How NFL Refs Defy Automation -- And Why You Can, Too

Who determines what's a touchdown, penalty or out-of-bounds play in the National Football League? Until 1986, on-field referees decided everything. Then camera-based instant replays entered the mix. And what do you think automation's arrival did to the number of refs employed in the NFL, or their salary levels? Slap yourself with a 15-yard penalty if you think technology's growing role cost any of the NFL's officiating crews their jobs. Pro football now employs bigger officiating crews than before.