NFL officials can aid replacement refs under new rules

The NFL adopted a number of rule change proposals in Tuesday's annual league meetings at Phoenix, including ones to help replacement referees under a work stoppage by regular officials.

The moves came with negotiations at a standstill between the league and the NFL Referees Association on a new collective bargaining agreement ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Team owners approved a one-year only rule from the competition committee allowing the NFL officiating department in the replay area to "correct clear and obvious mistakes made by on-field officials that impact the game."

The change would come only if there is a work stoppage and replacement referees are used.

Another rule change would allow NFL personnel to consult with on-field officials when considering disqualifications for flagrant football acts and non-football acts without such calls being made on the field.

NFL officials would hope to avoid mistakes from the substitute whistle-blowers such as when one called a touchdown and another ruled a pass incomplete on the same play the last time replacement referees were used, a nationally televised non-call that helped push a deal for regular referees to return.

Other changes would include allowing teams to declare an onside kick attempt at any time during a game and adjust final roster reduction dates for teams playing an international game in the first week of the season.

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