** Superbowl XL Crew **

[cmathews]

Originally posted by hooper
Well, for one thing it will get rid of the distractions of the officials other "real" jobs. That alone will make a difference. On top of that, they'll have more time to watch film, attend clinics, and meet to discuss issues.

This full-time arrangement will also draw in people who might not otherwise have the time, money, or desire to officiate. Perhaps younger people will see this as a career track and there will be more competition for the spots currently filled by the elders. Competition for jobs is a good thing.

I also think the full-time nature of the job would make officials take their positions more seriously (not that they don't do that now.) But the full-time paycheck is a strong motivator.

Just a couple thoughts....

on any full week of competition in the NFL there are 16 games available...7 officials per crew 112 officials active on any one weekend. I know there is at least one crew each week with the week off, so now 119 officials...not sure about alternates etc.. say 150 jobs available in the NFL. I doubt we are going to see any young folks right out of high school training to be 1 of 150 people in the whole country who will make it to the NFL. As for making the officials more accurate, I saw 1 call that I don't know what the official was thinking, the block below the waist on Hassleback. 1 call that either way it is called on the field it will be upheld with video replay, the Big Ben TD. The rest of the calls are pretty accurate, so I am not sure that is really an issue....