With significant enhancements in technology, the NFL is reportedly preparing to make a major change to their officiating system in the future.
According to a report from Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the chain gang workers of the officiating crew could be replaced by an optical tracking technology. Pelissero stated that the league tested the technology during the 2023 season, including Super Bowl 58 between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs.
Pelissero stated that it’s unlikely to be ready for 2024, and that this change would require a vote.
Regarding other rumored rule changes, Pelissero also added that the league is unlikely to ban the “tush push” this year. As for the universally despised fumbling-through-the-endzone touchback rule, Pelissero stated that a change there is also not expected.
With major advancements in technology throughout the years, there have been calls for the NFL to make the necessary adjustments to its officiating and replay systems. The officials still get their spot rulings incorrect from time to time, and even the “chain gang” will make incorrect measurements when they’re brought out onto the field.
So it appears to only be a matter of time until the chain gang is replaced with the tracking technology that Pelissero detailed. After all, each of the 32 NFL teams should be keen on the idea of improving officiating that has come under scrutiny more and more with each passing year.
