The NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) is in the midst of negotiating major amendments to its own collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the league. To increase the performance and accountability of game officials. Scott Green, the executive director of the NFLRA, expressed optimism about discussing these priorities with league representatives following a recent memo outlining the league’s objectives for the new CBA.
The memo, sent by Vincent and Ferazani, highlights several key priorities, including the need to shorten the current dead period during which the league is prohibited from contacting officials. That new dead period goes into effect after the Super Bowl until May 15. Uncharacteristically, during this period there is very little communication between the league and their referees.
Besides closing this dead period loophole, the NFLRA’s other proposed changes are a reward system based on performance. This joint effort seeks to make sure that only those game officials who perform at a high level are deemed qualified to participate in the year-end bonus pool. Green reinforced the practice of putting the top officials on the field for important late playoffs on through to championship contests.
“The best-performing officials should be on the field during the postseason.” – source
Similarly, Green said he was excited to pursue conversations around these proposals with the league. When pressed, he refused to speak to the merits of the memo or the current bargaining process.
“It’s not really helpful to do it by way of the media at this point.” – Scott Green
The last major officiating lockout was in 2012. It lasted 110 days and resulted in several questionable calls by replacement officials. Rather, the lockout melted away after just three weeks of sharply rising pressure and distaste from fans and teams straight up to the commissioner’s office.
Vincent and Ferazani commented on the NFL’s commitment to improving officiating standards, stating, “The NFL has remained focused on implementing changes to the agreement in ways that will improve the performance of our game officials, increase accountability, and ensure that the highest-performing officials are officiating our highest profile games.”
As negotiations progress, it’s crucial that both parties stay committed to an agreement that advances these priorities. Kalyn is an aspiring sports journalist who loves delving into all things NFL. Outside the day job, she makes time for her own passions, including studying Spanish and teaching Irish dance.
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