NFL rule changes: Contingencies for replacement refs proposed

Officials signal a touchdown by Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate, obscured, on the last play of a game against the Packers on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

By Josh Dubow | Associated Press

PUBLISHED: March 24, 2026 at 5:26 PM CDT | UPDATED: March 24, 2026 at 5:52 PM CDT

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The NFL is preparing for the possibility of replacement officials in 2026, proposing a rule change for one season that would allow the replay center to correct any “clear and obvious” mistakes.

Already have an account

This article is only available to subscribers

Flash Sale

Standard Digital

$1 for 1 year

Get this offer

Offer valid for non-subscribers only

Most Popular

Asking Eric: I love my brother, but I don’t agree with his politics
Asking Eric: I love my brother, but I don’t agree with his politics
Chicago’s human rights commissioner resigns as Mayor Brandon Johnson defends public safety leaders’ firings
Chicago's human rights commissioner resigns as Mayor Brandon Johnson defends public safety leaders’ firings
Valparaiso revokes liquor license for failed restaurant site
Valparaiso revokes liquor license for failed restaurant site
Sen. Bernie Sanders’ bill aims to slow — or stop — teams like the Chicago Bears from moving to other states
Sen. Bernie Sanders' bill aims to slow — or stop — teams like the Chicago Bears from moving to other states
Year’s first ‘teen takeover’ in downtown Chicago sees eight arrests, more curfew discussion
Year's first ‘teen takeover' in downtown Chicago sees eight arrests, more curfew discussion
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoes tipped wage freeze, setting up City Council showdown
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoes tipped wage freeze, setting up City Council showdown
Expect severe thunderstorms in Chicago on Thursday
Expect severe thunderstorms in Chicago on Thursday
Asking Eric: Friend wouldn’t get up early to help me
Asking Eric: Friend wouldn't get up early to help me
Asking Eric: I dislike her green-eyed monster behavior
Asking Eric: I dislike her green-eyed monster behavior
Chicago Bears Q&A: Can they build a sufficient pass rush? How about a trade up for Jeremiyah Love?
Chicago Bears Q&A: Can they build a sufficient pass rush? How about a trade up for Jeremiyah Love?

Proposed NFL rule changes include contingencies for replacement refs in hopes of avoiding another ‘Fail Mary’

Standard Digital

More in NFL

Sen. Bernie Sanders’ bill aims to slow — or stop — teams like the Chicago Bears from moving to other states

Bears and trains could transform Northwest Indiana: Hammond and Michigan City mayors discuss development

Chicago Bears Q&A: Can they build a sufficient pass rush? How about a trade up for Jeremiyah Love?

Return of the returner? Kalif Raymond hopes a reunion with Chicago Bears coaches sparks a revival.

Standard Digital

Share this:

More in NFL