They can't get college refs because the pro refs' union (the NFLRA) also controls the college refs. And they've let it be known that anyone who crosses the picket line won't have their college gig to go back to once the lockout is over.

College refs did step in the last time the refs went on strike (in 2001?). The BCS refs stepped in and were competent enough that the regular refs weren't missed. It cost the refs a lot of bargaining power, so the NFLRA is making sure it doesn't happen again.

Originally Posted by: Since69 

They can't get college refs because the pro refs' union (the NFLRA) also controls the college refs. And they've let it be known that anyone who crosses the picket line won't have their college gig to go back to once the lockout is over.

College refs did step in the last time the refs went on strike (in 2001?). The BCS refs stepped in and were competent enough that the regular refs weren't missed. It cost the refs a lot of bargaining power, so the NFLRA is making sure it doesn't happen again.

Originally Posted by: Since69 

They can't get college refs because the pro refs' union (the NFLRA) also controls the college refs. And they've let it be known that anyone who crosses the picket line won't have their college gig to go back to once the lockout is over.

College refs did step in the last time the refs went on strike (in 2001?). The BCS refs stepped in and were competent enough that the regular refs weren't missed. It cost the refs a lot of bargaining power, so the NFLRA is making sure it doesn't happen again.

Originally Posted by: Since69 

I heard on a newscast yesterday that one of the things the owners want is full time refs. Which I believe is a good idea. Any one else know about this? The regular refs we have now are part time with mostly some kind of professional full time occupation. So does anybody know what the ramifications are both ways as to these factors?

Originally Posted by: PackerTraxx 

I must be the only one on the side of the real officials. Maybe they are asking for a tad too much, but why not? Look at who they are working for. Most of these original officials (Hochuli to name one) are full-time employees elsewhere. Who knows what exactly they do (Hochuli has his own law office, lol) but these guys are taking additional time out of their lives to go officiate NFL games over the weekends and now during the week (Monday and Thursday games).
I'd be asking for more money as well, especially with the leverage of "there aren't many people out there that can do our job." The proof is in the pudding and every week their leverage is getting stronger. Before you blame the officials asking for more, again...look at their employer and realize how much money they make a year.

And yes, I understand that there are other part-time NFL employees that do not receive what these officials are asking for, but what position do these other part-timers hold?

Being an NFL official does not come off as an easy gig, at all. Pay em.

Originally Posted by: G-Force 

After Monday night’s debacle in Seattle, Packers left guard T.J. Lang tweeted: “Fine me and use the money to pay the regular refs.”

Well, neither Lang nor any other Packers players will have to cough up any money.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email to the Press-Gazette that “we’re not looking at that” when asked whether any players would be fined for their comments or tweets.

Lang, right guard Josh Sitton and quarterback Aaron Rodgers were among the more outspoken Packers players after the officials ruled that Seahawks receiver Golden Tate caught the game-winning touchdown after it appeared M.D. Jennings intercepted the ball.

Rodgers, in his weekly radio show on ESPN Milwaukee, said: “First of all, I have to do something that the NFL is not going to do, and I have to apologize to the fans. Our sport is generated, the multi-billion dollar machine is generated by people coming to watch us play. And the product that is on the field is not being complemented by an appropriate set of officials. The games are getting out of control.”

I must be the only one on the side of the real officials. Maybe they are asking for a tad too much, but why not? Look at who they are working for. Most of these original officials (Hochuli to name one) are full-time employees elsewhere. Who knows what exactly they do (Hochuli has his own law office, lol) but these guys are taking additional time out of their lives to go officiate NFL games over the weekends and now during the week (Monday and Thursday games).
I'd be asking for more money as well, especially with the leverage of "there aren't many people out there that can do our job." The proof is in the pudding and every week their leverage is getting stronger. Before you blame the officials asking for more, again...look at their employer and realize how much money they make a year.

And yes, I understand that there are other part-time NFL employees that do not receive what these officials are asking for, but what position do these other part-timers hold?

Being an NFL official does not come off as an easy gig, at all. Pay em.

Originally Posted by: G-Force