[mooby]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

The four issues (according to CNN) holding the Refs out:

1. Pay - Refs want more.
Okay, I am down w/ the refs on this one. The NFL product makes gazillions and, as we have seen, the refs are a big part of that product.

2. Pension - NFL wants to change it, Refs don't want it changed.
See above. Part-time NFL refs have a direct and immediate impact on the field of play, to me they are not the same as other part-time employees.

3. Reserve Refs - NFL wants to have the ability to replace underperforming refs. Refs don't want this b/c it affects their job security.
Going with the NFL on this one. Sorry, "job security" seems to me just a way to protect on the field refs from their own mistakes. Sorry, for the same reason you get more pay (being the best of the best) is the same reason you don't get that kind of job security.

4. Full-time refs - NFL wants some, Refs are okay with it so long as pay is commensurate.
Okay. Not sure this is an issue but, if it is, and reffing is currently a "part time" job, and you want to make it "full time" then full time employees should be making more than their part time compatriots.

Four things the locked out NFL referees, league are still negotiating - CNN.com

When it comes to the money, I am on the "Pay'em" side. The NFL is a different paradigm than the other major sports leagues for many, many reasons and using other major league refs as a comparison, to me, fails to consider these differences. At the same time, I think the refs need to give up point 3. If this is an entirely different paradigm, part of that is b/c small screw ups have big reprucussions and, at this level, poor performance has serious ramifications - specifically, you don't get to continue in the big leagues. (I hear the LFL needs some refs).

I think this just about sums up my feelings on the issue. Well put JR.