RealGM

Is it my imagination, or has anyone else noticed that refs are picking up flags constantly this season? And not just in Bear games. Was there some sort of directive from the league on refs being stronger on overturning each others calls this year?

Very perceptive, noticed that too, but don't know why.

I have seen that happen a lot more this year too. I've been a high school football referee for 6 years, so I'll offer my best explanation.

It is much easier to pick up a flag and waive it off after discussion than to throw a late flag after discussion.

For example, say a back judge throws a flag for pass interference. Then the refs talk and the umpire says the ball was tipped, they can easily pick up the flag and waive it off and say the ball was tipped. On the other side of it if a back judge thinks a ball is tipped, so doesn't throw the pass interference flag, then they talk about it and the umpire tells him the ball was not tipped, they cant really drop a flag and call PI.

That is just one example and there are a lot of different situations that could be applicable.

I don't know if the NFL put an emphasis on it, but even though waving off a flag looks kind of bad, it's better to do whatever they have to do to get it right.

I thought the same thing after last week's games. Each game I saw had several flags picked up. Picking up flags is good IMO, it shows you can admit mistakes.

I definitely agree. Picking up flags is great and the refs have been getting it right (even though it hurts the bears 95% of the FRICKIN TIME)