Empire 8 Adopts Seven-Man Officiating Crew
July 28, 2005
ROCHESTER, NY - Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano
announced its football league's adoption of a seven-man
officiating crew for all conference contests effective
Fall 2006.
"The style of play in Division III football has really evolved over recent years and we have seen a significant increase in pass attempts," explains Mitrano. "Six of our seven members attempted 300 or more passes last season. That seventh official provides appropriate coverage in the middle of the field as is needed for this type of passing game. We feel it will result in a better game for the student-athletes."
Two Empire 8 institutions used the seven-man crew last year and a third will adopt the system this fall in advance of the conference mandate for 2006. Commissioner Mitrano assisted the Eastern College Athletic Conference in a negotiation with its football officiating board to freeze official's rates for a three-year period for any member institution or conference that moved from a six- to seven-man crew.
"It's a win-win situation for officials and member institutions," comments Mitrano. "Members have the ability to provide a better experience of its teams and student-athletes and are also given the opportunity to budget appropriately for the future with the rate freeze while more officials are assigned to games. It will also help get more experience for the newer officials."
The 2005 Empire 8 football schedule opens September 17th with Hartwick College hosting 2004 co-champion Ithaca College. Empire 8 has established itself as a premiere football conference in the East region and nationally.
Last year five of Empire 8's seven teams qualified for post-season play. Co-champion St. John Fisher College made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the second round. Ithaca won the ECAC Northwest Championship, Springfield College won the ECAC North Atlantic Championship and Alfred University defeated conference opponent Norwich University in the ECAC Northeast Championship.
Empire 8 teams have qualified for post-season play nine times in the last two years. The Empire 8 hopes to benefit from an expanded NCAA Tournament field this year which could merit a berth for a member that does not earn the conference's automatic qualifier.
Empire 8 football consists of Alfred University, Hartwick College, Ithaca College, St. John Fisher College, Utica College and affiliates Norwich University and Springfield College. For more on Empire 8 visit www.Empire8.com.