NFL to start hiring possible replacement refs

[fansince'76]

By Barry Wilner | Associated Press

New York (AP) — The NFL will start hiring and training possible replacement officials with a deal not yet completed with the NFL Referees Association.

Talks between the league and the officials broke down after two mediation sessions that followed nine bargaining negotiations since October. Both sides have said they expect a new collective bargaining agreement in time for the upcoming season.

But that optimism has disappeared.

A session was held Sunday under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the NFLRA said the league "terminated negotiations" on Monday.

Read more: NFL to start hiring possible replacement refs (http://news.yahoo.com/nfl-start-hiring-possible-replacement-refs-154710841--nfl.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

[fansince'76]

As if the officiating could get any worse...

[stillers4me]

Wouldn't if be a hoot if the officiating suddenly got better??

[salamander]

Wouldn't if be a hoot if the officiating suddenly got better??

I was just thinking the same thing. :chuckle:

[polamalubeast]

It'll be very ugly

[Godfather]

I'm sure the replacements won't need much to get up to speed.

Anyone who breathes on Marsha or Peyton gets a 15-yard penalty. That's about all they need to know.

[ALLD]

What about hiring a replacement commissioner (NFL owner's rep)?

[BigNastyDefense]

Well, the officiating can't possibly get any worse than what it is now....

[Nadroj 20]

The speed of the game will be challenging at first for the replacements. As far HOW the refs are going to be bad it will be because of a lack of calls, simply because they miss things, rather then bad/cheap calls.

[steeldawg]

If they want to teach them what holding looks like, just show them video of what happens to harrison everytime he rushes the passer.

[Count Steeler]

Wouldn't if be a hoot if the officiating suddenly got better??

Not that much of a stretch, especially with some of the crews out there.

[st33lersguy]

Bring in replacements, the current batch of NFL refs are pitiful. By the way, I hope the NFL refs aren't holding out for more money when have done nothing to deserve it

[Count Steeler]

To be fair though, it has to be tough being a ref when the rules are more nebulous than ever. If even the NFL is consistently inconsistent and they have the benefit of reviewing the plays on tape, the refs must have it infinitely more difficult.

[steelerdude15]

I find it very odd that this is happening. I clearly remember hearing on the radio during the lockout last year that the NFL and the referees union had made a new agreement.

[86WARD]

The speed of the game will be challenging at first for the replacements. As far HOW the refs are going to be bad it will be because of a lack of calls, simply because they miss things, rather then bad/cheap calls.

That's not necessarily true. There could be an over abundance of penalties called. Holding for example could increase...drastically, considering that there is holding on almost every call.

They've done it with replacements in the past...the guys it will effect the most will be the QB...these QBs get to know how these refs "work," what they call and don't call...

[fansince'76]

Does it really get any worse than this?

This drew a 15-yard penalty:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZSIXCdBd6o

Yet this didn't:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmyhcozGRr4

Still pisses me off. :mad2:

And add to the mix a megalomaniacal asshat of a commissioner who has been known to unilaterally change rules in midstream based on media squawking, and, well...

[Butch]

I'm sure the replacements won't need much to get up to speed.

Anyone who breathes on Marsha or Peyton gets a 15-yard penalty. That's about all they need to know.

And if it's the Steelers getting the hits turn the other way and say you didn't see it.

[Nadroj 20]

That's not necessarily true. There could be an over abundance of penalties called. Holding for example could increase...drastically, considering that there is holding on almost every call.

They've done it with replacements in the past...the guys it will effect the most will be the QB...these QBs get to know how these refs "work," what they call and don't call...

The speed will definitely effect the new refs especially at first. They will have seen nothing like it. It is easier for one ref on the team of refs to be new but for the whole crew? It will be different that is for sure.

If they don't see the hold they won't call it, that is my point and as I said these guys aren't gonna be used to watching the game that close at that speed. Not saying that is their fault but it will take a few games to get used to it.

[LLT]

To be fair though, it has to be tough being a ref when the rules are more nebulous than ever. If even the NFL is consistently inconsistent and they have the benefit of reviewing the plays on tape, the refs must have it infinitely more difficult.

Which may be one of the points of contention. The leagues insistance on the refs making split second decisions on arbitrary rules has to be an issue. It leads to one officiating crew alling things drastically different than another. The officials then take a beating for rules that have virtually unenforceable standards.

[GodfatherofSoul]

I'd hate to be a ref in the Goodell era of subjective personal fouls. Make the wrong political call on the field and the head office makes you suffer.