OT: NFL Command Center

[Box_O_Rocks]

For those with NFL Network...(sorry Pats1): NFL Total Access got Mike Pereira, VP of Officiating to discuss the Command Center they started using four years ago. Typical Command Center if you've never been inside one of any kind, consoles and monitors wherever you look.

They have a live feed of every game going in there to track what is happening on the field with regard to officiating and discipline issues. Apparently the networks call directly into the Center for an explaination of the rules which they can then share with fans watching the broadcast. Pereira claims he gets 5-6 calls/weekend from the networks on officiating decisions and that he has a direct line to each broadcast crew so he can reach them if he wants to update them on something they are discussing on-air.

The Operations staff has now gotten involved, using the facility to track weather systems and communicate with the stadiums to ensure safety and game management. They make up a briefing DVD each night for the Commissioner with video and details on injuries, controversies, and disciplinary concerns. Monday-Wednesday they now breakdown every play of every game to track the officiating and see if it was handled properly - wouldn't we like to see those score cards?

Pereira claims he started this so he would be ready to field Monday morning phone calls from the coaches, but I have to wonder if the terrorism/security environment of a large crowd had any impact on the decision.

If you missed it, set your DVRs before you head out to work.

 

[AirForcePatFan]

I saw that... I wonder why this "Command Center" wasn't there to let the on site officials know they made a mistake on Hobbs pass interference call in the AFCC game or the Colts defender who blatantly interfereded with Caldwell I believe in the endzone? Some Command Center...

 

[Pats726]

For those with NFL Network...(sorry Pats1): NFL Total Access got Mike Pereira, VP of Officiating to discuss the Command Center they started using four years ago. Typical Command Center if you've never been inside one of any kind, consoles and monitors wherever you look.

They have a live feed of every game going in there to track what is happening on the field with regard to officiating and discipline issues. Apparently the networks call directly into the Center for an explaination of the rules which they can then share with fans watching the broadcast. Pereira claims he gets 5-6 calls/weekend from the networks on officiating decisions and that he has a direct line to each broadcast crew so he can reach them if he wants to update them on something they are discussing on-air.

The Operations staff has now gotten involved, using the facility to track weather systems and communicate with the stadiums to ensure safety and game management. They make up a briefing DVD each night for the Commissioner with video and details on injuries, controversies, and disciplinary concerns. Monday-Wednesday they now breakdown every play of every game to track the officiating and see if it was handled properly - wouldn't we like to see those score cards?

Pereira claims he started this so he would be ready to field Monday morning phone calls from the coaches, but I have to wonder if the terrorism/security environment of a large crowd had any impact on the decision.

If you missed it, set your DVRs before you head out to work.

when will it be on again??

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

The Operations staff has now gotten involved, using the facility to track weather systems and communicate with the stadiums to ensure safety and game management. quote]

That may be a factor this weekend for the Pats game this weekend. The weather services are predicting a storm off the coast could develop into a tropical depression/low level hurricane with thunderstorms Sunday around game time......I know, I know, it's the weather service so anything is possible but it could impact play calling

 

[DaBruinz]

The Operations staff has now gotten involved, using the facility to track weather systems and communicate with the stadiums to ensure safety and game management. quote]

That may be a factor this weekend for the Pats game this weekend. The weather services are predicting a storm off the coast could develop into a tropical depression/low level hurricane with thunderstorms Sunday around game time......I know, I know, it's the weather service so anything is possible but it could impact play calling

That potential storm could hit anywhere from Jacksonville to New Jersey... If it actually forms into anything at all.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Fantastic. I am well impressed. This is a SERIOUS sports league.

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

That potential storm could hit anywhere from Jacksonville to New Jersey... If it actually forms into anything at all.

http://my.sfwmd.gov/sfwmd/common/images/weather/plots/storm_99.gif

The computer models seem to be in agreement.... and as I said before 'could'

Edit-
http://www.accuweather.com/news-top-headline.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

when will it be on again??

Sorry to not get to this until now, it's probably too late since they rerun Total Access most of the morning until about noon then hit you with a variety show until evening.

As to AirForcePats question about overruling the officials on the field - think of it in terms of your current position: do you want some officer three thousand miles away looking over your shoulder and telling you how to make a decision? They can meet with you afterwards and review the film, debrief you, then do a critique when all the available facts are gathered. Cameras offer a limited view (note the incontrovertible visual evidence clause) and are just as likely to be as fallible as the guys on the field - especially with a human doing the operating and interpreting. The after action report and lessons learned let the officials know they got it wrong - hopefully that lets them be better in the future. Sucks to be fans. On the flip side, these officials know they are being monitored in real time, it makes it that much more likely they will be calling it the way they see it, and not how they might be influenced to see it.

 

[alamo]

They have the segment on their website at http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80214dcf

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

You 21st century cats are happening! :rocker:

They have the segment on their website at http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80214dcf

 

[Pats726]

Sorry to not get to this until now, it's probably too late since they rerun Total Access most of the morning until about noon then hit you with a variety show until evening.

As to AirForcePats question about overruling the officials on the field - think of it in terms of your current position: do you want some officer three thousand miles away looking over your shoulder and telling you how to make a decision? They can meet with you afterwards and review the film, debrief you, then do a critique when all the available facts are gathered. Cameras offer a limited view (note the incontrovertible visual evidence clause) and are just as likely to be as fallible as the guys on the field - especially with a human doing the operating and interpreting. The after action report and lessons learned let the officials know they got it wrong - hopefully that lets them be better in the future. Sucks to be fans. On the flip side, these officials know they are being monitored in real time, it makes it that much more likely they will be calling it the way they see it, and not how they might be influenced to see it.

Thanks,,,I did see it...and I do think the hurricane will miss..that seems like the latest in tracking..BUT one never knows...(But even if it does hit land, what was mentioned was Carolina and Mid Atlantic no word on New York)

 

[Pujo]

I saw that... I wonder why this "Command Center" wasn't there to let the on site officials know they made a mistake on Hobbs pass interference call in the AFCC game or the Colts defender who blatantly interfereded with Caldwell I believe in the endzone? Some Command Center...

There's no provision for league officials to overturn the ref on the field. In fact, the ref can't even overturn himself (except during a challenge/review, which don't apply to penalties). Even if he immediately got a call from the league office saying he screwed up, he'd have no recourse.

Remember the "helmet goes into the endzone and the officials mistake it for a ball" error? Nothing they could do.