The officials do their best to make sure the chains stay on the sideline and thanks to well marked fields, the chain gang gets less TV...
If a crew mate wants to talk about a call, an official had better listen.
Officials pass on inconsequential fouls to keep the game moving.
Look for NFL officials to blow a quick whistle when defense wraps up a runner.
The NFL is using with two new kicking mechanics this season on field goal and extra point attempts and on free kicks.
The NFL will not experiment with eight-person crews this preseason.
When a punt goes out of bounds in the air, officials have to spot the ball at the point where the ball goes over the sideline....
NFL officials need to take direction, no matter much they think they know.
Two officials see the same play from opposite angles. How is a lateral pass ruled forward or backwards?
When the the play clock winds down, the officials hone in.
Don Willard is the clubhouse leader for Referee Announcement of the Year Award.
Embed from Getty Images  As NFL officials prepare for their mini-clinic in May, the NFL officiating office is building 17 officiating crews. Exiting senior vice...
Embed from Getty Images  Nothing compares to the speed of a NFL game. While I’ve never been on the field for one, I worked on...
There are three to five alternate officials assigned and ready to go into a playoff game should an on-field official get hurt or sick.
Embed from Getty Images  If you get the chance, watch umpire Jeff Rice (number 44) work the Monday Night Football game tonight. Rice uses...
Detroit Lions fans were aghast and pundits hooted at Jeff Triplette’s crew during Week 14 as umpire Shawn Smith called an illegal hands to the face...
The use of calm, deliberate signals conveys an image of complete physical, mental and emotional control.
Embed from Getty Images They never make a big call. The camera never focuses on them unless they get hurt. They constantly have to work around...
The NFL is continuing its evaluation of an eighth officiating position in the second week of preseason, and there are indications that the permanent addition is...
Embed from Getty Images  No iconic calls, but Blakeman’s crew handles business The game wasn’t a classic, but it was more competitive than the 24-10...