IRVING, Texas (Jan. 23, 2020) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today that the annual winter meeting of Division I conference coordinators for football officials will take place for the eighth consecutive year at NFF headquarters in Irving, Texas. The meeting, which will be held from Jan. 28-29, will be led by Rogers Redding, the College Football Officiating (CFO) National Coordinator.
 
"We are again grateful to the National Football Foundation for hosting the coordinators for our winter meeting at their headquarters," said Redding. "The Foundation and the officiating side of college football both exist to make this a better game, and the coordinators are pleased to continue our relationship. The partnership with the NFF is extremely important to the coordinators in our joint work for the good of this great game."
 
Currently headed by Mid-American Conference Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher, who serves as the chairman of the CFO Board of Managers, the organization was formed in 2008 by the NCAA and the Collegiate Commissioners' Association to ensure the consistent application of NCAA football playing rules and policies around the country. The officiating coordinators from all 23 NCAA Division I conferences, covering both the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Football Championship Subdivision, are participating in the meeting. The meeting covers the most recent rule interpretations, officiating mechanics and other aspects of officiating.
 
"The collegiate conferences invest heavily and work tirelessly to ensure officiating proficiency, and the coordinators of each conference comprise the key group of dedicated professionals who care deeply about officiating success," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "We are delighted to again host their important meeting. They truly care about the game."
 
The January meeting represents one of two annual meetings that take place, allowing the members of the CFO to regularly exchange ideas, analyze video, discuss play situations and ensure the consistent application of the rules between the conferences around the country. The officiating coordinators play the lead role at their respective conferences in overseeing all aspects of their football officiating, including training, evaluating and assigning officials to games for both the regular season and postseason.
 
In addition to hosting the meeting, the NFF supports the CFO by distributing "Time Out," a regular column by Rogers Redding in the NFF Chalktalk, a weekly newsletter about the latest events in college football. Redding's column provides insights about rule changes and the mindset of college football referees.
 
The NFF honored Redding, the former coordinator of officials for the Southeastern Conference, in 2010 with its Outstanding Football Official Award. Redding became the national coordinator of CFO in 2011. This past October, Redding announced his retirement, and the NFF honored Redding again, presenting him with an NFF Legacy Award during the 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by ETT in New York City. Redding will be succeeded as the CFO National Coordinator in March by Steve Shaw, the officiating coordinator at the SEC.