NFL refs and fines for bad calls

Originally Posted by Dribble

Players are "fined" in their own right if they drop passes, miss blocks, etc. They don't get paid as highly as their peers who are better at that position. Not a true fine, but there are definitely monetary incentives for everyone to do the best job possible.

I think officials in all the pro sports are subjected to possible fines.

They are also. If you make to many mistakes at the Pro-level as an official you won't be there long.....

[PSU213]

First of all, I agree with everyone else that a pro official has plenty of incentive for making the correct calls (playoffs, being around next year, etc.)--not that we all don't have that incentive, even if we have no chance of working next year's Super Bowl.

The other thing, though, is how are fines going to make split second calls better? Obviously, I'm not in a position where I are going to be (ever, hopefully) fined for a "bad" call. I don't understand how a monetary reason will make my vision any better. If I do happen to miss a call (which has occurred), there are plenty of negative things which might happen, and I don't need a possible fine to make me more gun-shy.

Originally Posted by PSU213

First of all, I agree with everyone else that a pro official has plenty of incentive for making the correct calls (playoffs, being around next year, etc.)--not that we all don't have that incentive, even if we have no chance of working next year's Super Bowl.

The other thing, though, is how are fines going to make split second calls better? Obviously, I'm not in a position where I are going to be (ever, hopefully) fined for a "bad" call. I don't understand how a monetary reason will make my vision any better. If I do happen to miss a call (which has occurred), there are plenty of negative things which might happen, and I don't need a possible fine to make me more gun-shy.

Very true. Why would fine an official on a judgement call? I think there is enough pressure just to preform...

[schmitty1973]

I'm sure if there's any questionable judgement calls made then the officals are verbally "counseled" just like any of us are. It's just not made public. The NFL guys at least have an advantage of watching film of their games, so I'm sure the crew chief would let some one have it if a questionable judgement call shouldn't have been so questionable.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by tpaul

Very true. Why would fine an official on a judgement call? I think there is enough pressure just to preform...

NFL officials can be fined and are fined for judgment calls. They are not usually fined for the typical catch/no catch type of calls. They will get fined if they kicked a rule or if they blow a call that is so obvious that there is no way it should be missed. I do not believe it happens often, but they can get fined. Usually they are just downgraded for bad plays (which do not have to include call they personally make) and those downgrades affect the crew in playoff consideration. Also if an official does not cut it, they will not be around. The NFL probably turns over more officials than any other pro league. It is not unusual for guys to be around for less than a few years and be out of the NFL.

Peace

[mcrowder]

There are some guys here at work I'd like to fine for doing their jobs poorly...