In Depth: NFL owners OK two significant replay changes

ESPN uses this report to examine NFL owners OK two significant replay changes. NFL owners approved a contingency plan Tuesday to centralize officiating in the event of a work stoppage as negotiations continue on a CBA with the NFL Referees Association.

Peter Schrager provides behind-the-scenes insight on the NFL's preparation for replacement officials. The first set of Tuesday's approved changes will create a massive expansion of authority for staffers in the league's officiating command center in New York City, allowing them to consult with the on-field referee on a wide variety of called.

Those staff members would also be permitted to alert replacement referees that a flag shouldn't have been thrown if there is clear and obvious video evidence that at least one element of the foul called is not present, according to. In addition, after the two-minute warning or in overtime, the list of called or uncalled penalties that league staff members could provide referees with would expand to include unsportsmanlike conduct based on punching or kicking at an opponent.

During kicks, league staff members could also consult on the leverage and leaping rules. On Tuesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said, the negotiations haven't progressed the way hoped from a timing standpoint.

The report closes by linking the event to broader consequences.