Too often, NFL referees find themselves in the center of attention for the wrong reasons. The league has taken a step forward to eliminate as much as possible the errors of judgment that occur on the field and that influence the outcome of games, at its owners’ meeting on Thursday.
The meeting, which was held virtually, aimed to assess a few proposed rule changes. Among the most important changes, the one that will bring the officials assigned to the times to communicate with the referees on the field is the most important.
This change is not permanent, however, for now, as it will first be used in the preseason games in August, if the schedule of activities gets underway as planned. Should the change prove to be a success, it could be implemented during the regular season as early as the fall.
The officials at the rounds, who benefit from state-of-the-art technological equipment in the press gallery, will have the opportunity to communicate with the referees on the field after a game when an obvious infraction has not been awarded or an error in judgment will have been made.
Referees on the field may ask to speak to officials at times during conferences or until 25 seconds remain before returning the ball to play.
This measure will help curb flagrant arbitration errors.
Among other changes adopted, video replay will now be automatic for all touchdowns and turnaround situations.
Still short kicks
Also, there seemed to be some momentum to put an end to short kicks, which often occur late in the game when a team needs a last ditch attempt to score points with little time on the board.
A low success rate of just 10.7% seems to indicate that this game has become obsolete, and fans were clamoring for a more exciting way to allow deficit teams to keep the ball.
However, the proposal on the table, which was to allow a team to try to convert a fourth down and 15 yards to its own line of 25 to keep control of the ball, was ultimately not approved. The owners are divided, with 16 votes for and 16 against. It would have taken at least 24 votes to move forward.
This is the first time, however, that this proposal has reached so many owners and it may only be postponed for next year.
Back to work ?
As to when league activities will resume, Commissioner Roger Goodell has hinted that the “virtual” offseason will continue until towards the end of June, but that coaches could potentially reconnect with the teams’ facilities as soon as possible. next week.
“In partnership with the Players Association, we continue to prepare for the comeback and will make adjustments as needed,” he said.
Usually, players show up to minicamps in June. Training camps then start at the end of July, but nothing is confirmed yet.
“Finding a way for players to return to work safely is our top priority,” said Goodell.
The NFL has also approved a contract extension with video game company EA Sports to continue production of the popular game. Madden until 2026. An agreement that will add $ 1 billion to the league’s coffers and $ 600 million to players’ pockets.
