History

NFL takes a hit after four referee retirements

by Mark Schultz - 2

Embed from Getty Images Every generation of NFL officiating gives way to the next. This past offseason, we saw, very quickly and dramatically, one generation give way to the next. Referees Ed Hochuli, Gene Steratore, Terry McAulay and Jeff Triplette represent 88-years of experience at the referee position. That is 88-years

Father’s Day crews

by Mark Schultz - 0

  One of the fun parts of being a dad is when a child wants to join the dad in an activity or hobby, or just wants to spend time together. I'm sure NFL officials are happy when their kids want to take up officiating. That happiness and pride, I'm sure,

Chronology of kickoff rules changes

by Ben Austro - 0

The kickoff has gone through many changes over the years. Below is a chronology of revisions to the kickoff rules since 1932 when the NFL adopted its own rulebook separate from college. The 2018 rules that are indicated with an asterisk were passed for the 2018 season only. Contact 1945 Dead ball when

Zebras out of uniform

by Mark Schultz - 0

This past weekend, NCAA referee Mike Defee and his crew worked in miserable conditions as The Air Force Academy hosted San Diego State (photo of crew in the downpour). Lightning halted the game for 88-minutes, then resumed with a near empty stadium. Defee's crew started in their regular uniform. But after

Alternate officials, like playoffs, have expanded over time

by Mark Schultz - 2

They're happy but not satisfied. They'd rather be on the field, but don't want the circumstances happen that put them on the field. Who are they? The alternates. They are the three to five people assigned, ready to go into a playoff game should an on-field official get hurt or

Photo album: Super Bowls past

by Mark Schultz - 3

In honor of the golden anniversary of the Super Bowl, here are photos from Super Bowls past - courtesy of Getty Images.   Terry McAulay, Super Bowl XXXIX. Embed from Getty Images   Jerry Seeman, Super Bowl XXIII. Embed from Getty Images   Scott Green, Super Bowl XLIV. Embed from Getty Images   Roy Ellison and Derek Bowers, Super Bowl XLIII. Embed

Football officials in danger every time debris flies

by Mark Schultz - 2

A photo this past week from the Dallas Morning News (cover photo) illustrates the dangers of being an official. In Washington, a fan threw a full drink can on the field and it barely missed field judge Eugene Hall.There have been many stories and accounts of fans throwing debris on

We’ve seen this before: Lack of experience part of the problem in 2015

by Mark Schultz - 15

View image | gettyimages.com   Too many new(er) officials can make for a rocky season The 1990s were a time of upheaval for NFL officiating. Art McNally retired after a long career as the NFL officiating boss. Jerry Seeman succeeded McNally. Seeman was ready build on McNally's work and that work included making