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NFL Prepares for Replacement Refs Amid Contract Stalemate
9 Apr
Summary
- NFL to train replacement officials from college ranks.
- Labor talks between NFL and referees' union have stalled.
- New contract negotiations stalled with union seeking 10% pay hikes.
As the NFL and its referees' union remain far apart on a new labor deal, the league is moving forward with contingency plans. Teams have been informed that replacement officials, primarily sourced from NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, could begin attending facilities for practice officiating as early as June 1. This initiative aims to acclimate potential new referees to the NFL's rules and the professional game's pace.
Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement have proved fruitless, with the current deal set to expire on May 31. The NFL Referees Association is reportedly seeking annual pay increases of approximately 10 percent, a significant jump from the current contract's 5.75 percent annual raises. The NFL's counteroffer stands at a 6.45 percent increase per year over the next six years.
League owners previously approved allowing replacement game officials access to the NFL's officiating command center for assistance with clear and obvious missed calls during games. The NFL is also seeking to shorten the offseason communication blackout period for officials and implement longer probationary periods, with underperforming officials potentially required to work spring football games.
