NFL set to begin hiring and training replacement officials, AP sources say
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- The NFL is preparing to hire and train replacement officials due to stalled negotiations with the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) over a new collective bargaining agreement set to expire on May 31, 2024.
- The league has offered a 6.45% annual pay increase over six years, while the NFLRA demands a 10% raise plus $2.5 million for marketing fees, with the NFL seeking performance-based compensation and more flexibility in postseason assignments.
- The NFL aims to shorten the "dark period" with officials between the Super Bowl and May 15 to improve communication and performance, and is proposing some full-time official roles, which the union resists.
- NFLRA executive director Scott Green criticized the league's claims, highlighting under-compensation and lack of healthcare benefits for officials compared to other major sports, and disputing the league’s performance pay arguments.
- As a contingency, the NFL competition committee proposes allowing replay center officials to advise on missed penalties and potential ejections, a measure owners will vote on amid concerns following the 2012 replacement officials' controversial performance.
