XFL officiating crew will have at least one female member

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When the XFL kicks off Feb. 8 in Washington, it will do so with a uniquely diverse roster of officials.
XFL head of officiating Dean Blandino told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday that each of the startup league's six officiating crews will have at least one female member, a significant move toward gender inclusivity in a role — officiating professional football — that has largely consisted of white men.
"It's just very important to have that mix of people, because that creates a better environment," Blandino told USA TODAY Sports in a phone interview. "Just dealing with different types of people, and people from different walks of life, helps you as an official, as well as communicating, dealing with players and coaches. It's just something that we've always thought was very important."

Football Zebras, a web site that covers football officiating the news Tuesday.

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Here are the six women to be involved in all XFL games:
* Maia Chaka - Line judge from Conference USA. Was chosen to take part in the NFL's officiating program as the first African-American woman.
* LaShell Nelson - Side Judge from Conference USA. Originally a member of the NFL's Officiating Development Program for four seasons. Officiated in a CFL interleague bout v. the NFL.
* Robin DeLorenzo - Line Judge for the Big Ten. Became the first female official to coach a high school football state championship game.
* Amanda Sauer-Cook - Center judge from the Big Ten football crew. The first openly-gay official in a major football league for the AAF.
* Sebrina Brunson - Field judge from the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The first woman to officiate a game involving a Southeastern Conference football team in 2015.
* Tangela Mitchell - Head line judge from the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Featured in Her Turf, a documentary about women succeeding in officiating. Blandino was the executive producer.
The NFL only had one female on-field coach this season in Sarah Thomas. They have also added a few more women behind the scenes. The XFL has been known to hire a plethora of female officials, whether on the field or behind the scenes. Blandino is hoping the XFL's hirings result in change all around football and sports in general.

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As the XFL Gears up for its February 8th kickoff, it’s looking the league is picking up steam all around. From endorsements and interest from big names in the football world to the fact that the Seattle Dragons are expecting huge masses of fans at their initial games, the hype is building. Amidst all this, West Fair Online has reported a survey in which 45% of fans are excited about the new league.

This market research survey reached over 32,000 fans, 60% of which had heard of the XFL, and 45% of which would be engaged with the new league. 38% of those polled said that the XFL would pose a challenge to the NFL, and with all this momentum, it’s easy to see where their optimism comes from.
The XFL is bringing elite coaches, talented players to the table, and there’s a lot of reasons for fans to be excited. Not only will Vince McMahon and Oliver Luck’s new league bring a faster, more streamlined product on the field, but they’re also making things safer for the players, and that’s a big deal in this day and age.

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What are the XFL teams? Where will each play?

• Dallas Renegades (Globe Life Park)
  
  
• D.C. Defenders (Audi Field, MLS)
  
• Houston Roughnecks (TDECU Stadium, NCAA)
  
• Los Angeles Wildcats (Dignity Health Sports Park, MLS)
  
• New York Guardians (MetLife Stadium, NFL)
  
• St. Louis BattleHawks (The Dome at America's Center, NFL)
  
• Seattle Dragons (CenturyLink Field, NFL)
  
• Tampa Bay Vipers (Raymond James Stadium, NFL)
  

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New rules – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Every new sports league has to do something to set itself apart from the norm and call themselves different. The new XFL probably leads the pack in trying to make changes to the very core of the game itself.
Two league mandates are front-and-center. The XFL has stated that the league will not use any player which has a criminal background. Also, the league will not allow players to use their own political forums before, during or after games while at the stadium.

Currently, season ticket prices are cheap. A look at Houston’s plan has five home games for $100 to $250 a seat – for the entire season. So, a family of four could see every home game and only spend $400. Single game tickets on ticketmaster.com list for $90 a seat at the 50-yard line while corner end zone are just $36.

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The league will employ seven female officials, including Amanda Sauer-Cook, who is the first openly gay referee to work in a major professional football league, when she served as a center judge for the short-lived Alliance of American Football. There will be at least woman on every XFL officiating crew.

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Game day people!!

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Opinions on the women refs?

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Games are coming up in two days...who you got?

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