Want to officiate in the NFL?

[tjones1]

NFL begins looking for replacement officials as labor talks continue - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy

[Texas Aggie]

If the NFL went full time I would seriously consider applying (now or later), but as it stands right now, I don't think I have the time to work in the league on a part time basis.

[bisonlj]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

If the NFL went full time I would seriously consider applying (now or later), but as it stands right now, I don't think I have the time to work in the league on a part time basis.

I don't know how they could be an more full-time. They are already putting in 25-30 hours during the week in addition to traveling to and working the game on a weekend. This isn't like baseball or basketball or hockey where they have games throughout the week every week.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by bisonlj

I don't know how they could be an more full-time. They are already putting in 25-30 hours during the week in addition to traveling to and working the game on a weekend. This isn't like baseball or basketball or hockey where they have games throughout the week every week.

And I do not know how it would interfere with someone that had a full time job either, unless you were on call during most weekends. There travel only really takes place on the weekends primarily and unless you are working a Monday Night game, you would be at work all during the work week. Most of the officials that work in the NFL have a full-time job or business now.

Peace

[Texas Aggie]

Its not just MNF. There is a Sunday night game every week, and this year, a Thursday night game (or Wed in one) all but the last week. Figure on 3-4 assignments on these "off" times as well as mid-week and offseason activities, and you have a busy schedule. Remember, this goes on for 4 solid months, and doesn't include a playoff game for roughly half the officials.

Even a good D1 college crew works about a dozen games, most on Saturday. They'll have a camp, a 2 or 3 day meeting, a scrimmage, and 8-12 games and maybe a bowl game. Mid week activities can be handled in one evening, mostly, though some conferences may have more requirements. You can leave Friday after lunch, be home Sunday a little after noon only on weeks when you fly a long way. Just as an example, IF I worked in the Big 12, I'd drive to games in Austin, Waco, Norman, Stillwater, College Station, Dallas, Fort Worth, maybe Houston, maybe San Antonio, and fly everywhere else. All but a few flights would be short (hour to an hour and a half). For a 2:00 game, I'd be home by Sat. midnight everywhere except those games where we had long flights.

In the NFL, on the other hand, I MAY drive to one of those cities, fly the rest, and the flights would be 2-4 hours, except maybe New Orleans. Leaving early Sat. morning and returning very late Sun. night or early Monday would be the norm.

[JRutledge]

Well I did forget about the Thursday Night games every week. I guess that could be a problem for some. I just know usually they have to be there a day before or early on the day of the game on Thursdays. That might change considering this will be an every week issue now for the staff. Something also tells me that many are not going to have to work those games but only so often. But who knows, I am sure I will find out more about that this summer.

As it relates to the D1 thing, I guess that would depend on the conference. Not all conferences play on weekdays. I know the Big Ten does not do that at this time, so not an issue here, but would be in other parts of the country.

Peace

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by bisonlj

I don't know how they could be an more full-time. They are already putting in 25-30 hours during the week in addition to traveling to and working the game on a weekend. This isn't like baseball or basketball or hockey where they have games throughout the week every week.

I don't know anyone that works 25-30 hours a week for 4-5 months out of the year that's considered full time.

[wvumpire1807]

who do we contact if we are interested?

[Jim S]

Originally Posted by wvumpire1807

who do we contact if we are interested?

Well, it's NOT Ed Hochuli........

[InsideTheStripe]

Originally Posted by wvumpire1807

who do we contact if we are interested?

You don't contact the NFL. While an application COULD put you in the "maybe we should look at" pipeline, you'd need some REALLY good references. They have a scouting organization and a short list. An unsolicited resume isn't going to change that.

Speaking as an outsider, I love that NFL guys aren't full-time EMPLOYEES.

It allows for a level of accountability that doesn't exist in any other sport. I'd love to see their per game pay increased across the board, but I'd hate to see a system that works broken. Having spoken to my share of NFL guys, they all share an important trait... the belief that the best guys should be on the field (and they're that guy).

The NFL should stay a meritocracy. Leave that tenured, employee crap to MLB.

[bisonlj]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

I don't know anyone that works 25-30 hours a week for 4-5 months out of the year that's considered full time.

That 25-30 hours is before they travel to the game. If you add in that time it goes well over 40. If you make them go "full-time", what else are they going to do during the week they aren't already doing? Since you made them quit their real job you are going to have to give them a significant pay increase to supplement what they are giving up. Either that or you are only going to be able to consider guys that don't have decent paying jobs in the first place.