Big Ten, MAC join forces on instant replay

Mid-American Conference Commissioner Rick Chryst announced today that the MAC and Big Ten will combine their instant replay programs for the 2008 football season.

Administration of the joint program will be handled by the Big Ten Conference, with Big Ten coordinator of football officials David Parry overseeing the joint program for the 2008 season with the assistance of Carl Paganelli, coordinator of MAC football officials from 1997-2007.

"We strongly believe that this marks the next natural step in regionalizing another of the important functions of college football officiating, with a goal towards further increased consistency and professionalism," said Chryst. "For several years, the Big Ten and MAC have been collaborating in those areas that make sense; particularly in regard to combined clinics and pre-season training and development. As the importance of the instant replay function continues to grow, this broader approach should help increase performance from all those involved."

"The Big Ten and the MAC have worked together on several officiating initiatives over the the past few years as we focus on providing more consistency to our programs," said Parry. "Carl Paganelli has been heavily involved in this process and worked with the Big Ten as a technical advisor and assisting with our evaluation and training programs starting in 1990 before he began managing the MAC officiating program. His involvement in the combination of the instant replay programs of these two conferences is a natural step."