KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Football officials in the MIAA went through the paces over the course of three days prior to MIAA Media Day in Kansas City, Mo.
It wasn’t so much that there an immense amount or rule changes, but new MIAA Head of Officials, Phil Laurie, wanted to make sure that officials were fully educated.
“It used to be that our clinics were about four hours long and we weren’t getting a lot done,” Laurie said.
Of the 53 football officials in the MIAA, Laurie said that 27 have worked in the Big 12 and four have also worked games in the National Football League.
A new addition to help officials this season is a game-tape exchange where Laurie has the ability to review game film and evaluate plays and official’s conduct.
“That is a good way to help us all get better,” Laurie said.
On Monday, prior to the beginning of Media Day at the Downtown Mariott, Laurie discussed some of the rule changes with members of the media.
“There are not a lot of rule changes but, there is an emphasis on the safety of the player,” Laurie said.
One of the biggest rule changes is related to the flagrant personal fouls.
Under a new section, and ejection for flagrant personal fouls will trigger a conference review for possible sanctions.
In addition ‘targeting’ called without a game ejection will also follow with a conference review.
The conference can also impose sanctions even if a flagrant fouls.
“You want to be aggressive but you can’t do anything illegal,” Laurie said.
