Ben Dreith, the NFL referee known for a no-nonsense demeanor and his idiosyncratic penalty announcements that made him the first household name in NFL officiating, died at his home at the age of 96. He was the oldest living NFL official at the time of his death on April 25,
Author: Ben Austro
Ben Austro is the editor and founder of Football Zebras and the author of So You Think You Know Football?: The Armchair Ref's Guide to the Official Rules (on sale now)
Rules proposal extends low block fouls to scrimmage downs (yes, more penalties)
The Competition Committee has put forth a proposal to eliminate low blocks in the open field on all scrimmage plays, much like how they are handled after a change of possession and kicking plays. The proposed rule specifically targets actions in the open field, but not adding any additional restrictions within
Jim Blackwood, former conference officiating coordinator and national replay director, has died
NFL hires Maia Chaka, the league’s first Black woman official
http://gty.im/594348720 The NFL is quickly setting new milestones with the hiring of Maia Chaka as an on-field official for the 2021 season. She will be the first Black woman to officiate an NFL game. Chaka was officially announced in a segment of NBC's Today show. The hiring comes just months after the
Gerald Austin is out as head of Conference USA officiating
Football Zebras has confirmed that former NFL referee Gerald Austin has left his post as coordinator of football officials for Conference USA. The conference posted the job opening to their website today. "Gerald's role is going to change, but he will continue to work with Conference USA," said Russ Anderson, assistant
Bob Boylston, 2-time Super Bowl umpire, dies at 81
Referee Clay Martin hospitalized
2020-21 bowl officiating assignments
Football Zebras is obtaining the officiating assignments to the 2020-21 bowl games and reporting them here. In a normal year, the Power Five conferences receive five bowls, other conferences receive three, with a fourth assignment rotated annually. Several bowls scheduled for this season have been canceled due to the coronavirus
NFL looking to close gaps in roughing-the-passer calls
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has instructed the officiating department to take a closer look at roughing the passer fouls -- both called and uncalled -- in order to provide more consistency and protection to the quarterback position. The officiating department is looking at two ways to adjust mechanics that recognize
Officiating crews for the 2020 college football conference championship games
Football Zebras will be posting the crew assignments for the 2020 college football conference championships as they are confirmed. Assignments are handled by each conference. Depending on the procedures for each conference, crews are may eligible for bowl games. All times listed are Eastern. indicates an official that is in the