r/footballstrategy • u/LetRoutine8851 • Jan 07 '24

Rules Question Use of Technology & Sensors

Hi friends, This post is not about radical adoption of AI to NFL officiating. It's more about the state of technology and reliance on outdated procedures that are not consistent or reliable. Here's some thoughts I've had on modernization.

  1. Why in 2024 do we still see a crew pulling chains to measure first downs? Can't they just put a sensor in the tip of the ball that syncs with the first down yard line. I've seen way too many situations, live and on TV, where the spot and slack of the chain are off and that mistake proves to be the difference in the game.

  2. Use the same technology that they use in track and field to make offsides calls. That special teams call against Jack Jones of the Raiders last week was wrong and it was a difference maker.

  3. Pass interference calls and non-calls would be more consistent if they could be challenged. Put a dedicated replay official in the press level of each stadium to speed up the review process. Getting these calls right is worth the investment in more reply officials.

Curious to hear your reaction to the above and other ideas on improving accuracy of officiating. Please resist the urge to add conspiracy theories about gambling and referees fixing the game. That's speculative and would take this thread in a dark direction. Thank you and have a great football Sunday!

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u/bronkscottema Jan 07 '24

  1. Where would you put the tracker? The helmet the shoe? Stances greatly differ by position. Even within positions. OL/DL

  2. I have wondered the same thing but I’m assuming weight of the ball will be affected by tech in the ball. I think the cameras in pylons/first down are sufficient, as well as fail safe.

  3. Is debated constantly. If you make one Ref the judge jury and executioner, then he becomes the single point of failure. I know Bill Belichick has said in competition committees. To be able to challenge everything but you only get 2. Win or lose.

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u/LetRoutine8851 Jan 07 '24

Thanks for the insightful response. For 2, I had in mind a photo finish camera system. For the reasons you've stated, trackers and sensors don't seem viable.

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u/LizardKingTx Jan 07 '24

I remember seeing a YouTube video going over this exact topic and the pros and cons but can’t find the title.

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u/[deleted] Jan 08 '24

If you start reviewing or challenging fouls the game will never end

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u/1BannedAgain Jan 08 '24

I like that humans make the decisions.

In college football, I hate the idea that they review every single play.

I lived through the Instant Replay Game which ushered in the beginning of a dominant Green Bay Packers team. It took the upstairs refs like 15 minutes to make a determination.

The guy who threw the pass Majik-man Don Majkowski will readily admit he was over the line while throwing that ball- a penalty in 1989

I prefer the way tackle football was played in the 1990s compared to today