MLS Broadcasters Instructed to Limit Ref Commentary
The MLS has instructed its TV and radio broadcasters to limit their commentary on the lockout between the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) and Professional Referee Organization (PRO). The memo, obtained by The Athletic and verified by multiple sources familiar with MLS broadcast operations, states that broadcasters should not “belabor the point” when addressing the lockout. The memo emphasizes that fans tune in to watch and listen to the game, not focus on the officials. Therefore, the league believes it is unnecessary to dwell on the issue during the match. Instead, broadcasters should mention the situation in the pregame and move on.
The memo also includes a recap of the negotiations and provides instructions on how to refer to the replacement referees. Broadcasters are instructed to only refer to them as “referees” without any additional descriptions, aside from their name, hometown, and officiating experience. This directive aims to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to the fact that these referees are replacements.
To assist broadcasters further, the memo provides “example language” on how to describe certain situations, such as the lack of in-stadium or in-broadcast VAR announcements. These announcements were part of new officiating initiatives that have been delayed due to the lockout. Commentators are also encouraged to express their opinions on controversial calls but advised not to imply that the replacement referees are solely responsible for such calls.
MLS manages its gameday broadcasts in partnership with IMG as part of its 10-year, $2.5 billion media rights deal with Apple. Through this deal, MLS-produced broadcasts are available worldwide in English, Spanish, and occasionally French and Portuguese. Some games are also simulcast in the United States on FOX networks, featuring different commentators from those on Season Pass.
Refereeing has been a central topic of conversation since the start of the MLS season. Recently, PRO replaced a center referee for the Inter Miami vs. Orlando City game hours before kickoff after photos surfaced of the official wearing an Inter Miami jersey during the winter. Despite this incident, MLS executives reportedly expressed satisfaction with the performance of the replacement referees during the opening weekend.
The lockout by PRO began on February 18 after temporary extensions to the previous labor agreement expired, and the PSRA’s membership rejected the initial proposal put forth by negotiators. In response, MLS proceeded with a collection of replacement referees for the league’s curtain-raiser on February 21 and all other games throughout the opening weekend. These replacements have continued to officiate games in the second weekend of the season.
In conclusion, MLS has instructed its broadcasters to limit their commentary on the referee lockout and focus on the game itself. The league aims to avoid dwelling on the issue during matches and has provided guidelines on how to refer to the replacement referees. Despite controversies surrounding refereeing in recent games, MLS executives seem pleased with the performance of the replacements. The ongoing lockout continues to be a topic of discussion and highlights the importance of effective management of officiating in professional soccer.