The NFL on Wednesday informed teams in a memo that it will “begin training replacement officials next month with the goal of preparing them for team visits starting June 1 if no deal can be reached with the referees union.” Negotiations are scheduled to continue between the NFL and NFLRA later this week. The memo, sent by SVP/Officiating Perry Fewell, said the league will “actively seek feedback from clubs on the performance of potential replacement officials throughout the offseason as it finalizes the roster for camp and preseason games.” All clubs are “required to submit their OTA and mandatory minicamp schedules to the NFL by April 22 so that the league can assign replacement officials to those practices starting June 1.” The current labor deal expires May 31 (X, 4/8).
NFL to begin training replacement refs next month
