With the NFL reviewing new rule changes and instant replay adjustments every year, it’s only fitting that the shield wants to make adjustments to the officials. The NFL wants to empower its league offices to assist on-field officials during the upcoming 2026 season. It’s partially to avoid missing blatant penalties and partially to prepare for a potential implementation of replacement officials.
Sportsbook reviewers and sports experts have learned that during their annual league meeting this week in Phoenix, NFL owners decided on two agenda items regarding officiating. League officials will now be permitted to consult with on-field officials for reviewable qualifications for both flagrant football acts and non-football acts if it’s not called on the field.
This would allow the league office to review video and determine things such as personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct, particularly with player scuffles. Who should be disqualified can now be better assessed. During the 2026 season only, if replacement officials are needed, the league office will be permitted to review obvious and clear errors by the on-field officials that could impact the game and correct them.
This rule applies only to the 2026 season and only if the league and the NFL Referee Association are unable to reach a new CBA agreement. The current CBA ends May 31st. Rumors suggest the NFL is seeking over 100 small-college officials to fill the void if needed. The NFL has notified all 32 teams that they will begin training replacement refs next month.
If an agreement is reached after May 31, it would be the first official lockout since 2012, which led to disastrous results. The pinnacle was the Fail Mary game between the Seahawks and Packers, where an obvious Hail Mary attempt by Seahawks QB Russel Wilson fell short of the end zone, but was still ruled a touchdown.
