NFL approves small changes to officiating in 2026

The NFL is giving league offices more power to help on-field officials this coming season. It is partly to avoid missing flagrant infractions, and it is partly to prepare for a potential change to replacement officials. At the annual league meeting in Phoenix this week, NFL owners approved two changes regarding officiating.

League personnel will be able to consult with on-field officials when considering qualifications for both flagrant football acts and non-football acts without it being called on the field. This would help with personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct, especially when there are on-field skirmishes. The league office will be able to review video footage and help officials know who to disqualify.

Just for the 2026 season, if replacement officials end up being used, the league office will be able to correct clear and obvious mistakes made by on-field officials that impact the game. The second approved rule is a one-year-only rules change, and it only applies if the league and the NFL Referee Association are unable to agree to a new collective bargaining agreement. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday the league is trending toward more centralized officiating.

Is that good or bad? That is something that will be determined over time, but it should provide more consistency. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast.