The long suffering referee of Canadian football is about to gain a guide, someone to help them blaze that trail between obstinate GM’s, vociferous coaches, mercurial players and howling fans.
George Black has been named Director of Officiating for the CFL, a position which has never really existed in the CFL before. The net result of which, were inconsistent performances from the zebras from game to game. It’s hoped that by having a dedicated executive in charge of the handling of the day to day officiating, the league will find that the game to game experience will remain constantly positive.
Black who retired his officials whistle from active duty following the 2000 season, has been operating as a form of supervisor and evaluator for the league ever since. The move up into a director’s position, gives a bit of weight to the importance that the league is now taking to it’s on field presentation. Giving the officials one more resource to rely on as they try to keep pace with the ever changing game.
In addition to the naming of Black as the Director, the league plans on getting more involved in the grass roots aspect of recruiting and training future CFL officials. Taking part in a Winnipeg conference, the CFL promised to get more involved with minor and junior football, helping to create an atmosphere for young referees to learn their craft and progress from level to level. Something the newly announced Director will most likely have a hand in chance to participate in.
In his other life, Black recently retired from the Toronto School Board after 32 years as an educator and a principal. So for the upcoming class of 2004 referees and officials it had best be a season on their best behavior, otherwise report card time won’t be a bundle of joy, and if things don’t improve there’s always the possibility of detention!
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