UIF holding officiating clinics
February 19, 2007 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF) News Release
Omaha, NE - United Indoor Football has a good staff of returning officials and new officials in the expansion markets according to UIF Head of Officials, Jack Baker. Along with former league official Russell Gray of Omaha, Baker, of Longmont, CO, is in the midst of face-to-face one-day officiating clinics. Crews working the Bloomington, IL, Rock River and RiverCity venues this year will get first hand instruction from Baker and Gray Sat., Feb. 24 in Bloomington.
Clinics have already been held in Denver and Omaha to cover UIF Western Conference teams. "We've had good response. I'm impressed with the caliber of officials in each of the cities," Baker said. Officials from Lexington, Ohio Valley (Wheeling, WV) and Evansville will take in the one-day event Mar. 17. Additionally, Baker plans to observe each of the crews as he makes his way to all 11 venues at least once during the season.
The clinics cover the mechanics of officiating. Baker and Gray use video of past games to point out situations and infractions as they apply to the UIF.
Of the seven officials on the field in Super Bowl XLI, four came from the indoor game. Baker had worked with each of them in the past. He says the NFL is looking indoors when recruiting new referees because of the speed of the game. "You have to throw your flag when you see the infraction. You can't hesitate," Baker noted.
United Indoor Football is the premier indoor football league of North America and is committed to serving its teams and fans. Please contact the UIF league office with any comments, concerns or suggestions.
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