[grantsrc]

I have always scratched my head when fans, coaches, and members of the media call for "full-time" officials. I don't get it. How is possible that this could be a full-time career? The season lasts 5 months (Aug-Dec) with a month for the playoffs. The remaining months they are working out, doing rules study, attending meetings and camps, all while maintaining a family and other career.

And why does the current system need to be changed? They make mistakes, we all do. Did they make a bunch of mistakes in the Super Bowl? I personally don't think so. I think all of the calls made were solid, and would love to see video of the IBBW because I thought he contacted another member of the defense in an effort to make the tackle. If so, good call. But these guys are all physically fit. Some may not appear like it, but the NFL does extensive testing of personal fitness before the season. I venture to bet that some of the officials are healthier than some of the linemen. Heck, one of the deep side officials kept up with the running back on the long TD run. Granted the official had a little head start but he did way better than any of us could do I bet.

As for NFL officials, being younger does not equal being a higher caliber official. IMHO, I think to be a quality official in the NFL you should be a little older. With chronological age come immeasurable experience and maturity. Sure, there are a lot of quality younger officials out there. But some of these guys don't have the emotional maturity or personal experience necessary for the job.

And for those of you that question how much time and effort the league and its officials do, I encourage you to watch the Officials Review segments from the NFL network (there is a link on my site listed in my signature). These guys dissect almost every play each weekend. The officials grade and critique each call. They watch film and read over the rule books each week. Yes, it is demanding but it's part of the job.

These guys do their job with remarkable accuracy. Way more accuracy than many of us do ours.