“Hey! Guess what? Yes recently I heard that there are NFL referees who are actually Former Players. That’s amazing right?
I think that Former Players are the best people to become Referees. They understand the game in its entirety – the difference in the rules and regulations, how things work and the flow of the game. Furthermore, they can relate better to players because they’ve actually gone through what players are going through in the game.
Having said that, they know more precisely when an infringement has been committed. Because they have been part of the game they also know when a foul committed is over the top or unnecessary. It helps knowing the limits within the confines of the game.
More importantly, during their playing days such players were under intense scrutiny, so while reffing they already know what it feels like to be under scrutiny from the sidelines, from the commentators and the players as well. So they are well aware that they need to deal with difficult situations in the right way.
It is also a great option to choose Former Players for another good reason – because the players who are now reffing understand the ins and outs of the game. They know what it takes to be on the field and how the game works. They know how tough it is when your team comes out of a tough game loss thanks to a controversial referee call.
I think it is great that Former Players become Referees and I believe that the NFL is definitely making a good decision allowing former players to reff. It makes the game more authentic and more real, as it takes out any sort of bias and personal feelings from people who don’t understand the game as well.
What do you think? Do you think it’s ok to have Former Players Refs? Would it make the game better or worse?”
Well, I think it might have a positive impact because Former Players have a strong understanding and complete knowledge about the rules and regulations, giving them a better understanding of making the right call. Being part of the game for a long time they also understand how to be impartial and stay non judgemental. Moreover, the buzz that ex-players create on the field also brings a certain sense of respect among the players.
I think it’s only natural that Former Players chose to become Referees because of the passion they have for the game. They can’t stay away from the game and like to be around the game as much as they can. Their experience and understanding can really bring a whole new level to refereeing.
Furthermore, we can also see the advantages beyond the players. Fans that cheer for the same team that their favorite Former Players were on, will be more likely to get excited. They will recognize their idols as referees, inspiring others to appreciate and respect the rules the referees have to enforce. Fans will avoid certain unnecessary confrontations and learn why the referees make certain calls.
Not to mention, all the praise and respect the Former Players will receive when reffing with their impartiality and authenticity to the game. Refs will surely shine from all the support they’ll get from the audience and will make the game more exciting and dynamic at the same time.
At times, we have also seen Former Players getting emotional and emotional outburst after making certain calls or investigating certain fouls or violations. This means they have been able to move away from the professional attitude in some situations too, taking into account all the emotions that a real game can bring.
Do you think that Former Players can also be effective coaches at the same time? That will be an interesting combination of old and new approach. Or do you think it’s wiser to just keep Reffing and Coaching separate?