CFL

• CFL appoints new director of officiating

  
  

  Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - The Canadian Football League has named Tom Higgin

  Higgins will lead and manage the CFL's officiating department including the recruitment, training, development and evaluation of its officiating staff.

  "Tom's experience and deep understanding of our game is a valuable addition to the CFL and our officiating department. He can lead, inspire, recruit, retain and develop talent. He is the epitome of grace under pressure. And his efforts have always been marked by personal integrity," said CFL commissioner Mark Cohon.

  Higgins has spent 26 years in the CFL as a player, coach and personnel director. A two-time winner of coach of the year honors, Higgins led the Edmonton Eskimos to a 2003 Grey Cup victory over the Montreal Alouettes.

  "People sometimes forget that there is no game without our officials. They deserve our respect and admiration for the difficult task they perform each and every game. We now have a great opportunity to build on a strong foundation, creating a structure through recruitment, training and development that will lead to success for many years to come," said Higgins, who will officially commence his new role as director of officiating on April 28.

  04/15 13:25:46 ET