AFL hires new supervisor of officials, Changes rules

Friday January 7, 2011

 TULSA, Okla. – As the Arena Football League prepares for it’s 24th season in March, Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz announced the hiring of long-time official Carl Paganelli as the new Supervisor of Officials. With the addition of Paganelli, the AFL adopted a number of rule changes and adjustments that will boost the pace of the game.

“Carl Paganelli will deliver a dynamic way of officiating to the Arena Football League. We are pleased to bring back Paganelli’s experience and background in officiating to the AFL,” Kurz said.

Paganelli, who is currently serving as Supervisor of the Mid-American Conference Officials, served as the Supervisor of Officials for the AFL from 1993-01. With over 51-years of officiating, Paganelli has also served as a Supervisor for the af2, XFL and the Fresno Football Officials Camp.

Paganelli will also oversee the multiple rule changes and adjustments during the 2011 AFL season. Instead of being docked 5-yards for a high-motion man offside, the penalty will result in a 10-yard penalty.

“Officials will throw the flag if the high-motion man is a foot in the neutral zone or an inch. This will enhance the pace of the game because of the increased loss of yards on the penalty. With this, high-motion receivers will be less swayed to get that jump start in the neutral zone,” Paganelli said.

The penalty for defensive offside will also be adjusted. For the first two (2) defensive offside, there will be a 5-yard penalty. On the third and for all that follow, there will be a 5-yard penalty and an automatic first down. This will not reset at half time or in overtime.

Another change for the 2011 season includes 21 active players and three (3) inactive players (24-man roster).

About the AFL
Since its inception in 1987, the AFL has afforded the fast-paced and exciting game of Arena Football to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. The NFL Network will once again broadcast an AFL National Game of the Week for the entire regular and post season on Friday nights at 8:00 pm EST, culminating with the ArenaBowl Championship Game in August.