Football Zebras

8th on-field official is not likely to be implemented soon in the NFL, if ever

News

by Mark Schultz - August 17, 2022August 17, 2022 01003

Football Zebras has confirmed that for the fourth time in five years, the NFL will not experiment with an eighth on-field official position in the preseason. The NFL hasn't experimented with an eight-person crew since 2019. The NFL currently has seven on-field officials -- referee, umpire, down judge, line judge, field

No eighth official in 2020

by Mark Schultz - April 14, 2020 14910

According to a report from John Kryk in The Telegram, the NFL will not add an eighth official for the 2020 season. The proposal is for the eighth official to be the sky judge (the position name bandied about at the moment). The idea is for the sky judge to intervene and

NFL100: The expansion of officiating crews followed the evolution of the game

by Mark Schultz - September 19, 2019September 19, 2019 16842

http://gty.im/515014724 When the NFL was born, only three officials called the game. Now there are seven --nine if you include the replay official and replay assistant -- with calls to add another pair of eyes at field level. As a part of the NFL's 100th season, Football Zebras takes a look at

8th official, full-time zebras, and expanded replay are still on the table

by Mark Schultz - November 4, 2016November 5, 2016 64424

Embed from Getty Images Â Roughing the passer could be subject to review It may still be a long-shot for 2017, but the NFL continues to consider adding an eighth official. Dean Blandino, senior vice president of officiating, says the league is considering adding an eighth official and that addition might free up the