NFL owners approved a comprehensive contingency plan Tuesday to centralize officiating in the event of a work stoppage, as negotiations with the NFL Referees Association continue. The plan, developed by the competition committee, allows league staff in New York to alert replacement referees about uncalled fouls like roughing the passer or intentional grounding, or to correct missed calls based on clear video evidence. This system would only activate if regular referees are not under contract when games start.

Key approved rules include expanding the list of penalties eligible for review during two-minute warnings and overtime, and allowing staff to consult on kicks and kicker fouls. Additionally, owners approved an amended officiating proposal for disqualifications, eliminated the incentive for kicking out of bounds on 50-yard line kickoffs, allowed onside kicks at any time, modified kickoff alignments, and expanded mental health coverage requiring full-time clinicians. The mental health policy needs union approval but eight teams already comply.

The contingency plan underscores the league's preparation for potential disruption while CBA talks continue.