Expert: Vic Winnek - 10/15/2011

Question
Are NCAA referees not judging games between the institutes of highest learning in our country?
I would wager 75% of all College referees refer to the first replay to confirm a call as being under "FURTHER" review. Until the first replay has been "REVIEWED", it cannot possibly be under "FURTHER"
review. At least half, or more of the professional referees butcher the same phrase. One would expect that
someone in an official capacity from these organizations would take steps to correct this error.

Answer
Thank you for your statement.  Please know that each play during the game is reviewed by replay official or technical assistant/monitor [the second replay official}.  This is the standard course.  However, the when the replay official needs to stop the game to review the play form different angles or when a coach challenges, the Replay Review Process is initiated, and that is when the fans and medial become aware that "replay is involved".  When this occurs the on field officials are notified by a "buzzer system".

NCAA Football Rule 12-6-1-b provides: "..., the Referee shall announce: ' The ruling on the previous play [brief description of ruling] is under further review."

Rule 12-6-1-d (1),(2),(3) direct the referee to use specific language "After Further Review..."

Hopefully, 100% of Div. 1 football referees announce that the previous play is under further review each time the game is stopped to initiate the replay process.  

Your statement certainly makes sense and calls for th eproper use of th eword "further" and of the English language.  However the rulebook mandated that the term "further review..." is used.  As I am sure you will note Rule 12-6-1 contains the phrase: "the Referee shall announce" the previous play "is under further review".   And since each play is reviewed by the replay officials, I think further review may be the proper use of language.


FOLLOW UP -
CLARENCE,
BELOW IS THE 10/12/11 MEMO TO ALL COLLEGE OFFICIALS FROM THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR OF OFFICIALS [A COLLEGE PROFESSOR].  YOU WILL NOTE THE INSTRUCTION ABOUT ANNOUNCING PLAYS UNDER REVIEW BY REPLAY OFFICIALS.  I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THIS, AS IT IS ONE OF MANY MEMOS OFFICIALS RECEIVE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR THAT THE PUBLIC RARE HAS A CHANCE TO SEE.  I SHARE IT WITH YOU AS INSIGHT INTO OFFICIATING AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL OFFICIATING, LLC
NATIONAL COORDINATOR’S MID-SEASON COMMENTS

As we begin the second half of the 2011 season, I want to make some observations about the year so far that can be helpful as we move forward. In general we are having a fine season and very seldom if at all has the officiating been the “story of the game.” The areas of greatest scrutiny—unsportsmanlike conduct and targeting—we are handling quite well.

Here are some issues that need our attention:

 SIDELINE CONTROL
o Be more assertive about keeping the sidelines clean and working with the coaches to keep them off the field. Game Video Review 2 shows examples of coaches being on the field illegally. We need to walk them back to the sideline the first time, but if they persist in this activity then we need to throw the flag.

 GAME MANAGEMENT
o Penalty efficiency—This should be improved; also better announcements by the Referee.
o Discussions among officials—Minimize these as much as possible. Discussions should be very brief and to the point. Lengthy conversations can indicate confusion.
o Declaring the end of the game—Be certain that the scoreboard shows the correct score when the Referee declares the game over.

 REFEREES: INSTANT REPLAY ANNOUNCEMENTS
By rule the announcement is:
“The ruling on the field is …..(description). The play is under further review.”

 PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT
o By rule each player must wear a four- or six-point chinstrap and all points must be snapped. We must be more assertive about this.

 PLAYER SAFETY
o Some conferences are reporting an uptick in the number of targeting fouls include shots to the head. We must continue to be diligent in enforcing these rules.
Finally, I want to say how much I appreciate everyone’s hard work. This is a difficult business and one that we all love so much. As I get around the country to observe games I am very proud of the dedication and enthusiasm that I see in college football officials everywhere. Thanks for all you do!

Rogers Redding
National Coordinator of Football Officials
October 12, 2011