03/31/26 02:30:00
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03/31 14:29 CDT NFL approves 1-year rule allowing replay center to correct
mistakes by potential replacement refs
NFL approves 1-year rule allowing replay center to correct mistakes by
potential replacement refs
By DAVID BRANDT
AP Sports Writer
PHOENIX (AP) --- The NFL's competition committee approved a one-year rule for
the upcoming season that would allow the replay center in New York to correct
"clear and obvious mistakes made by on-field officials that impact the game" in
case of a work stoppage involving the NFL Referees Association.
It was one of multiple rules changes announced Tuesday at the league's annual
meetings.
The league is moving forward with plans to begin hiring and training
replacement officials in the next several weeks because negotiations with the
referees' union have been unsuccessful, two people with knowledge of the
discussions have told The Associated Press. Both people spoke on condition of
anonymity because the conversations are private.
The league and the NFL Referees Association have been negotiating a new
collective bargaining agreement since the summer of 2024. The current CBA
expires May 31.
The NFL's last foray into replacement officials ended in embarrassment for the
league when a botched call and confusion in a prime-time game led to the end of
a lockout that marred the first three weeks of the 2012 season.
Another rule change approved Tuesday allows the replay center in New York to
consult with on-field officials when considering ejections for both flagrant
football acts and non-football acts that weren't called on the field.
The change comes after Pittsburgh receiver DK Metcalf wasn't ejected from a
game at Detroit last season when he got into an altercation with a heckling
fan. Because the on-field officials didn't see when Metcalf swiped at the fan
and so didn't throw a flag, the replay center was unable to eject Metcalf.
The league did suspend him for two games, but he was able to remain in the game
at the time.
There were also three rules that affect kickoffs, including one that permits
the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game,
regardless of the score. Previously, only the trailing team could attempt an
onside kick.
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AP Pro Football Writers Rob Maaddi and Josh Dubow contributed to this story.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
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