The NFL announced approval of changes to its postseason officiating procedures — allowing referees the opportunity to consult Vice President of Officiating Dean Blandino during games.
For the 2015 postseason, consultation may occur between the referee and the VP of Officiating or his designee located in the league’s officiating headquarters in New York regarding the correct application of playing rules. In addition to the VP of Officiating’s current role in Instant Replay, this consultation will only include the appropriate assessment of penalty yardage, the proper administration of the game clock, the correct down, or any other administrative matter not currently reviewable.
This will not include the ability to call or change a foul, or otherwise become involved in on-field judgment calls that are not subject to the current Instant Replay system.
It sounds like Roger Goodell and company are taking steps to ensure that a huge officiating blunder doesn’t cost someone durign the playoffs.