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Reviews of plays involving helmet-to-helmet contact or blows to the head in college football are down from last season, the NCAA's national coordinator of officials said Tuesday.
"With guarded optimism, we're pleased with the direction this is going," Dave Parry said. "I knock on wood when I say this, but our number of hits and Monday morning reviews are down by at least half this year. Starting two years ago, we've really put a lot of effort into this."
This is the second season the NCAA has had its own disciplinary process that could lead to suspensions. That emphasis, Parry said, is contributing to the downward trend in incidents.
The issue generated national buzz this week after a flurry of incidents in the NFL and its announcement that it planned a crackdown on violations.
At least two college players have been suspended this season: Boise State's Winston Venable for half a game for his hit that left Oregon State's James Rodgers with a concussion, and Montana State's Jordan Craney for a hit to the helmet of Eastern Washington receiver Nicholas Edwards.
Last season, Parry said, there were roughly a dozen reviews, with about half resulting in a suspension for a game.
The NCAA system grew out of concern largely about concussions. Commissioners make the call on discipline when a violent hit is brought to their attention by officials supervisors. Parry is involved nationally along with the Southeastern Conference's Rogers Redding and makes recommendations. Parry said the education of game officials started more than a year ago by distributing videos and making dangerous hits a point of emphasis.
"If you have a vicious hit to the head, it will be reviewed and you could be sanctioned," he said. "In a perfect world, you would like to get that done on the field, and most of them are."
At least one prominent coach supports the emphasis.
"In the end, it's the right thing," said Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, whose team tops the Bowl Championship Series standings. "I know sometimes we all get caught on the wrong end of it where you're aiming here and the guy ducks and you didn't mean to hit him there. ... But the more you can alleviate it, get rid of it, the better for the (players).
"We're just wanting to make sure they're enforced. And that's OK. In the end, I think the more you can get away from the head in all ways the better. Maybe next it'll be knees. ... Some of the things where they hit defenders in the knees need to be questioned a little bit, too. But that's for another day."
Contributing: Steve Wieberg
