US EditionNFL Says It Learned From Replacement Ref 'mistake.' Here's What's Different This Time
Owners approved nine changes, including a one-year fix that lets league officials help correct clear and obvious missed calls during a replacement-ref work stoppage.
- On Tuesday, NFL owners approved nine rule changes, including a one-year measure allowing the New York replay center to correct "clear and obvious mistakes made by on-field officials" if a work stoppage involves the NFL Referees Association.
- Because negotiations with the NFLRA have been unsuccessful, the league is moving forward with plans to hire and training replacement officials, two people told The Associated Press.
- Owners also approved kickoff modifications and a rule allowing replay assistance for ejections, prompted by Pittsburgh receiver DK Metcalf's altercation in Detroit last season that officials failed to penalize.
- ESPN's Kevin Seifert and Kalyn Kahler reported Sunday that owners were "alarmed" by the state of negotiations, authorizing staff to begin hiring and onboarding replacement officials in the coming weeks.
- The league seeks to avoid the embarrassment of the 2012 season, when a lockout marred games with officiating confusion, including the infamous "Fail Mary" catch during a Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers game.
66 Articles
66 Articles
NFL adopts replay rule for potential replacement referees
By Field Level Media With the potential for a referee work stoppage next season, the NFL moved on Tuesday to alter its replay procedure for one year only “to correct clear and obvious” mistakes made during games by replacement referees. The approved rule, made by the competitions committee at the annual league meeting at Phoenix, was one of a handful of changes to the NFL rule book for the 2026 season. Other changes made by the competitions co…
The NFL proposes contingencies for replacement refs in hopes of avoiding another 'Fail Mary' | Chattanooga Times Free Press
The NFL is preparing for the possibility of replacement officials in the 2026 season, proposing a rule change for one season that would allow the replay center in New York to correct any “clear and obvious” mistakes by on-field officials in case of a work stoppage.
Associated Press News
NFL approves 1-year rule allowing replay center to correct mistakes by potential replacement refs
The NFL’s competition committee has approved a one-year rule for the upcoming season that would allow the replay center in New York to correct “clear and obvious mistakes made by on-field officials that impact the game” in case of a work stoppage involving the NFL Referees Association.
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