In the latest CFO video (No. 7 - Passing Situations), on at least two occasions, Shaw makes comments that make it clear that the NCAA isn't 'supposed' to be inhaling (word used deliberately) the NFL kool-aid regarding fading versus standing still, for deep wings, in particular. He shows the plays, and comments on the fouls in those plays, then makes what I call '...and by the way...' comments regarding the positioning of the covering deep wings. In both cases, he clearly comments that the deep wings should have faded sooner, to be at the pylon in advance of the action that occurs at the goal line and/or pylon. This is, indeed, traditional mechanics, and does not buy-in to the very new 'stand and watch' techniques NFL officials are being coerced into using. Very clearly, Shaw is putting NCAA officials on notice that the NFL 'stand and watch' technique is NOT what is expected, desired, or espoused for NCAA football officiating.
Good.
The 'stand and watch' technique has merit in those few-and-far-between scenarios when the covering official(s) always have the appropriate angle to view the action to be observed. However, with players moving, and changing position rapidly - especially receivers and defensive backs - the covering officials cannot possibly maintain the best angle throughout the action while stationary in all but those 'few-and-far-between' scenarios previously referenced. An ideal angle allows the covering official to see between the opponents at all times. Standing in a fixed position, even if rotating the head, while the opponents are constantly - and rapidly - moving, does not allow the official to maintain that view between the opponents. Additionally, the best view of player action is with some amount of distance between the official and the players. The official will have to similarly move to maintain the best distance and angle. Standing stationary while trying to observe action that gets too near, or too far, is completely counterproductive to our task. (FYI, having spent most of 10 seasons as a Field Judge and Side Judge in FBS football, I can say with expertise that fading and staying 7 to 10 yards ahead of the players was the best way to maintain the good angle needed.)
We have seen numerous incidences of missed calls (no-calls and incorrect calls) in the NFL due to the poor angles created by the NFL's 'stand and watch' technique.
Admittedly, NCAA officials are in a tough spot. Those wanting to advance to the NFL (especially those in the NFL development program) may feel the need to embrace the techniques directed to their staff by NFL management. Who would blame them? But, the 'stand and watch' concept is bad for football, at any level.
I believe I have said this before: I have it on sound authority that the NFL guys having to use these techniques - virtually to a man - do not like them. They know they aren't getting as good of looks at plays as they used to. But, few, if any, are in a position to buck the system. They are hoping that a real change in management occurs, and they may be allowed to return to "the good 'ol days."
