Women Refs

Women Calling The Shots, Women in the NFL Pipeline

In the article Women Calling the Shots, in the NFL Pipeline there is discussion of women referees soon to be in the NFL. The article focuses on one woman who has spent 5 years quietly reefing D1 NCAA football games. While the article stated she had to have some thick skin to with stand the teasing and odd looks, it didn’t exactly comment on what was actually endured. The head of officials for the NFL said there are several women in their refereeing pipeline. He also states that it will not be long before we see one of them refing games on Sundays. He said hiring women isn’t about starting revolutions or making quotas, but finding the best people. He said the process for finding a referee is very rigorous. He equates it to being as tough as finding that all star player. He is looking for the people with the most knowledge who will only make the game better. He said referees have to work High School games for 5-7 years at least and then College games for at least another 5 even before consideration. The NCAA does not keep official stats on women reefs but there are 4 know for sure by the writer of the article. The head of NFL officials said that women are becoming increasingly more involved in their referee program and if they can do the job the best they will be given their shot.

                In my opinion this is great for the game as a former player and enthusiast I just want to see referees that are truly passionate and know the game. If you are prepared and qualified who cares if you are a man or a woman. The quality of your work, and the knowledge you possess should be what makes you qualified or unqualified. I know I am personally tired of seeing people making horrible calls that an average fan can call at home. If men can make this many bad calls why can’t women. I think this is a big step in bringing women into the game.

What are your thoughts and feelings?

Works Cited:

McManus, J. (2011, August 27). In nfl, women are in the pipeline. Retrieved from http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-opinion/6854588/calling-shots-nfl-women-pipeline