Sep 24th 2008 3:00PM by Matt Snyder (author feed)
Filed under: Bears, Broncos, Buccaneers, Chargers, Colts, Jaguars, AFC South, AFC West, NFC North, NFC South, NFL Fans, NFL Referees

I guess I should first introduce myself, considering I’m under the moniker of “FanHouse’s resident referee.” I have been a football official for the past ten years … or since I was 20. I’ve been a certified professional high school official for the past eight years, and have had the pleasure of working several high-profile games, including ones with nationally ranked teams.

I’m also not stupid. I realize the NFL officials are much better and more experienced than I am … and this puts me in the minority, apparently, when it comes to fans of the NFL. Over the early weeks of the NFL season, I’ve seen nothing but whining about the officiating and talk of how embarrassing it has become. This is usually done by someone that knows nothing about the rules, and/or has obvious bias. Most arguments are flawed, lacking a grasp of the real rules, and the spirit of said rules.

This is why I have decided to initiate this column. We’ll run it as often as controversial calls occur. While I am less qualified than the NFL officials, I’m not hampered by bias or a “CYA” mentality like the NFL league office. I will call it as a I see it.

There are four incidents in particular we’ll review today. Check them out after the jump.Continue Reading