In an effort to improve officiating across the league, the NFL tried out a full-time officials program beginning in 2017, with the thought that it would improve officiating across the board. Results, needless to say, have been mixed.
With new collective bargaining discussions with the NFL Referees Association underway, the NFL has decided to suspend the program, effectively removing full-time status from 20 percent of its referee workforce. Before 2017, all officials were part time and held other jobs, mostly lawyers, believe it or not.
As first reported by @SeifertESPN, the NFL and NFLRA have surprisingly ended the annual selection of 2 dozen or so officials as "full-time." This is very likely up for discussion in their upcoming CBA https://t.co/cvZwdsYJVi
— Fᴏᴏᴛʙᴀʟʟ Zᴇʙʀᴀs (@footballzebras) July 12, 2019
Senior Vice President of Officiating Al Riveron discussed the program shelving on the NFL Network Friday.
“Unfortunately right now for this year that program will not be used,” Riveron said. “However, like I said, we use our officials during the year, we take them out to the clubs, we take them out to meetings still, that program in a way will continue, not just by the name that we call it now.”
What difference will this make in 2019? None, really. The full-time designation mainly dealt with offseason duties. All officials are considered full-time once the preseason kicks off. The last time the NFL and the referees butted heads in 2012, the league locked them out, creating a full-on replacement ref debacle.
Game officials and supervisors are currently holding their annual preseason clinic in Dallas this week. The big rule change for 2019 is obviously making pass interference reviewable. After multiple missed PIs in the NFC Championship and Super Bowl last season, the spotlight is bright on officials this season.
“It’s not just about pass interference, it’s about consistency,” Riveron said. “Our goal is when Seattle plays at 1 o’clock and Miami plays at 1 o’clock, that we officiate it on the field and in replay the same way. Everyone wants the same thing, from fans, players, to owners, sportscasters, consistency. And that’s what it’s all about this weekend.”
We’re kicking off our annual @NFL Officiating Clinic at @thestarinfrisco.
Over the next few days, 122 game officials will participate in training, video review, wellness sessions & more in preparation for the 2019 season. pic.twitter.com/4LC4D8Yh3t
— NFL Officiating (@NFLOfficiating) July 12, 2019
