the usual venue, Central Michigan University. The new season timeline is:
- First practice: November 10, 2025
- First contest: November 24, 2025
- Districts: February 20–21, 2026
- Regionals: February 28, 2026
- Finals: March 6–7, 2026
This change only applies for the 2025–26 season, and dates will return to normal the following year.
AD Mentorship Program Becomes Permanent
The Council also made the “AD Connection Program” permanent. This program helps first-year athletic directors by pairing them with retired mentors. Over the past two years, it successfully connected 248 new athletic directors with experienced professionals who guided them in their new roles.
The MHSAA’s Winter Meeting brought major changes and exciting updates for school sports in Michigan. With the addition of girls’ field hockey, revised schedules for ice hockey and cheerleading, and support for new athletic directors, Michigan is strengthening its school sports system for students, coaches, and schools alike. The 2025–26 school year will bring new beginnings and great opportunities, especially for female athletes ready to make history on the field.
