Female football referees are not a new thing. However, the Big Ten conference made history by appointing Sarah Thomas as the first female official in a bowl game in 2009. Since then, the Big Ten has been at the forefront of breaking barriers and setting a new standard for female football referees.
The Beginning of Big Ten Female Football Refs
Sarah Thomas, a former college basketball player, started her officiating career in 1996. She officiated high school games for six years before moving on to college football. In 2007, Thomas became the first woman to officiate a major college football game when she worked a game between Memphis and Jacksonville State.
Two years later, Thomas made history again when she became the first female official in a bowl game, working the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl between Marshall and Ohio.
Big Ten's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Big Ten conference has always been committed to diversity and inclusion. In 2011, the conference launched the Big Ten Diversity and Inclusion Study, which aimed to "identify best practices and areas for improvement related to diversity and inclusion in intercollegiate athletics."
As part of this initiative, the Big Ten has actively sought to increase the number of female football referees. The conference has worked with organizations such as the NFL and the NCAA to provide training and development opportunities for female officials.
The Impact of Big Ten Female Football Refs
The impact of female football referees goes beyond just breaking barriers and making history. Female referees bring a unique perspective to the game and can help create a more inclusive environment for players, coaches, and fans.
Female referees can also serve as role models for young girls who may not have considered a career in sports officiating. The Big Ten's commitment to increasing the number of female football referees is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive future for the sport.
Notable Big Ten Female Football Refs
Since Sarah Thomas broke the barrier in 2009, several other female officials have made their mark in the Big Ten conference. One notable official is Carolyn Lewis, who has worked as a line judge in the conference since 2010.
Lewis has also worked as an official in the NFL, making her the first female official to work a preseason game in 2012. She has also worked as an official in several bowl games, including the 2013 Rose Bowl.
The Future of Big Ten Female Football Refs
The Big Ten's commitment to increasing the number of female football referees is just the beginning. As more women pursue careers in sports officiating, the future of the sport looks bright.
Female football referees bring a unique perspective to the game and can help create a more inclusive environment for players, coaches, and fans. They also serve as role models for young girls who may not have considered a career in sports officiating.
Conclusion
The Big Ten conference is leading the way in breaking barriers and setting a new standard for female football referees. With their commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Big Ten is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive future for the sport.
The impact of female football referees goes beyond just making history. Female referees bring a unique perspective to the game and can help create a more inclusive environment for everyone involved in the sport.
As more women pursue careers in sports officiating, the future of the sport looks bright. The Big Ten's commitment to increasing the number of female football referees is just the beginning of what promises to be a more diverse and inclusive future for the sport.