NFLPA voices safety concerns over replacement refs

Field Level Media|published: Wed 1st April, 14:58 2026

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; General view of a referee picking up a penalty flag during the second quarter of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The NFL Players Association and NFL Referees Association have responded to the potential use of replacement officials this season by voicing concerns about player safety.

ESPN reported earlier this week that the league has begun compiling a list of replacement referees -- mostly from the low-college ranks -- and plans to start training them by May 1. The collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFL RA is set to expire on May 31.

NFLPA executive director JC Tretter and NFLRA executive director Scott Green met Tuesday to discuss their concerns and issued a joint statement Wednesday on social media: "Experienced officials matter for player safety."

"Player safety requires trained, professional officials on the field," Tretter said. "They manage the game in real time, enforce the rules, and stop situations from escalating. That can't be replaced by less experienced crews or handled remotely. If player safety truly matters, trained professional officials on the field are not negotiable."

"Professional officials are trained to control the game in real time," Green added. "They are the first responders on the field -- maintaining order, enforcing rules, and preventing dangerous situations from escalating."

League sources told ESPN that owners are "alarmed" by the current state of the negotiations with the NFLRA. One source said it would take "an act of God" to bridge the economic gaps between the two sides before the CBA expires.

The NFL has offered a six-year deal with an average annual raise of 6.45%, per ESPN. The average NFL official earned $385,000 in 2025.

"We remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached that avoids past disruptions and ensures the game continues to be officiated at the highest level," Green added.

The concern comes as the NFL made a one-year change to the rule book this week in regard to officiating. If replacement referees are used in a game during the upcoming season, the league's command center can now adjust any calls made or not made by officials on the field in real time.

--Field Level Media

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