NFL moves umpires to offensive backfield

[SouthernBrick]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ive-backfield/

The change is being made for the safety of the umpires, who in the past had lined up on the defensive side of the ball, in the middle of the field and four or five yards from the line of scrimmage. Of the seven members of the officiating crew, the umpire has traditionally been the one at greatest risk of getting hurt in collisions over the middle.

Moving umpires will also prevent receivers from using them to help set picks on routes over the middle, something that umpire Paul King recently said the Patriots do regularly with Wes Welker.

I hated seeing Refs get in the way on a plays sometimes but, as funny as it is to see them get knocked down sometimes It is very dangerous.

Good move IMO.

[shotgun styles]

The good: less cheating by receivers, less hits on officials.

The bad: more ticky tack QB roughing calls because the ref will be standing right behind the QB.

[kehlis]

Quote: Originally Posted by shotgun styles

The bad: more ticky tack QB roughing calls because the ref will be standing right behind the QB.

The referee is the one who watches the QB and calls roughing. He has always stood right behind the QB so this change does not affect the way this will be called at all.

The umpire's only duty is to watch the line.

[SouthernBrick]

Quote: Originally Posted by shotgun styles

The good: less cheating by receivers, less hits on officials. The bad: more ticky tack QB roughing calls because the ref will be standing right behind the QB.

Yeah I was thinking about that when I read the article. I have a feeling Its only going to get worse(hope not) in the that aspect of the game.

Edit: NVM. If there was already a ref there then Kehlis is right.

[shotgun styles]

Quote: Originally Posted by kehlis

The referee, the only one who can call roughing, has always stood right behind the QB so this changes nothing. The umpire has never called roughing, his duty is to watch the line.

Any official can call a penalty on any rule violation he sees. Can't believe you didn't know that.

[kehlis]

Quote: Originally Posted by shotgun styles

Any official can call a penalty on any rule violation he sees. Can't believe you didn't know that.

Yea, I had already edited my wording a bit to clarify that.

I know any referee can call anything, but you don't see it too often as they all have specific duties.


I mean cmon SS. I tend to side with you more often than others do, but do you really think that where the umpire stood previously is going to be much different then where he will stand now with regards to him being able to call this penalty?

I don't think this positioning changes what their area of concentration will be.


Edit: And when I think about it further, while I realize any official can call any general call, what makes you so sure that they can make a roughing call? I have never seen any official other than the referee call a roughing the kicker or QB call even though on any given play there are several officials who would see it...

[sniperhare]

I wonder if this will lead to more holding calls being made? I'd like a ref in the booth with the ability to overturn blown calls.

[shotgun styles]

Quote: Originally Posted by kehlis

Edit: And when I think about it further, while I realize any official can call any general call, what makes you so sure that they can make a roughing call? I have never seen any official other than the referee call a roughing the kicker or QB call even though on any given play there are several officials who would see it...

Here's the old positioning...


Moving the U into the backfield opposite the R means more eyes on the QB. The official league emphasis is to protect QBs at all costs (including the detriment of the game). Every single incidental hit on the QB will be probably be seen.

I predict more ticky tack roughing calls. I could be wrong, but only time will tell.