Odd question: Why are NFL refs so old?

[Leonard Washington]

As long as I can remember I always wondered why NFL refs were so freaking old! I understand they need experience at lower levels and everything but is there an age requirement? They are in great shape and pretty good in being in position to make the calls, but I'm just wondering why not more athletic guys with youth on their side. :whoknows:

Anyone know the answer?

[bubba9497]

experienced, and established

[kevinklein]

Part of an activist movement to keep our old geezers in shape. :)

Looks like Hochuli is doin' just fine, wouldn't you say?

[TheSchwartz]

Well NFL referees are at the top of the industry of refereeing.

How long does it generally take someone to reach the top in other business?

It's not like Disney is gonna go out and hire some 28 year old CEO.

You will see some rare ones at a young age, but generally speaking it just takes that long to work your way up.

Also, once you are there I think you can stay for just about as long as you like. Or at least until you screw up so bad they HAVE to get rid of you. I think Phil Luckett is the only ref I've heard of getting demoted. That's not to say there aren't others...

So if it takes awhile to get there and there's no rush to leave it means there are some old guys doing it...

[Barney B]

You'll understand when you're older. :D

[aussieskin]

if younger officials were enlisted then put thru an academy they could be pushed on early, the NFL needs to address this problem quickly, do the officials all start off as BJ's then get promoted up the ladder to R's?

[Higgs44]

The NFL Zebras are old because.... most are in high standingly moral jobs. Like Lawyers :doh:

Ok that may not explain why they are old... but so what, its funny :cheers:

[Barney B]

OK. The real reason, I'm pretty sure, is that the NFL wants guys who are already successful in their chosen professions, and have a proven track record of honesty and integrity over the long haul.

Guys who wouldn't be tempted to take a bribe or bet on a game, because they already have a lot of cash, and wouldn't want to risk losing their standing in the community.

[ItaliaMuscle]

well put TheShwarts! read his entry.

[philal0102]

wiser than young people.... more experienced

[Kosher Ham]

Here are the minimum requirements necessary to qualify as an official in the National Football League:

• Must have a minimum of 10 years experience officiating football, at least five of which must have been at a varsity collegiate or another professional level.

• Must be in excellent physical condition.

• Must belong to an accredited football officials association or have experience in football as a player or coach.

• Each candidate must furnish the NFL with a detailed copy of his officiating schedule for the past three seasons, listing dates, schools, location of games, and positions worked.

[HapHaszard]

You'll understand when you're older. :D

LOL so will you.

[G-Prime]

Old people are viewed as fair, unbiased and stubborn?

[Xameil]

I'm just looking forward to a ref going senile and starting to yell at the players to get off the lawn. :D

[ChiefPowhatan17]

Because only retired guys have time to do a job for free.

[Renegade7]

Here's a radical idea:

We'd go nuts if they had fresh, 20 year old refs out there. Atleast while they're old we can use that for an excuse for them making bad calls. Imagine everyone going insane because the new full time refs with perfect vision and expertice kept making the dumbest of game changing calls as opposed to some refs who we know in our hearts can't see more then five feet infront of them. Conspiracy theorists would come out in full force and football would be non-existent due accused curroption.

Average football sunday: Me - "@#%*@# @#)(% (%@)*#%)@#!!!!" Ex-GF - "Well, damn, Nate, they can't catch every bad call. I'm mean, look at 'em, that one's wearing glasses."

Excuses, excuses. Like I said, she's my ex.

[panel]

LOL so will you.
HA HA,
zing