NFL replacement referee Jim Winterberg makes a call in a preseason game. Gene J. Puskar/AP

So, here’s an out-there prediction for you. The current labor dispute between the NFL and its officials is going to end soon after a melee breaks out during a game that the replacement refs failed to control. Of course, I hope things don’t actually go that way, but I wouldn’t be surprised. As anyone who has watched a game in the last week knows (Broncos at Falcons on Monday night would be an excellent example), the replacement refs are out of their depth on many fronts. (Should the NFL even stage games with replacement officials is a whole other legitimate question.)

Knowing the rules and rhythms of the pro game are a couple of obvious areas of deficiency for the replacements. What’s more dangerous, though, is the lack of confidence and command presence they demonstrate during the games. The coaches and players are getting more and more abusive toward the officials and tempers appear to be approaching the boiling point. Continue reading “What NFL Replacement Refs Show About Leadership Confidence”