Big Ten Officials

Dave Perry, Coordinator of Big Ten Officials visited the Iowa Football Complex to discuss the latest rule changes as well as reviewing a video which included how personal fouls may be called differently this year as well as reviewing various sportsmanship calls which were either flagged or not over the past year. Two big changes in store for the 2008 season include the implementation of the 40/25 second play clock and making all Face Mask penalties 15 yards personal fouls.

Officials have had to make a decision of whether or not a facemask is either unintentional and marked off for five yards, or a personal foul for 15 yards. The guess work is taken out and all will be fifteen. A player may graze the mask, but as long as there is a grab and turn or jerk, the flag will fly.

In an attempt to shorten the game for television purposes the college game will use the 40/25 play clock which is similar to the NFL. The game clock will continue to stop until the chains are set on all first downs, but as soon as the ball is dead from the previous play, the play clock will begin. The only time the 25 second play clock will be used is after any administrative stops by the officials. It is now important for coaches to utilize their time outs wisely. If a team has no time outs, on defense and are behind with less than two minutes remaining, the offensive team will only need to take a knee for three straight plays and the game will be over. I have always liked the old college rules of the 25 second play clock so I'm not looking forward to the change.

Mr. Perry also informed the team that the head referee for the first game of the year vs Maine will be Dave Witvoet. Not happy about that either.

Dave Perry is reviewing the new play clock rules with Iowa Offensive Coordinator, Ken O'Keefe.