History

NFL takes a hit after four referee retirements

by Mark Schultz - July 13, 2018July 28, 2018 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 - June 17, 2018June 18, 2018 1

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 - May 17, 2018May 23, 2018 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

Why Art McNally is long overdue to be the first official in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

by Ben Austro and Mark Schultz - February 3, 2018August 23, 2018 4

There are plaques that adorn the walls of Cooperstown honoring 10 umpires. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame both have 16 officials enshrined. The number of busts in Canton representing football officials is a bust. Zero. Zilch. Nil. "I have always wondered why there are

Zebras out of uniform

by Mark Schultz - September 29, 2017October 10, 2017 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 - February 3, 2017January 29, 2018 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 - February 6, 2016February 5, 2016 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

The coin toss: What could go wrong?

by Mark Schultz - January 21, 2016January 22, 2016 3

It is a simple procedure. The game can't begin without it. Before any football game starts the referee has to decide who gets the ball first. For generations, that question has been decided by the coin toss. The procedure is the same from pee-wee games to the NFL.First of all,

Football officials in danger every time debris flies

by Mark Schultz - December 13, 2015December 12, 2015 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 - November 28, 2015November 27, 2015 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