Category Archives: Outside the Stripes

Former NFL official Barnes reflects on his career

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Mark Schultz

Tom Barnes was a NFL line judge for 26 seasons This past fall was the first one in 44 seasons that Tom Barnes wasn’t enforcing football rules.  The 69-year old Barnes (who wore uniform number 55) retired after a 26 … Continue reading →

Live blog: Packers at 49ers

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Ben Austro

NFC Divisional Playoff We will be live blogging the calls and rules interpretations from the Packers-49ers game. (If you see continue reading below, click it to see the entire feed.) If you have any questions or comments, use the comments … Continue reading →

Ridiculous red-flag rule burden on referee

Posted on January 5, 2013 by Ben Austro

Week 17: Packers at Vikings Fortunately, there are likely only 11 more games where the rule for prohibited coach’s challenges is in effect. The Competition Committee is all but certain to modify the rule in the offseason. Basically, the rule … Continue reading →

Playoff assignments a stressful time

Posted on January 5, 2013 by Mark Schultz

Officials used to worry about job security around playoffs When the regular season is over, the NFL officials wait to see whether they pack their gear away after Week 17 or if they will be awarded a playoff assignment.  The … Continue reading →

The final push to the playoffs

Posted on December 8, 2012 by Mark Schultz

What crews look good to extend their season? The last quarter of the NFL regular season has started (didn’t training camps open two weeks ago?).  As teams make a final push to secure a coveted post season berth the officials … Continue reading →