The Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers played in wet, sloppy conditions at Soldier Field during Week One. While it was fun to play in (especially for the winning Bears), the officials had to push it out of their minds. Water, water everywhere https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1570417595869794306 Officials can power through drizzle or mist, but when
Tag: official equipment
Newer piece of equipment helps officials keep track of downs
NFL100: Before they were zebras, they were … candy canes?
#NFL100: A Football Zebras feature series NFL officials didn't always wear black and white striped shirts. To commemorate the 100th NFL season, Football Zebras takes a look back at how the third team dressed for a game. No stripes to be found (1920-40) At the league's founding, the NFL required its officials to
NFL100: In 1979, the NFL renumbered its officials. After 3 years, they scrapped the failed plan
Keeping up with the downs: Referee John Parry uses an old-school method for game administration
Officials used to use a gunshot to signal the end to a quarter or half
Wires and gadgets are part of the NFL official’s uniform
Zebras out of uniform
This past weekend, NCAA referee Mike Defee and his crew worked in miserable conditions as The Air Force Academy hosted San Diego State (photo of crew in the downpour). Lightning halted the game for 88-minutes, then resumed with a near empty stadium. Defee's crew started in their regular uniform. But after
NCAA referee with the announcement of the year
Big 10 referee and Officiating Development Program official Don Willard made a mistake Saturday. He faced the wrong way when announcing a foul. It can happen. It has happened to the best, many times. But, the way he handled himself with a live microphone places him into nomination for referee announcement of