[kevkrom]

The old refs sucked (but were only rarely called out on it). The new refs are trying, but they are clearly looking overwhelmed and under-trained.

Best solution I’ve seen to date: make do, for now, with the replacements and ditch the “regular” refs altogether. Recruit a new generation of younger, fitter refs, as full-time employees, paying them year-round and putting them through rigorous training to gain certification, plus annual off-season re-certification and pshyical evaluation. As full-time employees, pay them a full-time salary, benefits, etc.

Even if they “graduate” more refs than they need for their games, these guys will likely be in demand by top college conferences due to their training (and more so for the ones who have proven themselves in the league).

[Colonel_Flagg]

Best solution I’ve seen to date: make do, for now, with the replacements and ditch the “regular” refs altogether. Recruit a new generation of younger, fitter refs, as full-time employees, paying them year-round and putting them through rigorous training to gain certification, plus annual off-season re-certification and pshyical evaluation. As full-time employees, pay them a full-time salary, benefits, etc.

Bud Grant advocated for this for years. It was a great idea then; it's a great idea now.