NFL approves centralized replay, puts off consideration of shortened overtime

0
413

PHOENIX – Instant replay rulings during NFL games will be made from now on by members of the league’s officiating department stationed in New York rather than by the referee on the field.

The measure, approved by owners on Tuesday, is designed to make replay rulings more consistent. It also is part of a push by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league leaders to quicken the pace of games.

The referee will continue to have input on replay decisions by consulting with the league office representatives. A tablet is to be brought on the field for the referee to view the replay.

Previously, replay rulings were made by the referee, who viewed replays on a monitor under a hood on the sideline.

The owners tabled a proposal by the competition committee to reduce overtime from 15 to 10 minutes during the preseason and regular season. The proposal can be reconsidered at a later time.

The player-safety measure was designed to reduce wear and tear on players and eliminate the possibility of a team playing what amounts to a five-quarter game on a Sunday and then having to play again four days later on a Thursday night.

But it also could lead to more tie games, something that may have been an issue for some owners. There were two ties league-wide this past season.

(c) 2017, The Washington Post ยท Mark Maske

Facebook Comments