With pressure to perform free from error-an impossibility-in America's most popular sport, the work done by football officials has become more difficult than ever. A Tough Job Made Harder explores how this has happened as well as the challenges that lie ahead for the game and its officials.
Cultural imperatives grounded in team allegiance has increased the stresses on football's judges to invariably, "get it right." Officials offer the path of least resistance for those channeling ire at a game's untoward outcome.
The increased demand for perfection has invited technology into officiating. Paradoxically, the tools designed to cure mistakes have led to unintended consequences that have made the job even more challenging.
And, with increasing stress on player safety, the burden to make the game safer has been added to those already borne by the profession.
A Tough Job Made Harder looks at the demands on football officials as well as what makes it so rewarding to those who embark on it. Despite the proclivity for fans to criticize and lay blame on officiating, those who undertake the work do so with immense pride and professionalism.
