NFL Umpire position change

[Andy]

I am not a football official, although I do officiate other sports.

I heard a blurb on ESPN this morning that the NFL is either considering or has already made a change to have the umpire positioned in the offensive backfield opposite the referee.

They say that the umpire was knocked down approx 100 times last season, and there were 3 - 4 injuries, including concussions amongst those injuries.

Any thoughts or opinions on the effects of this change and do you think it may trickle down to college and HS eventually?

[JasonTX]

This has appararently been approved. I also heard from an SEC officials that the NCAA will also be doing some experiments with this during spring scrimmages.

[Reffing Rev.]

We have to prevent concussions...

[Texas Aggie]

They tried this several years ago and I didn't think it worked very well. Who's going to cover the LOS for ineligibles downfield and passer over the line?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

They tried this several years ago and I didn't think it worked very well. Who's going to cover the LOS for ineligibles downfield and passer over the line?

I don't think any of the umpire's responsibilities will change, only his perspective on them. It might, however, be difficult for him to get to the LOS through all of the blockers, esp. on plays to his side of the field.

[Sonofanump]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

They tried this several years ago and I didn't think it worked very well. Who's going to cover the LOS for ineligibles downfield and passer over the line?

In 7 man, the LJ holds the line of scrimmage.

[Sonofanump]

Also, I thought that they were going to have the umpire wear a helmet since the experiment a few years back did not work well.