Top 10 reasons the NFL needs a new head of officials

By Jeffery Reynolds | Feb 5, 2015

March 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino speaks during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos head coach John Fox yells at a referee during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Complex Rules Lead To Grey Areas Of Interpretation

Roughing the passer was mentioned earlier, and it’s one of the most difficult calls to make on the field. Pass interference is also problematic.

The reason for this is that the rules are getting too complex. It seems counterintuitive, but instead of making calls easier to make on the field, this excess complexity is leading to too much gray area and requires too much interpretation by officials.

The rulebook is so cumbersome and parses penalties in such detail that it’s inevitable that misinterpretations happen. Never fear though, the replay booth has the official’s back – right?

Next: Is Replay Making Referees Timid?

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