Big 12 Conference, NFL enter unique partnership, will impact officiating

by: Steve Samra 11 hours ago SamraSource

The NFL and the Big 12 Conference are joining forces in a fascinating new strategic partnership designed to strengthen officiating. The agreement, announced Friday, represents one of the more significant collaborations between a college conference and the NFL to date.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero detailed the initiative. He noted it places a major emphasis on officiating development, an area both leagues have been eager to modernize.

“The focus on officiating is notable: Big 12 officials will gain access to NFL clinics, weekly teaching tapes and advanced accountability tools. Joint training and evaluation programs will expand, and both organizations will collaborate to identify officials with pro potential.”

In addition to officiating upgrades, the deal will look to strengthen football’s international footprint and help both organizations explore emerging technology and analytics that could influence how the sport is played and taught. The partnership also includes initiatives to support the rapidly growing flag football movement, which is set to take on an even larger global presence ahead of its Olympic debut.

Read More