Oct 24, 2013 01:24 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

In what could be a precursory move to the NFL, the NCAA will use four female referees in a Division II football game Thursday night, the Associated Press reported.

The referees will officiate a game between Lane College and Miles College, part of the Atlanta-based Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The four referees will be under close watch of NFL director of football officials David Coleman and director of recruiting Ron Baynes, who will both attend the game.

"This is a special opportunity for not only the group of ladies selected to officiate the game, but all officials in the SIAC," said Harold Mitchell, supervisor of officials for the SIAC and the Southwestern Athletic Conference. "Playing on a Thursday night is also a great opportunity for our [SIAC] officials to partner with officials from an FCS conference."

The female referees will be as follows: Yvonda Lewis will be the head linesman, Tangela Mitchell will be the line judge, Sabrina Brunson will be the field judge and Krystle Apellaniz will be the back judge. Each has risen through the NFL Officiating Development Program and are working with NFL player umpire Terry Killens.

According to Think Progress, Sarah Thomas became the first female referee in a major college football game in 2007. She also officiated the Little Caesar's Bowl in 2009 and training camp game and preseason game for the New Orleans Saints in 2013. She is currently on pace to become the first female NFL referee starting in 2014.

Shannon Eastin has already worked an NFL game, but as a replacement for the referees who went on strike during the beginning of the 2012-2013 season. Also part of the NFL Officiating Development Program, Thomas would become a permanent NFL ref.

"It's also very important for everyone to understand that the selected crew are all outstanding officials, and not just females," Mitchell told the AP.

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