Embed from Getty Images With the first week of the 2020 NFL season just around the corner, NFL officiating crews will be taking the field across the country as part of the return of some normalcy to the sports world and the American way of life. However, those crews may not
Coronavirus Pandemic
Seven officials have opted out of the 2020 NFL season
State travel restrictions may pose problems for some officials
Embed from Getty Images Although the NFL has taken steps to minimize travel for the league's officials, most notably, reassigning crews to account for geographic location based on residence, quarantine mandates put in place by some states may force certain officials to undergo a two-week quarantine before traveling again. At the
NFL officials have until August 13 to opt out of season
The NFL and the NFL Referees Association, the officials' union, have negotiated the working conditions for the 2020 season. The NFLRA leadership will meet with rank-and-file members on Monday to discuss the details of the agreement. According to a news release, the officials have until August 13 to decide if they will
Sideline assistants reduced in NFL’s preliminary covid-19 protocols
The NFL addressed a few preliminary coronavirus protocols regarding certain key sideline personnel that are managed by the officiating department under the umbrella term "gameday assistants." This includes clock operators and replay communicators and technicians. All GDAs are local employees and do not travel to other sites during the regular
No NFL preseason games will hurt officials
More details on NFL contingency for 5-official crews emphasize passing game over line play
The NFL's coronavirus contingency plan of reducing officiating crews from 7 to 5 officials is taking shape, and it is apparent that the pro version of these plans will divert attention away from the interior linemen and focus more on the defensive secondary. The crew assignments posted here in June,
Prevent defense: NFL reviewing 5-man officiating mechanics in case of staffing shortages
Football Zebras exclusive In an offseason that began with discussions on adding an eighth official to the crew, the league is now planning on having less than a full crew available for its games due to the coronavirus pandemic. There are currently 119 officials, exactly the amount needed to staff 17 crews.
