Are changes needed in officiating for ACC Basketball games?

There seems to be a general consensus that officiating is becoming an issue in college basketball.  Typically these complaints are backed by examples of games with a large number of fouls, or a game taking well over TV's designated 2 hour window.  The emphasis from referees on freedom of movement has even given the notion that referees are calling the game closer.  Is that really true though?

Let's take a look at the numbers for the past 10 years including games with ACC teams only. 

ACC Basketball Officiating Metrics for the Last 10 Years

As you can see, both fouls and free throws attempted per game are pretty stationary and possibly even on a downward trend in the ACC over the past 10 years.  Perhaps the "replay-ification" of the sport has the magnifying glass up?  Throw in the fact that Social Media has given the world a megaphone, and you have an epidemic. 

While the numbers don't shed light on any potential problems, big officiating changes are in the works for the ACC and other conferences. The goal is to provide consistency with the Men's Basketball Officiating Alliance.  The ACC is among eight conferences participating this year.

The Alliance will enable all eight conferences to work together on a wide range of officiating matters, including scheduling, training, development, recruitment, retention and evaluation. The long-term mission of the Alliance is to increase proficiency and consistency among veteran officials across the collegiate basketball officiating landscape and to facilitate the entry of younger referees into the officiating profession.

The immediate impact is that you may see some new faces in stripes this year.

Let us know your thoughts.