POLL: Should NFL Refs be Rated???

[Topcat]

I’m surprised an independent company like PFF hasn’t done it on their own.

Good idea...also, imagine if Madden NFL 21 also had ratings for refs...then they incorporate into their algorhythms the percentage of poor calls made by certain refs...so now, u can whine and moan as u play yer video game...

[Bolt-O]

How about if we at LEAST allow coaches to challenge ANY call or non-call? Remember, coaches can only challenge certain calls. I would have LOVED to have seen Staley throw a challenge flag on that Leatherwood/Bosa holding non-call...

Sure, but part of the problem is that some penalties are subject to interpretation, and there is the issue of how much time it takes. Its almost a given that there is Holding of some kind in all plays, for example, so the blanket solution is often applied... non-reviewable. And even if it goes to the booth review or referee review... they still can get it completely wrong, because interpretation is involved.

[The Intellectual Assassin]

I certainly think they should. And not just for football but for sports in general. Some are clearly better than others with how they control the game and their assistants and how much respect they get from both teams also.

[Topcat]

Sure, but part of the problem is that some penalties are subject to interpretation, and there is the issue of how much time it takes. Its almost a given that there is Holding of some kind in all plays, for example, so the blanket solution is often applied... non-reviewable. And even if it goes to the booth review or referee review... they still can get it completely wrong, because interpretation is involved.

However, if a coach loses twice, he's out of challenges for the half. So, I think coaches will be careful not to challenge borderline calls. But if the NFL allowed challenges, especially on blatant non-calls like the Bosa/Leatherwood play, I think we will see more coaches challenge those...AND, this should also have the added benefit of refs doing a better job...

[Bolt Dude]

Refs should be rated.

But by who?

[FoutsFan]

The biggest problem with the officiating is they should just flag the obvious. If they did that there would be lttle controversy. All too often they miss the overly obvious and call tickey tac on one team and not the obvious on the other. At least if you are bad be bad evenly for both teams. That would satisfy most people.

[ghost]

Refs should be graded individually, and the grades posted and published. And in return for such over-sight, the NFL owners will raise their f***** pay.

[Bearded14YourPleasure]

Here's a laughable little gem from that article:

"Only 40 percent of on-field calls have been overturned since 1999."

ONLY 40 percent? Imagine if a wideout ONLY dropped 40 percent of his targets? Wow, not exactly a ringing endorsement of the system as it's currently run...

And that’s only on the calls that can actually be overturned. We’ve all seen plenty of obvious bad calls on “non-reviewable” calls. Penalties that should be called and were not also wouldn’t be included in that 40 percent, just ask a Saints fan if there are any of those types of plays.

[Topcat]

Refs should be graded individually, and the grades posted and published. And in return for such over-sight, the NFL owners will raise their f***** pay.

Not only that, but how about letting independent Ref Crew Businesses bid on officiating games? Both teams agree to the crews, based on past ratings. Any crews that can't cut the mustard don't get hired. Turn reffing into a business, with accountability...

[ghost]

Not only that, but how about letting independent Ref Crew Businesses bid on officiating games? Both teams agree to the crews, based on past ratings. Any crews that can't cut the mustard don't get hired. Turn reffing into a business, with accountability...

Now you're getting into deep into the CBA of the ref union, Pollcat. I understand completely what you're saying though. NFL officiating crews needs major reform after the season. Should come with higher scrutiny in exchange for higher pay. I'm a centrist and pragmatist: compromise so both sides get equity in exchange for peace of mind and league integrity.

Keep it simple and profitable for those being regulated against, IMO.

https://www.nflra.com

[Topcat]

Now you're getting into deep into the CBA of the ref union, Pollcat. I understand completely what you're saying though. NFL officiating crews needs major reform after the season. Should come with higher scrutiny in exchange for higher pay. I'm a centrist and pragmatist: compromise so both sides get equity in exchange for peace of mind and league integrity.

Keep it simple and profitable for those being regulated against, IMO.

https://www.nflra.com

Okay, okay, maybe outside ref crews might be going a bit too far...BUT...agree that accountability needs to change...it would be a simple fix to let coaches challenge holding calls...I really don't think it would slow things down much at all, especially with a limit of 2 challenges per half...

[Bolt-O]

Well, Chiefs and Browns fans will be griping about officiating too.