Listen when crew mates want to talk about a call

Embed from Getty Images Pete Morelli's crew appeared to break down during a call in Week 4, as side judge Boris Cheek threw a flag for a horse collar tackle, that simply wasn't there. After a lengthy and sometimes animated discussion with his crew mates, Morelli announced the 15-yard penalty. First of

50 Super Bowl calls, Part 4: XX to XI

The Football Zebras staff -- with the assistance of our affiliated forum, Behind the Football Stripes -- has examined the Super Bowls of years past for the work of the officials who, in a given year, achieve the honor of the best of the best. While every team competes for

Week 1 Officiating Video: Pop-up, timeout, ball down

Dean Blandino, the NFL's vice president of officiating, began the season today by explaining calls in Week 1 of the 2015 NFL season in the weekly video for the media (download). Some highlights included:In overtime in St. Louis, the officials, according to Blandino, correctly ruled that there was a valid

R Ron Winter retires after 19 seasons

Football Zebras exclusive Football Zebras has learned that Ron Winter will not be returning for the 2014 season, according to several sources. Winter is the sixth official to retire at the conclusion of the 2013 season and the second from the referee position. Those six retiring officials all worked in the final

Hurry-up offense means hurry-up officiating mechanics

Hurried mechanics increase the danger of officials making a mistake The two-minute offense has been in effect since the invention of the scoreboard clock.  The no-huddle offense became in vogue 25-years ago.  Both strategies are here to stay and offenses are getting plays off at an even faster pace.  With increased pre-snap duties,

Washington hurry-up snagged when chains advanced on third down

Week 13: N.Y. Giants at Washington (video at 3:05) Washington had no timeouts on the first play following the two minute warning. The 2nd-and-5 play netted about 5 yards, which was spotted apparently short of the first down. Head linesman Phil McKinnley motioned for the chain crew to move to the