SEC Official Steve Shaw speaks at March luncheon

The Birmingham Barons Baseball Club sponsored the March 19 Hoover Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. Steve Shaw, coordinator of officials for both the Southeastern Conference and the Sun Belt Conference, was the luncheon speaker.

Shaw recently completed his fourth season as coordinator of football officials for the Southeastern Conference (2011 - 2014) and has assumed leadership of the Sun Belt Conference football officiating program. Steve was selected as only the seventh coordinator of football officials for the SEC. These selections come after completing 15 years as an on field referee in the SEC.

"We are in the golden age of SEC football," Shaw said during his presentation. "The success we've had over the last eight years has just been amazing."

Since becoming a member of the SEC officiating staff, he was selected for 14 post season assignments, and was the only referee in the BCS era to work two National Championship games. Overall he worked eight BCS Bowls and four SEC Championship Games. 

During his presentation, he discussed some of the new SEC rule changes, which include adding an eighth official, sideline warnings, making a targeting foul an automatic disqualification, and not allowing players to wear overbuilt face masks or other illegal equipment. 

"We are making great progress in changing players' behaviors," Shaw said, sharing personal success stories of players. "We will continue to do what we need to do to protect this game."

Shaw, who grew up in the Bluff Park area, is married to the former Jamelle Kabase. They are residents of Shoal Creek and are active members of Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

The next Chamber luncheon will be Thursday, April 16. To attend, please make your reservations no later than Monday, April 13 by calling 988-5672, or emailing Lisa Dunbar at admin@hooverchamber.org.  Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting at noon. The luncheon is $20, or $22 for anyone without prior reservations, payable at the door. Hoover Country Club is located at 3140 Club Drive.