Fansided

Top 10 reasons the NFL needs a new head of officials

By Jeffery Reynolds

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
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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Aug 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; NFL referee Tony Corrente (99) goes to the monitor in the instant replay booth to review a challenged play by the Carolina Panthers against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Panthers shutout the Steelers 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; NFL referee Tony Corrente (99) goes to the monitor in the instant replay booth to review a challenged play by the Carolina Panthers against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Panthers shutout the Steelers 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Replay Has Led To Hesitation Among Refs

Too often, officials appear to be too afraid to commit to a call on the field, anticipating that the replay booth will get it right for them. Fans witness this all the time when it comes to spotting the ball, determining if a turnover has occurred, or trying to see if a catch has been made.

Seeing a conference of the officials on the field is generally a good thing – it’s important to ensure a call has been properly made, and being open to a second set of eyes definitely helps. Get it right the first time, guys.

These conferences are taking longer and longer though, and calls are taking longer and longer to be made.

It’s no secret that the combination of the complexity of the rulebook and the availability of replay has caused officials to take longer to make a decision. As those decisions are extended, extra time allows doubt to creep in.

Next: Can Blandino Be An Effective Boss If He's Never Done The Job?

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