Referee Brad Allen’s quick decision and the Detroit Lions’ clever maneuvering during a disputed two-point conversion attempt allowed the Dallas Cowboys to narrowly escape with a 20-19 victory. However, upon closer examination, there are several factors that contributed to the latest NFL officiating crisis.
Imperfect pregame protocol: Lions coach Dan Campbell claims that his team informed game officials about their plans to use a trick play, suggesting that Allen should have been aware of who was eligible. However, it is important to note that the referee does not attend these pregame meetings. Instead, crew members meet with the head coach on the referee’s behalf.
Overemphasizing pace of play: Professional sports leagues, including the NFL, have been focused on speeding up the pace of play for television purposes. Allen appeared to rush when determining which players were eligible, turning away from Lions players to inform the Dallas defense. This haste may have led him to assume that Dan Skipper was eligible, as the Lions had done earlier in the game, instead of Taylor Decker.
Cost over equality: The NFL’s reliance on part-time officials has raised concerns about the league’s commitment to fair and consistent officiating. In the future, fans may find it absurd that a league entrusted on-field rules interpretation to individuals with other careers. The league’s resistance to hiring full-time crews is primarily due to the higher cost involved in prying officials away from their current professions. To improve officiating, the NFL should consider making it a full-time career.
By addressing these issues, the NFL can work towards resolving its ongoing officiating crisis and ensure fair and accurate game outcomes. It is crucial for the league to prioritize thoroughness over speed and invest in a professional officiating system. Only then can the NFL regain the trust of its fans and maintain the integrity of the game.