What Can/Should Be Done to Improve NFL Refereeing? (1 Viewer)

[Tau837]

This year's playoff games have simply shown us what we've seen numerous times before. NFL refereeing is not very good.

So the question becomes: How to improve it?

Would it be better if refs were full time NFL employees? It seems intuitive to think so.

Would it be better if rules were adjusted to eliminate judgment calls to the maximum extent possible? Is that feasible?

Would it be better if the NFL tried to recruit/attract/cultivate better referees? For example, what if the NFL tried to identify ex-NFL players as referees?

What else could be done?

 

[delusional]

1. full time refs

2. more refs on the field

3. refs in the review room that can see blantant fouls that were missed ( example - the favre hit ) who can then signal down to the field refs of the event ( should take less then 10 seconds to signal it in )

4. less fouls/penalties to begin with

 

[Arch Stanton]

Replay for PI and possibly for other judgment calls like barely grazing a QB's head and getting a roughing call

Different replay judges than the ones at the game, whether it's a replay official at the game like in college or one set of replay officials at a league office doing the review, like the NFL. I think the former would lead to more consistency. And either would take away any ego issue a ref might have in reversing his or his crew's call.

Make them full time

 

[Kevrunner]

Make some of the rules easier for the refs, such as only having 1 foot in bounds for a reception instead of 2.

 

[SuperJohn96]

Why can't they have a ref up in the booth like teams have co-ordinators?

The ref could have an earpiece, and the booth ref could just tell him what was called.

He'd be an official off-field ref, and would be perfect for older refs who can't keep up physically on the field.

Oh, and full time refs...that's a joke that needs to be rectified.

 

[Max Power]

I think the Refs do a pretty good job for the most part. Adding additional refs would probably be the best course of action who don't think they do a good job. Being a Ref is a tough thankless job, and its not as easy as some seem to think.

Its the human factor that is in all sports. Penatlies get missed, bad calls are made. Its just part of the game. You can make all the adjustments listed and we would still be having this conversation.

 

[Moniker]

I think the Refs do a pretty good job for the most part. Adding additional refs would probably be the best course of action who don't think they do a good job. Being a Ref is a tough thankless job, and its not as easy as some seem to think. Its the human factor that is in all sports. Penatlies get missed, bad calls are made. Its just part of the game. You can make all the adjustments listed and we would still be having this conversation.

 

[valhallan]

Getting rid of internet forums would be a good start.

 

[Jeremy]

I think it's a real problem, but I'm not sure there's much that can be done about it. Given how fast the game is, I'm actually amazed they get as much right as they do. I'm not sure full time refs are the answer. It's not going to improve their eyesight any and it's not going to make them faster in trying to get into position to make a call. If having younger refs was the answer, I would think they would have already done that.

Putting a ref in the booth might be a good idea, but I'd fear that would lead to an extreme amount of penalties.

Not sure there is an easy solution to the problem.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

I think the Refs do a pretty good job for the most part. Adding additional refs would probably be the best course of action who don't think they do a good job. Being a Ref is a tough thankless job, and its not as easy as some seem to think. Its the human factor that is in all sports. Penatlies get missed, bad calls are made. Its just part of the game. You can make all the adjustments listed and we would still be having this conversation.

 

[ChargersOH]

Penalties missed are one thing and to be expected. My problem is so many teams had to challenge such blatantly wrong calls every week.

The Reggie Bush TD just last week is a great example of this. I see terrible spots every week. Missing a hold is to be expected. Being unable to see an obvious first down or TD is another matter.

We need younger full time refs. Our current crop of overpaid part time elderly zebras need to be put out to pasture.

 

[Avery]

Penalties missed are one thing and to be expected. My problem is so many teams had to challenge such blatantly wrong calls every week.

The Reggie Bush TD just last week is a great example of this. I see terrible spots every week. Missing a hold is to be expected. Being unable to see an obvious first down or TD is another matter.

We need younger full time refs. Our current crop of overpaid part time elderly zebras need to be put out to pasture.

I would think it wouldn't be too hard to utilize modern technology to know exactly where to ball is at any given time on the field and easily determine the exact spot of the ball much like they do in tennis.The question is how much do you want to remove the human element of refereeing?

 

[Loopdog]

Penalties missed are one thing and to be expected. My problem is so many teams had to challenge such blatantly wrong calls every week.

The Reggie Bush TD just last week is a great example of this. I see terrible spots every week. Missing a hold is to be expected. Being unable to see an obvious first down or TD is another matter.



We need younger full time refs. Our current crop of overpaid part time elderly zebras need to be put out to pasture.

Could not agree more. I was coming in this post to post that. All the refs are ancient, get some guys with working legs and a working set of eyes instead of these old codgers who should be rolling around in nursing homes

 

[whitewizard]

Penalties missed are one thing and to be expected. My problem is so many teams had to challenge such blatantly wrong calls every week.

The Reggie Bush TD just last week is a great example of this. I see terrible spots every week. Missing a hold is to be expected. Being unable to see an obvious first down or TD is another matter.

We need younger full time refs. Our current crop of overpaid part time elderly zebras need to be put out to pasture.

I would think it wouldn't be too hard to utilize modern technology to know exactly where to ball is at any given time on the field and easily determine the exact spot of the ball much like they do in tennis.The question is how much do you want to remove the human element of refereeing?

they have the technology, the university (of something in PA, sorry can't remember the exact name) developed a football with GPS and accelerometers installed like 6 mini GPS sensors in the stadium and were able to know where the ball was all the time down to the quarter inch. i don't think we will be seeing this very soon since they would be expensive and it could cost a very pretty penny if too many of them get tossed into the stands. also i agree with the "good posting" they are human crap happens. the obvious and bad crap is infuriating but you move on and hope it is not too costly down the road.

i also like the idea of putting a ref in the booth so that one of them has a eagle eye view of the field and can help take a load of the on-field guys for calls like too many men on the field. i think that is the best suggestion, add one more to the booth for a different perspective.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

they have the technology, the university (of something in PA, sorry can't remember the exact name) developed a football with GPS and accelerometers installed like 6 mini GPS sensors in the stadium and were able to know where the ball was all the time down to the quarter inch. i don't think we will be seeing this very soon since they would be expensive and it could cost a very pretty penny if too many of them get tossed into the stands.

Fine the players the cost of the ball for throwing them into the stands. Keep a basket of cheap balls in the end zone for players to throw into the stands.

 

[Titus Pullo]

make refs a full time nfl job and have them go through schooling in the offseason. i like the idea of adding a ref in the booth as long as it doesn't slow the game up. bad calls or missed calls are part of the game and i don't want to see a full time instant replay come back.

 

[The Ref]

Making NFL Refs full time wouldn't have such a large impact as some would think. None of these guys are a Lawyer/Professor/Doctor first and a Ref second. All of them are partners/owners in a company and thus wealthy, and Ref in the NFL as the "real job". I guess I wouldn't hurt, but all of these guys are more dedicated to the NFL Ref job then anything else in life.

You want to make the job easier make the rules black and white. Leave No interpitation of what is or is not PI or a late hit.

Most of the "Bad Ref" postings around here are due to ignorance of the rules. I can't believe the ref called such and such for a hit on the QB. It's not that the call was poor, it's the interpolation of the rule. I understand that to the casual fan the problem lies with the Ref, but in reality the issue really lies with the rules committee.

The last thing I would do wouldn't improve the way the game is officiated, but would greatly change the perception. Anyone who makes a compliant against NFL Refs and thinks they can do a better job should spend one game umpiring a Varsity High School game. I'd give them one quarter before they really understand how difficult the job is and and good these guys really are.

 

[Tau837]

I think these are all good suggestions:

1. Full-time refs, which implies more rigorous training, both physical fitness training and rules training (e.g., classroom, film, role play, scrimmages, etc.).

2. Younger refs, assuming the intent there is really more physically fit refs, as that is what is really needed.

3. Extra ref in the booth with communication to refs on the field.

4. Improved use of technology wherever possible.

I think the NFL is open to #4, though perhaps they could be more aggressive on this front. Not sure I understand why they don't implement #1 and possibly #2. Are NFL referees in a union? That might be an issue.

 

[The Ref]

I think these are all good suggestions:1. Full-time refs, which implies more rigorous training, both physical fitness training and rules training (e.g., classroom, film, role play, scrimmages, etc.).2. Younger refs, assuming the intent there is really more physically fit refs, as that is what is really needed.3. Extra ref in the booth with communication to refs on the field.4. Improved use of technology wherever possible.I think the NFL is open to #4, though perhaps they could be more aggressive on this front. Not sure I understand why they don't implement #1 and possibly #2. Are NFL referees in a union? That might be an issue.

I don't really think the issue is physically fit refs. Case in point, I don't think anyone said "That Porker Ed Hoculi really screwed up that fumble call on Denver". You want experienced refs not 21 year old track stars. And trust me, anyone who isn't fit enough to make the routine calls right gets replaced fast at the NFL/College level.

 

[jonessed]

Additional refs couldn't hurt. More eyes on the field without slowing down or really changing the flow of the game. Seems like everybody could perform their job better if they had less to focus on.

 

[Da Guru]

Penalties missed are one thing and to be expected. My problem is so many teams had to challenge such blatantly wrong calls every week.The Reggie Bush TD just last week is a great example of this. I see terrible spots every week. Missing a hold is to be expected. Being unable to see an obvious first down or TD is another matter.We need younger full time refs. Our current crop of overpaid part time elderly zebras need to be put out to pasture.

Spotting the football is right up there with calling balls and strikes, everyone is different. I love when they say "Wow..they got a great spot." That just means the ref was wrong.

 

[Tau837]

I think these are all good suggestions:1. Full-time refs, which implies more rigorous training, both physical fitness training and rules training (e.g., classroom, film, role play, scrimmages, etc.).2. Younger refs, assuming the intent there is really more physically fit refs, as that is what is really needed.3. Extra ref in the booth with communication to refs on the field.4. Improved use of technology wherever possible.I think the NFL is open to #4, though perhaps they could be more aggressive on this front. Not sure I understand why they don't implement #1 and possibly #2. Are NFL referees in a union? That might be an issue.

I don't really think the issue is physically fit refs. Case in point, I don't think anyone said "That Porker Ed Hoculi really screwed up that fumble call on Denver". You want experienced refs not 21 year old track stars. And trust me, anyone who isn't fit enough to make the routine calls right gets replaced fast at the NFL/College level.

I'm not saying they need 21 year old track stars. But they don't need a lot of refs in their 50s and 60s either. Are you saying if the refs were fitter it wouldn't help them do their jobs better?And Ed Hochuli is the exception in terms of referee fitness, not the rule.

 

[Avery]

I think these are all good suggestions:1. Full-time refs, which implies more rigorous training, both physical fitness training and rules training (e.g., classroom, film, role play, scrimmages, etc.).2. Younger refs, assuming the intent there is really more physically fit refs, as that is what is really needed.3. Extra ref in the booth with communication to refs on the field.4. Improved use of technology wherever possible.I think the NFL is open to #4, though perhaps they could be more aggressive on this front. Not sure I understand why they don't implement #1 and possibly #2. Are NFL referees in a union? That might be an issue.

I don't really think the issue is physically fit refs. Case in point, I don't think anyone said "That Porker Ed Hoculi really screwed up that fumble call on Denver". You want experienced refs not 21 year old track stars. And trust me, anyone who isn't fit enough to make the routine calls right gets replaced fast at the NFL/College level.

I'm not saying they need 21 year old track stars. But they don't need a lot of refs in their 50s and 60s either. Are you saying if the refs were fitter it wouldn't help them do their jobs better?And Ed Hochuli is the exception in terms of referee fitness, not the rule.

Not that you asked me, but of all the things they could do to improve the refereeing in the NFL, physical fitness would be way down on the list. It appears that you think physical fitness is the perhaps the most important factor in improving the officiating in the NFL for you mentioned it twice (first thing mentioned in your first two points) and I'm curious why you think quicker, faster and stronger refs will make such a huge difference.

 

[TC]

After many years of NFL support, I do not see a major difference in the officating quality compared to 10, 15, or even 25 years ago. The refs are smart, professional, and good at their jobs. The two big differences are that 1) the rules are more complex and 2) the technoligy available to the viewer is much more detailed - We often see double replays on the most common plays and maybe a half dozen views on a challenged call. technology has made us all more critical of referring.

We would not better the sport by reducing technology. However,a simpler rule book would greatly help.

(Shifting gears.. Often the best sports are the most simple. An alien can watch one boxing match or basketball game or even one baseball contest and understand most of the important rules. With football, you'd have to follow mutliple games to understand the basics.. and even longer to understand the non-basic rules. )

 

[FlapJacks]

full-time refs where they spend 4 dats a week training, studying rules, calling simulated games and team practices

using technology (ie GPS) where feasible

 

[Tau837]

I think these are all good suggestions:1. Full-time refs, which implies more rigorous training, both physical fitness training and rules training (e.g., classroom, film, role play, scrimmages, etc.).2. Younger refs, assuming the intent there is really more physically fit refs, as that is what is really needed.3. Extra ref in the booth with communication to refs on the field.4. Improved use of technology wherever possible.I think the NFL is open to #4, though perhaps they could be more aggressive on this front. Not sure I understand why they don't implement #1 and possibly #2. Are NFL referees in a union? That might be an issue.

I don't really think the issue is physically fit refs. Case in point, I don't think anyone said "That Porker Ed Hoculi really screwed up that fumble call on Denver". You want experienced refs not 21 year old track stars. And trust me, anyone who isn't fit enough to make the routine calls right gets replaced fast at the NFL/College level.

I'm not saying they need 21 year old track stars. But they don't need a lot of refs in their 50s and 60s either. Are you saying if the refs were fitter it wouldn't help them do their jobs better?And Ed Hochuli is the exception in terms of referee fitness, not the rule.

Not that you asked me, but of all the things they could do to improve the refereeing in the NFL, physical fitness would be way down on the list. It appears that you think physical fitness is the perhaps the most important factor in improving the officiating in the NFL for you mentioned it twice (first thing mentioned in your first two points) and I'm curious why you think quicker, faster and stronger refs will make such a huge difference.

To clarify, I agree it's not that high on the list, and I didn't mean to give that impression. But the refs do need to move around the field to get into position. Improved fitness can only help them do their jobs better. It can't hurt.I mentioned it twice because (a) younger refs were mentioned by multiple posters, and I'm not sure what age has to do with anything unless it is really about fitness and (b) because I think if refs are full time it makes sense to make that part of their regular job, just as it is part of a player's job. I'm not sure if there is enough training and practicing to fill 40 hours per week year round anyway.

 

[Tecumseh]

Making NFL Refs full time wouldn't have such a large impact as some would think. None of these guys are a Lawyer/Professor/Doctor first and a Ref second. All of them are partners/owners in a company and thus wealthy, and Ref in the NFL as the "real job". I guess I wouldn't hurt, but all of these guys are more dedicated to the NFL Ref job then anything else in life.

You want to make the job easier make the rules black and white. Leave No interpitation of what is or is not PI or a late hit.

Most of the "Bad Ref" postings around here are due to ignorance of the rules. I can't believe the ref called such and such for a hit on the QB. It's not that the call was poor, it's the interpolation of the rule. I understand that to the casual fan the problem lies with the Ref, but in reality the issue really lies with the rules committee.

The last thing I would do wouldn't improve the way the game is officiated, but would greatly change the perception. Anyone who makes a compliant against NFL Refs and thinks they can do a better job should spend one game umpiring a Varsity High School game. I'd give them one quarter before they really understand how difficult the job is and and good these guys really are.

That's not correct. Hochuli's a lawyer. Boger is an insurance underwriter. Walt Anderson is a retired dentist. Byron Boston is a tax consultant. etc, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NFL_officials

 

[delusional]

Making NFL Refs full time wouldn't have such a large impact as some would think. None of these guys are a Lawyer/Professor/Doctor first and a Ref second. All of them are partners/owners in a company and thus wealthy, and Ref in the NFL as the "real job". I guess I wouldn't hurt, but all of these guys are more dedicated to the NFL Ref job then anything else in life.

You want to make the job easier make the rules black and white. Leave No interpitation of what is or is not PI or a late hit.

Most of the "Bad Ref" postings around here are due to ignorance of the rules. I can't believe the ref called such and such for a hit on the QB. It's not that the call was poor, it's the interpolation of the rule. I understand that to the casual fan the problem lies with the Ref, but in reality the issue really lies with the rules committee.

The last thing I would do wouldn't improve the way the game is officiated, but would greatly change the perception. Anyone who makes a compliant against NFL Refs and thinks they can do a better job should spend one game umpiring a Varsity High School game. I'd give them one quarter before they really understand how difficult the job is and and good these guys really are.

That's not correct. Hochuli's a lawyer. Boger is an insurance underwriter. Walt Anderson is a retired dentist. Byron Boston is a tax consultant. etc, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NFL_officials

I thought Houchuli arm wrestled elephants in the african plains?

 

[Donnybrook]

I would like to see a lesser standard than "incontrovertible visual evidence".

If McGahee is carring the ball at chest height and his chest crosses the plane, can't we conclude that it is a touchdown. Do we actually need to see the ball? I think not. It is reasonable to conclude that the ball crossed the plane without the "incontrovertable visual evidence".

 

[MNTom]

Penalties missed are one thing and to be expected. My problem is so many teams had to challenge such blatantly wrong calls every week.

The Reggie Bush TD just last week is a great example of this. I see terrible spots every week. Missing a hold is to be expected. Being unable to see an obvious first down or TD is another matter.

We need younger full time refs. Our current crop of overpaid part time elderly zebras need to be put out to pasture.

I would think it wouldn't be too hard to utilize modern technology to know exactly where to ball is at any given time on the field and easily determine the exact spot of the ball much like they do in tennis.The question is how much do you want to remove the human element of refereeing?

they have the technology, the university (of something in PA, sorry can't remember the exact name) developed a football with GPS and accelerometers installed like 6 mini GPS sensors in the stadium and were able to know where the ball was all the time down to the quarter inch. i don't think we will be seeing this very soon since they would be expensive and it could cost a very pretty penny if too many of them get tossed into the stands.

also i agree with the "good posting" they are human crap happens. the obvious and bad crap is infuriating but you move on and hope it is not too costly down the road.

i also like the idea of putting a ref in the booth so that one of them has a eagle eye view of the field and can help take a load of the on-field guys for calls like too many men on the field. i think that is the best suggestion, add one more to the booth for a different perspective.

The NFL is a multi-million dollar business. I think they have the money.

 

[comfortably numb]

Simple.

More challenging.

#1

Allow challenges on judgment calls, late hits, PI, anything a coach wants to challenge.

#2

Give 3 challenges per game.

As long as you get them overturned, you don't lose them.

#3

Video Referee should be the wave of the future.

A ref who sits in watching a game, when a challenge is issued, he makes the call, and buzzes down to the ref to let him know if it was overturned or upheld.

You don't need a ref to run to a camera, sit under a curtain watch several views and make a call.

I don't want 2 or 4 more refs running around the field getting in the way of athletes and perhaps disrupting plays.

More refs could just mean more bad calls.

I don't care if they are part time, IMO the refs do an amazing job.

Yes, some calls are horrendous, but as a whole, some calls I think are complete BS, then at the 1st replay, I am eating my crow.

I like the more challenging and video ref as it does not change the game, the human element is still very much a factor, and the onus is on the coaches to better manage their challenges.