Why Refs Are Most Popular Men In NFL

27/09/2012

The American public were on the brink of a permanent fall out with the NFL. The issue of replacement referees, in place of regular officials at NFL games, had come to a head. The original referees were locked out by the league due to an ongoing labour dispute over the status of their pension plan, and their salary.

NFL fans could take no more. A dramatic hail mary pass in the dying seconds of the Monday night game between Green Bay and Seattle was declared a touchdown even though it was clearly intercepted by a defender. The play went to a TV review and the Seahawks were still - miraculously - awarded a touchdown. It was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

And the league quickly bent to the demands of the regular referees. Thursday night’s game in Baltimore had a truly bizarre moment in which the regular officials were given a standing ovation as they entered the field. Now you don’t see standing ovations for referees every day. But the natural order was restored three minutes into the game when the home fans disagreed with a call. Boos rang out. Now that’s more like it.

We may have the old refs back, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell still felt the need to apologise to fans over the whole sorry episode:

To NFL Fans:

The National Football League is at its best when the focus is on the players and the action on the field, not on labor negotiations.

All of us who love the sport appreciate the skills and dedication of the players and coaches. That is why we are focused not just on what happens on the field but what our game will be like in another decade or two. The NFL has always tried to look ahead, to innovate, and to constantly improve in all we do.

We recognize that some decisions may be difficult to accept in the passion of the moment, but my most important responsibility is to improve the game for this generation and the next.

I believe in accountability, not excuses. And I regret we were not able to secure an agreement sooner in the process and avoid the unfortunate distractions to the game. You deserve better.

As a lifelong fan, this wasn’t an easy process for anyone involved. I particularly want to commend the replacement officials for taking on an unenviable task and doing it with focus and dedication in the most adverse of circumstances.

Our new agreement gives long-term stability to an important aspect of our game, officiating. More important, with this agreement, officiating will be better in the long run. While the financial issues received the most attention, these negotiations were much more about long-term reforms. For example, beginning with the 2013 season, the NFL will have the option of hiring a number of officials on a full-time basis to work year-round, including on the field. In addition, the NFL will have the option to retain additional officials for training and development purposes, and may assign those additional officials to work NFL games.

We are moving forward with the finest officials in sports back on the field. It’s time to put the focus where it belongs – on the clubs and players and our magnificent game, with a special thanks to our fans for their passion.

Roger Goodell