Will a booth umpire be added to NFL officiating crews next season?
The Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers have made a joint proposal to add an eighth official who would view action from the booth on game days, the NFL announced Tuesday. The Ravens and Chargers have also proposed adding a Senior Technology Advisor who would be available to assist officiating crews.
Those proposals were two of seven announced Tuesday. The Ravens, Chargers, Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles were the four teams that proposed rule changes.
Other proposals included:
- Changing the length of overtime from 10 to 15 minutes
- Making adjustments to the new blindside block rule
- Establishing an alternative to the onside kick. After a score, the trailing team would have one play to gain 15 yards, starting from its own 25-yard line. If successful in gaining 15 yards, the trailing team would retain possession.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the proposed booth umpire would have access to television replays and would be under the authority of the referee.
Later this month, the Competition Committee will also bring rule change proposals for the owners to discuss at the NFL Owners Meetings. To be adopted, any proposed rule change must have the support of at least 24 of the 32 teams.
