With the NFL now allowing on-field officials to use the real-time communications system devised for allowing the league office to assist with replay for other matters (whatever those matters specifically may be), some of the folks whose interests will hinge directly on the outcome of these decisions are raising once again an important question regarding the process.
When “designated members of the Officiating Department at the League office” are communicating with on-field officials, who else will be present in the room?
Are the “designated members” alone, without anyone else present to distract or influence them? Or are the “designated members” operating in a swarm of activity, with other league employees in position to chime in with their own views regarding the issue about which consultation is happening? Are non-NFL employees (visitors, for example, to the league office) in the room for these communications?
As one league source has explained it to PFT, teams began raising this question once the league office obtained authorization to consult with referees during replay review, with the league office never providing a clear answer. Now that the universe for potential communication has expanded to include matters other than replay review, the issue takes on even greater importance.
PFT posed this question to the league office on Wednesday. As of this posting, the league office has not responded.