New York - The NFL has hired 24 full-time game officials from among the current 121-person roster of officials, the NFL and NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) jointly announced.

The 24 full-time officials, up from 21 in the inaugural season of the program in 2017, come from all seven on-field officiating positions and represent a collaborative initiative intended to promote the common goal of improving every aspect of NFL officiating.

In an effort to improve consistency, efficiency and accuracy, the full-time game officials will work throughout the calendar year on game preparation and game administration, analyzing current game trends, communicating with the clubs, and assisting to ensure that there is a qualified pipeline of future officials.

“Working with the full-time game officials last season was extremely beneficial,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating ALBERTO RIVERON.  “Their presence greatly improved communication with the clubs.  Our collective goal is to make a positive impact on NFL officiating overall, and this initiative was an important factor for us in that effort.” 

“We are supportive of providing our members the opportunity to voluntarily commit additional time for additional compensation to NFL officiating, especially in the offseason,” said NFLRA Executive Director SCOTT GREEN. “This program is the result of extensive discussion and planning, and the NFLRA looks forward to continuing and supporting the program in its second year.”

A look at the 24 full-time officials by position: