‘Sky judge’ proposal should be embraced by league

INDIANAPOLIS — Clear and obvious.

That’s the essential standard wrapped around the radical concept of instituting a “sky judge” in the NFL. The term came up so often during the competition committee meetings in Indianapolis that Troy Vincent, the league’s top football executive, scribbled four stars next to it on his notepad to indicate some strong sentiment in the room for providing a new official to monitor from above.

It should also be the rallying cry for the bigger picture in dealing with the NFL’s latest officiating crisis.

After the huge blunder in the NFC title game probably cost the New Orleans Saints a Super Bowl berth – America was appalled to witness Los Angeles Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman get away with a blatant pass interference and helmet-to-helmet blow in crunch time — it’s clear and obvious that the NFL needs to do something drastic. And fast.

The Saints case, remember, was just the most egregious mishap during a season marred by an assortment of controversial calls and non-calls.

“We just want to get it right,” Vincent told a small group of media, including USA TODAY, on Friday during the NFL scouting combine. “It’s debating what that change is, if any.”

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Of 10 rules proposals submitted by NFL teams since the end of last season, seven involve the use of instant replay. As expected, one team pushed to allow for the “anything is reviewable” concept that Patriots coach Bill Belichick has proposed in previous years.

Yet the proposal generating the most traction was the new idea presented by the Baltimore Ravens. The measure calls for expanding the officiating crew to eight members with a “sky judge” who could conceivably correct calls on the spot in certain situations with the help of video replays.

The “sky judge” wouldn’t be a part of the centralized NFL replay system — although the existence of such a position might raise questions about the need for replay calls from league headquarters — but rather a part of crews that typically remain intact throughout the season. Theoretically, the new official could prevent the type of situation that crushed the Saints.

“There are some things we need to adjust and fix,” Vincent acknowledged.

The language of the Ravens’ proposal, obtained by USA TODAY, stipulates: “The Sky Judge will communicate with the officials on the field through the headset … (and) advise the Referee of any relevant that is clear and obvious in the following situations:

Major fouls (15-yard penalties), even when a foul is not called.

Fouls for defensive pass interference, even when a foul is not called.”

At this point, the proposal is advancing through the discussion and exploration phase, needing votes from at least 24 of the 32 owners to be passed. It’s a good bet that Saints owner Gayle Benson would support such a measure, given her pledge in the aftermath of the NFC title game to push for changes that would prevent similar heartbreak for another team in the future. Likewise, Saints coach Sean Payton, a member of the committee, adds a certain perspective and voice with his support.

“Let’s see what happens,” Saints general manager Mickey Loomis told USA TODAY.

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From here, the competition committee and football operations department headed by Vincent, including the officiating department, will collect further research and dig deeper into details. Presumably, the committee — which elicited feedback in recent days from its coaches subcommittee, on-field officials and the NFL Players Association — could endorse the Ravens proposal or another team proposal, or craft its own proposal to present to NFL owners during league meetings in Phoenix in late March.

There is no shortage of questions. While Vincent is adamant that the position needs be manned by an experienced, “referee-quality” official — perhaps a veteran challenged by physical wear-and-tear — he is less certain about other elements: How would a “sky judge” change the mechanics of the on-field officials? What are the unintended consequences?

“There’s very little appetite for creating a foul … in replay,” Vincent said.

That’s conventional replay he’s referring to, ruled from New York. To avoid the situation that stung the Saints, or to handle “clear and obvious” helmet-to-helmet blows that are missed (see Cowboys safety Xavier Woods’ hit on Washington tight end Jordan Reed on Thanksgiving), the “sky judge” would have to throw a flag, so to speak, or the position is useless.

That’s why the Ravens’ proposal is built around the premise of adding an eighth official as a regular member of the crew, just like the back judge, side judge, line judge, umpire and others.

By one estimate, the “sky judge” might impact three to five plays per game — enough plays to swing the outcome.

Yes, it’s clear and obvious that NFL owners need to support a progressive proposal for the sake of restoring integrity to its game. Just consider it another part of the game’s evolution, bolstered by technology.

Besides, the officials on the field usually get it right. It’s just in those cases when they miss it, it’s a shame that the fans watching at home have a better view – and in high-definition.

Go ahead, NFL. Give the officials a clear and obvious tool that helps us — even those of us who don’t bet — trust that your product is above board.

Follow Jarrett Bell on Twitter @JarrettBell.