Goodell: NFL to consider full-time officials

[tjones1]

Goodell: NFL to consider full-time officials, rules for coaching switches - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy Advice

Interesting... I assume these would be the Referees.

In my opinion, if they're going to do it they should do it right and hire all officials full-time.

[ajmc]

What would having "full-time" officials provide that is not currently available?

It is possible NFL officials could be more scrutinized, be held to a higher level of accountability, or expected to devote any more time to rule understanding, film study and actual game review than is currently the case?

From the articles you read from time to time about the actual preparation involved for each week's assignments, it seems these guys currently spend at least 40 hours a week reviewing last week's performance, the comming week's teams tendencies, crew meetings and discussions and review with supervisors and traveling to/from game sites.

It seems hard to imagine a training program more intense, more widespread or more available than the current needs of the High School and Collegiate levels of football where NFL officials "learn their craft".

The system doesn't seem at all "broke", or a lot would be added by "fixing it".

[PSU213]

This was a big deal a couple of years ago when the officials went on strike. One of the sticking points was that some officials wanted to be paid as full time employees. One of the quotes out there was something to the effect "well, some firefighters only work 20 hours a week and they are full time." Then 9-11 happened literally the next week and we witnessed the heroic actions of the firefighters and that quote was never mentioned again.

Anyway, I don't see the value of having full time officials for the NFL. What more are officals going to gain by being considering and being paid as full time?

[HLin NC]

I don't see how 10 officials switched to "full time" status makes anything better or different. The goal of consistency, while laudable, will never reach 100%.

Will Ed Hochuli, a top shelf atty, give up his law firm? Doubtful. Will Mike Carey give up his successful business? I wouldn't think so.

These guys already study film, read rule books, confer, and work camps and scrimmages. What other full time duties can they perform?

[bisonlj]

As I read it they would be using existing officials to do more advanced film review that could be used by the "part-time" officials throughout the season to improve consistency. They could do the same thing by hiring retired officials to do the same thing but it may be less expensive to give a little more money to existing officials rather than paying a full salary to others. I wonder if there will be any conflict between those 10 officials and the ones who receive their comments. Overall I think this sounds like something that would have a positive impact on officiating.

[JasonTX]

I think this is just a marketing ploy by the NFL to make the fans feel better by having "full time" officials. These guys already put in long hours doing film study and camps. There isn't much more they can do that they aren't already doing.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by tjones1

In my opinion, if they're going to do it they should do it right and hire all officials full-time.

I don't think that's going to happen. My guess is most NFL officials don't want to be full time employees.

[HLin NC]

Peter King of SI's take:


I think it's fine that the NFL is considering hiring 10 full-time officials. It cannot hurt -- except if some of those the league would like to bring on full-time choose their day jobs. But I still don't see how it helps to be totally immersed in the job and in tape study. I like how Gene Steratore works as a basketball ref, even in season (see my Factoid of the Week), and probably stays sharp working games even if it's another game entirely. I'll be interested in hearing the league's plans for this, though I don't think I'll ever believe full-time officials will help guys make calls in such a fast game any better.

Read more: Eli Manning, Osi Umenyiora key New York Giants' upset over Green Bay Packers - Peter King - SI.com