Over the years, we've chronicled the evolution of the referee microphone, from it's humble beginnings to it being used as a valuable teaching and explaining tool. While some people might have snickered or rolled their eyes at long-winded announcements, they could not deny they knew what happened and why the officials
Tag: Walt Anderson
5 officiating things I’m watching in 2021
NFL announces closer officiating ties with select college conferences
The NFL announced Thursday that it is forming a closer officiating relationship with select college conferences to improve "the officiating pipeline." The goal is to share NFL mechanics, technology and resources with college partners, expand recruiting opportunities, provide more opportunities for women and minorities and strengthen officials' training. The Big Ten, Conference
Coaches’ behavior in the NCAA is becoming unacceptable. Again.
Commentary by Mark Schultz The NCAA coach–official relationship reached a critical stage in 2016 as many college coaches regularly stomped onto the field, wildly gestured, cussed, threw things and physically intimidated the officials. The officials were taught to kill the coaches with kindness, but many coaches plowed ahead and tried to bend
College football referee Mike Defee takes position in NFL front office
Big 12 referee Mike Defee, who has officiated every major bowl game, and who gained fame during the 2017 College Football National Championship game, is retiring from active officiating to take a position in the NFL front office. Defee's new job is to coach current NFL officials, specifically focusing on the
COVID-19 forces a rushed offseason for NFL officials
The NFL officiating staff usually has a smooth and orderly start to its season. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic will throw monkey wrenches into that smooth and orderly start. No easing into the season The officiating "new year" starts on May 15. That's when the officials meet for a mini-clinic in New
Walt Anderson promoted to NFL front office, leaves field after 24 seasons
Walt Anderson, a two-time Super Bowl official and 24-year veteran, will leave the field to become an NFL senior vice president, according to Mike Sando of The Athletic. https://twitter.com/SandoNFL/status/1222562303935164422 Anderson will oversee officiating training and development. This position was negotiated as part of the new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and
Back judge Steve Freeman leaves Week 3 game in Atlanta
NFL takes a hit after four referee retirements
Embed from Getty Images Every generation of NFL officiating gives way to the next. This past offseason, we saw, very quickly and dramatically, one generation give way to the next. Referees Ed Hochuli, Gene Steratore, Terry McAulay and Jeff Triplette represent 88-years of experience at the referee position. That is 88-years
Three ejected after major fight in Oakland
The Oakland Raiders Michael Crabtree and Gabe Jackson, along with the Denver Broncos Aqib Talib were ejected by referee Walt Anderson's crew after a major fight (video). It started when Talib and Crabtree took their downfield blocking well out of bounds. As side judge Laird Hayes threw his flag and waded