The Facts:
The NFL will permanently reposition umpires to the offensive backfield beginning with the upcoming 2010 season, in a move designed to protect its most vulnerable on-field officials, the league confirmed Sunday at the annual owners meetings. The change does not require a vote of ownership and only commissioner Roger Goodell could reverse the decision.
Reported by ESPN.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Outgoing vice president of officiating Mike Pereira told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that umpires -- who traditionally have been positioned on the defensive side, 4 or 5 yards from the line of scrimmage, just behind the linebackers and between the tackles -- were knocked down by players more than 100 times in 2009. Two umpires suffered concussions and three needed surgeries for knee or shoulder injuries. ... Mortesnen was also told the umpires will be re-trained at the league's offseason clinics and seminars because they will carry out their responsibilities from the offensive backfield, just opposite of the referee.
Profile
Home
