NJ Bill Would Ban Replacement Refs in State

State Senate President cites NFL replacements, says it is safety issue

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/25/2012 12:36:00 PM

Steve Sweeney, president of the New Jersey Senate, has introduced a bill that would prohibit professional sporting events replacing referees with what he calls "scab" officials, calling it a safety issue.

The NFL has been operating since the beginning of the season with replacement officials due to a contract impasse, leading to heavy and harsh criticism of the way games are being called and controlled, or not called and controlled.

"This past weekend in the NFL has not only made a mockery of a great sport, but shined a very bright light on how important fully trained and professional officiating is to player safety," said Sweeney in a statement emailed to B&C from his office late Tuesday. "We wouldn't allow a factory or construction site to operate without fully trained supervisors on hand to ensure the safety of employees. Why should we do anything differently when the job site is a playing field?"

"Whether the sport is football, soccer or baseball, when referees don't know how to properly enforce the rules, there is a real chance for unnecessary and serious injury," said Sweeney. "If the NFL insists on putting replacement officials on the field, putting players at risk, then the state shouldn't be playing a part in that."

That would, of course, affect the Giants and Jets, who play in East Rutherford.

The Senate is not slated to meet again until Oct. 1.