The NFL has long had referees be part-time employees of the league, but we could see that all change in the relatively near future. NFL V.P. of officiating Carl Johnson recently told Bill Lubinger of the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the league will explore the possibility this offseason.
“This is the first time that we’re really going to examine it in the offseason,” Johnson said.
It makes sense for officials to make a full-time commitment to the game of football. The hours could be spent learning the ins-and-outs of the game, which would hopefully create a consistency among the referees. Too often we see referees that seem to be unsure of the rules, so the full-time commitment should be spent by the officials to make sure there are no more understandings.
When it comes to players, there is no offseason. They are always working to improve their game and give us the best product they can on the field. Why should officials be any different?
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