NFL Officiating

[Joe Wagner]

With two weeks of playoffs now finished two games have ended on questionable calls by the officials. During week one we saw the New York Giants suffer a defeat when the officials refused to call pass interference on the final play from scrimage - giving the 49ers a win. In week two the refs made questionable calls all day during the Titans-Steelers game and the "Running into the Kicker call" as well as ignoring the time-out call on the final play from scrimmage has lead to even more controversy. Many have said that the penalty shouldn't have been called (Dwayne Washington was in the air as the kickers leg was still in the air - based on regs in the NFL Rulebook the defense is given a couple of steps, much like the Quarterback protection rules - Washington was within this area and couldn't stop - meaning no penalty should have been called). Throughout the playoffs the officiating has been constantly questioned and has lead to the elimination of two teams based on the calls of the refs. With week three ahead and two games left to play, what effect will the poor calls have on the Championship games between Tampa Bay and Philly and the Titans and Raiders? What steps does the NFL need to take to make sure that future games aren't decided by the atrocious calls of the referees?

-Joe!

[czyznyck99]

In the New York/SF game, New York blew a 24 point lead they had at the half, so they deserved to lose. That doesn't make the call right though, they should have been able to rekick. The Titan-Steeler call did not surprise me, because that penalty has been called before by just touching the kicker. As far as next week goes, as long as Oakland doesn't get screwed again, I'll be happy. Of course, I wouldn't want any of the other teams getting the shaft either.

This is why NFL refs shoul be full-time, because they are not. NBA, NHL, and MLB refs are because they work more than six months per year (including playoffs).

Later.

[cross blues]

The call at the end of the Giants vs. 49ers is probably the worst I have ever seen. A lot of people say it shouldn't have come down to that, but the fact is it DID and the referees pretty much just gave the game to San Francisco. I didn't get to see the Steelers / Titans game but from what you said it sounds pretty bad as well. I also saw a few bad calls in the 49ers / Bucs game. Obviously the instant replay challenges aren't enough, and not being allowed to challenge in the last 2 minutes is idiotic. With these retarded refs, teams should be given 3 challenges in addition to 3 timeouts. It will make the games longer but at least there would be less unfair calls. I'm curious how you would make football referees full time when they only work about 1/4 of the year?

[Ajax]

Originally posted by czyznyck99
In the New York/SF game, New York blew a 24 point lead they had at the half, so they deserved to lose. That doesn't make the call right though, they should have been able to rekick. The Titan-Steeler call did not surprise me, because that penalty has been called before by just touching the kicker. As far as next week goes, as long as Oakland doesn't get screwed again, I'll be happy. Of course, I wouldn't want any of the other teams getting the shaft either.

This is why NFL refs shoul be full-time, because they are not. NBA, NHL, and MLB refs are because they work more than six months per year (including playoffs).

Later.

First off, NHL, MLB, and NBA all play 80+ games not including post season. So off course the refs are full time. In the NFL, there are 17 weeks of football each game played once a week. How do you except a person to make a living as an NFL ref?
The Giants game was indeed a horrible call, in which the league had to say sorry. I'd say the league was pressured more in apologizing since the commisoner lives in NY.
The Titans, Pitt game might of had it touchy calls, but they were better called then the Giants game.
Oh and "Tuck Everlasting" was more questionable then the Titans game.

[TimTwoFace]

I personally wish that refs were held accountable for terrible calls. The mishap with the NY/SF game two weeks ago was the only time I can ever recall a ref or his league coming out to apologize for a bad, bad call.

I see bad calls in the many NHL games I see every day. They're far more busy than the folks in the NBA and MLB, which is fine, but some of these lousy refs make TERRIBLE calls. A few years back their names were removed from the back of their zebra-shirts league-wide so the crowds at the arenas couldn't heckle them. They're far too protected; they're JUST as vital to the game as the players themselves, so they should be equally accountable, for both the good AND bad calls they make.

-Tim

[Joe Wagner]

Originally posted by TimTwoFace
I personally wish that refs were held accountable for terrible calls. The mishap with the NY/SF game two weeks ago was the only time I can ever recall a ref or his league coming out to apologize for a bad, bad call.


I agree - they do need to be held accountable. Last season, it was during a Steelers-Ravens game, the officials made a terrible call and cost Pittsburgh the game - the NFL even apologized following the game. The problem is, even though the NFL apologizes the Steelers never got that win back and the Giants didn't have the opportunity to advance. It's a shame that the game can be ruined by a couple of terrible calls.

-Joe!

[FavreFactor]

Ws it just me or were the officals real bad this year. Like from the Miami and Ohio State game. THERE WAS NO PASS INTERFERENCE ON US!!!!! He just had very good coverage. Now it looks like the NCAA officals need the instant replay. Also that little fight in San Fran. The officals need to check these things before they end the game!!! News for the officals, "LET THE MEN PLAY FOOTBALL!!!"

-FavreFactor

[czyznyck99]

Originally posted by Comic Book Guy
First off, NHL, MLB, and NBA all play 80+ games not including post season. So off course the refs are full time. In the NFL, there are 17 weeks of football each game played once a week. How do you except a person to make a living as an NFL ref?
The Giants game was indeed a horrible call, in which the league had to say sorry. I'd say the league was pressured more in apologizing since the commisoner lives in NY.
The Titans, Pitt game might of had it touchy calls, but they were better called then the Giants game.
Oh and "Tuck Everlasting" was more questionable then the Titans game.

NFL referees (the white cap guys) should be full time, the officials (black caps) can still be part-time. Sorry about not clearing that up. All calls go through the head referee, so he should know enough "special cases" to make the best call. During the off-season he should be reviewing calls and rules.

Later.