NFLPA says player safety requires trained, professional officials as NFL weighs replacement refs

The NFL Players Association said player safety requires trained, professional officials on the field as the league and the NFL Referees Association continue negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement.

The statement, highlighted in an ESPN report on Wednesday, comes as the NFL prepares contingency plans in case talks stall before the current referees’ CBA expires on May 31.

AP reported earlier this week that the league is moving ahead with plans to hire and train replacement officials if the dispute is not resolved. On Tuesday, the NFL approved a one-year replay-center rule meant to help correct clear and obvious officiating mistakes if replacement officials are used.

JC Tretter, who has been a public voice in the labor dispute, said less experienced crews and remote handling cannot substitute for professional officials on the field. The NFLPA’s position is that trained referees are part of player safety, not just game administration.

The talks remain unresolved, and the league has not said whether replacement officials will actually be used in regular-season games.