NFL makes adjustment to officiating procedures for playoffs

[LambeauLegs]

Adjustment to officiating procedures for playoffs

NFL clubs were notified today that the NFL Competition Committee has unanimously recommended, and Commissioner Roger Goodell has approved, a limited adjustment to officiating procedures for the 2015 playoffs. The change permits communication between the referee and NFL Vice President of Officiating Dean Blandino -- based in the league's officiating headquarters in New York -- regarding the correct application of rules in specific situations not currently covered by the instant replay rule.

The specific language of the approved change states:

For the 2015 Postseason, consultation may occur between the Referee and the VP of Officiating or his designee located in the league's officiating headquarters in New York regarding the correct application of playing rules. In addition to the VP of Officiating's current role in Instant Replay, this consultation will only include the appropriate assessment of penalty yardage, the proper administration of the game clock, the correct down, or any other administrative matter not currently reviewable.

This will not include the ability to call or change a foul, or otherwise become involved in on-field judgment calls that are not subject to the current Instant Replay system.

"The committee feels strongly that giving the referee and Dean the ability to consult with each other in certain situations beyond instant replay will further support officiating in the playoffs," said NFL Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay. "The officials do a very difficult job exceedingly well, and we think this adjustment in the playoffs will make them even better."

Blandino and his staff in New York will not call or change a foul or become involved in on-field judgment calls beyond what is already part of the instant replay review process. Communication on administrative matters can be initiated either by Blandino or the referee.

Commissioner Goodell mentioned the concept for the playoffs with NFL owners at the December 2 league meeting in Dallas and said the Competition Committee was expected to make a recommendation shortly.

"We constantly strive to make our game progressively better for the players, coaches and fans," said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent. "This change will assist our officials with an additional resource for clarity and consistency in game administration."

 

[packerzrule]

bout fuckin time

 

[jarntt]

So they need the VP of Officiating to tell them the correct down? My 10 year old will rewind the DVR to check and do it for a lot less...

 

[eaglesnut]

So they need the VP of Officiating to tell them the correct down? My 10 year old will rewind the DVR to check and do it for a lot less...

Commie!

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Wait for all the conspiracy theorists to come a runnin right after the first controversial call.

 

[Duffman]

1 step closer to making penalties reviewable.

 

[Fencer]

Wait for all the conspiracy theorists to come a runnin right after the first controversial call.

Blandino's predecessor Mike Pereira is already on record as suggesting this is corrupt.

Suspicions remain high about NFL's communication with referees

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Blandino's predecessor Mike Pereira is already on record as suggesting this is corrupt.

Suspicions remain high about NFL's communication with referees

Wait did Pereria just say the league has been cheating? No way I can't believe it. He must have an axe to grind? I mean no way Goodell and his puppet Blandino would tarnish "the" shield.

 

[molsaniceman]

NFL V.P. of Officiating Dean Blandino said he will not assist in calling or rescinding penalties in his in-game communications with referees during the playoffs.

The NFL announced earlier this week Blandino will communicate with on-field referees regarding the correct enforcement of rules during the playoffs. Blandino clarified his role in his weekly officiating video. "This does not involve penalties," Blandino said. "When there’s a conference on the field, we in New York will not be part of that conference. We will not be listening in, talking to the officials. This is strictly a safety net in the isolated instance that there’s an issue with the administration of the game." Blandino already communicates with the officials while they review instant replays, but this is an expansion of his in-game role. After a season of high-profile officiating blunders, the NFL is doing everything it can to avoid embarrassment in the postseason.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

NFL V.P. of Officiating Dean Blandino said he will not assist in calling or rescinding penalties in his in-game communications with referees during the playoffs.

The NFL announced earlier this week Blandino will communicate with on-field referees regarding the correct enforcement of rules during the playoffs. Blandino clarified his role in his weekly officiating video. "This does not involve penalties," Blandino said. "When there’s a conference on the field, we in New York will not be part of that conference. We will not be listening in, talking to the officials. This is strictly a safety net in the isolated instance that there’s an issue with the administration of the game." Blandino already communicates with the officials while they review instant replays, but this is an expansion of his in-game role. After a season of high-profile officiating blunders, the NFL is doing everything it can to avoid embarrassment in the postseason.

Great idea, then they should make the audio available to the viewers as well. They can use it as football 101.

 

[Tainthappening]

Wait did Pereria just say the league has been cheating? No way I can't believe it. He must have an axe to grind? I mean no way Goodell and his puppet Blandino would tarnish "the" shield.

America is right there with you thinking the league has been cheating... oh wait, wrong poll

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

So they need the VP of Officiating to tell them the correct down? My 10 year old will rewind the DVR to check and do it for a lot less...

I'm sure Jerry Jones would make your son part of the payroll once he saw his results....

 

[Southieinnc]

"Basically, what it looks like is that the league office is making decisions on who possibly wins or loses the game," Pereira said.

I'm sure my fellow Patriots fans are thrilled with the idea of someone in New York talking to the officials through a headset in the ear of an official. Then again, the Patriots do have control of the radio waves.

scenario: Vincent o official: "call PI on Gronkowski"
Patriots modified version heard by official: "call PI on defense"
Goodell quickly steps in: "no, no - offensive PI!"
Patriots intercept signal: "give the Patriots the 1st rounder back"

 

[NWPATSFAN]

"Basically, what it looks like is that the league office is making decisions on who possibly wins or loses the game," Pereira said.

I'm sure my fellow Patriots fans are thrilled with the idea of someone in New York talking to the officials through a headset in the ear of an official. Then again, the Patriots do have control of the radio waves.

scenario: Vincent o official: "call PI on Gronkowski"
Patriots modified version heard by official: "call PI on defense"
Goodell quickly steps in: "no, no - offensive PI!"
Patriots intercept signal: "give the Patriots the 1st rounder back"

Why Blandino? He never even officiated an NFL game. This makes a lot of sense. Not! No way NE wins SB 50.

 

[kramer1]

The NFL was already rigged. This just makes it even more obvious. The NFL is the WWF, folks. It's just entertainment. I love it, but there's no doubt that it's rigged.