Elevating NFL referees to full-time employees has "surfaced as a simple solution" to their perceived struggles this season, and now it "appears the NFL is serious about trying to make the change," according to Peter King of THE MMQB. That "may not be an easy fix, or even achievable." There are "serious roadblocks in the CBA that would prevent it from happening, and it doesn’t look like the officials’ union (as of now) is willing to surrender." NFL Referees Association Exec Dir Jim Quirk said there is another problem: "We haven't conducted a poll any time recently, but from what I know about the 122 guys in the league -- now, I will say not everyone would refuse -- but a large majority would refuse the opportunity to become full time.” King notes this is because "many, or most, have lucrative jobs and full-time careers outside the football arena" (MMQB.SI.com, 12/14). CBS' Bill Cowher said, "The biggest thing right now we need to do is have full-time officials. The only professional league that doesn't have them is the NFL. The rules are complicated and to make them more trainable, train these guys more, pay them more. If their argument is that they have two jobs, so be it. Then eliminate the guys who want to stay with their old jobs. Make them full time" ("The NFL Today," CBS, 12/13).
CHANGING THINGS UP: ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert noted the NFL is "considering changes" to its officiating protocol in time for the playoffs. Commissioner Roger Goodell "hinted at the possibility during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio." A league spokesperson confirmed there are "some items under consideration" but declined to provide specifics. Seifert noted it is "extraordinarily rare for the league to alter its on-field procedures during the course of a season." Goodell has "sprung to action amid a series of high-profile mistakes and ubiquitous public review of every close call." Multiple times in recent weeks Goodell has said that he "expects officiating to improve and recently announced a committee of former players, coaches and officials to review the controversial catch rule" (ESPN.com, 12/11).
