As in other sports, referees make important decisions in the NFL. What makes it special is that refereeing is not their full-time job. NFL boss Roger Goodell explains why this is the case

In most cases, it is impossible to imagine professional competitive sport without referees. They are responsible for ensuring that all players adhere to the predetermined rules.

In many cases, referees do not do their job full-time. This is also the case in the NFL. But why not? NFL boss Pat McAfee answers this question in the show hosted by former NFL star Pat McAfee.

“Before the Covid pandemic, we had some full-time referees. During the pandemic, we stopped doing that because of the circumstances and we haven’t noticed any difference,” Goodell said. He is aware that not all decisions are correct, but according to Goodell, this is no different in leagues with full-time referees. “We are trying to correct this through the use of technology. That’s why we will be expanding Replay Assist even further this year. “

Replay Assist consists of an independent referee in an on-site video booth and several officials at the headquarters in New York. Together, they can provide the referees on the pitch with objective information about decisions on the pitch and the correct application of the Laws of the Game. Previously only to a limited extent, but since a rule change in 2023 also proactively.

“It’s about being consistent in refereeing decisions and avoiding mistakes that can change the game,” said Goodell about the decision to rely more heavily on technology in the future.