The NFL is one step closer to the introduction of a so-called “Sky Judge”. The “Competition Committee” wants to support the idea of a referee similar to the video referee in football.

The majority of NFL coaches have already expressed their support for the introduction of a “Sky Judge” at a meeting at the end of February – now they are one step closer to their wish.

As the “Toronto Sun” reports with reference to Dan Blandino, the former “Head of Officiating” of the NFL, the “Competition Committee” has given the NFL the green light. The committee consists of some team owners, responsible persons, general managers and head coaches.

The Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers are said to have submitted two proposals together. One is to have an additional eighth referee sitting in a booth, similar to the video assistant referee in soccer, who watches the TV footage and different camera angles and then makes contact with the officials on the field.

The second proposal is to consider a “Senior Technology Advisor to the Referee (STAR)”, i.e. a technological advisor to the referee team. This person should have experience as a referee on the field and sit in a stadium booth with access to TV pictures. He should support the referee team in all matters relating to the game and be in constant contact with the crew. “Sky Judge”: Committee rejected proposal last year
The proposal for an additional “Sky Judge” was rejected by the Competition Committee last year. Instead, the review rule for passport interference decisions was strengthened due to the much-discussed “no-calls” in the NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints.

However, this caused even more confusion in retrospect, as some referees were unclear as to when a decision on the field should or should not be reversed.

At the annual meeting of the team owners, which is scheduled for 19 and 20 May, the owners will vote on various rule changes for the new season. However, it is questionable whether the meeting can take place as planned. After all, the worldwide corona crisis currently does not allow for larger meetings.

With the introduction of a VAR-like official, the NFL could dare a new experiment. It remains to be seen, however, whether this will cause less confusion or, as in football, make everything even more complicated. The coaches should be happy about the green light from the Competition Committee for the time being.