The move marked a groundbreaking moment for the NFL in
moments when the league was dealing with a massive referee lockout. Eastin, who was among the replacement
officials called by the NFL last season, previously worked in the NCAA Mid-Eastern
Athletic Conference and has over 16 years working as referee.
We all know that the NFL is a league dominated and exclusively
played by men, but despite the reality of the game, it seems that something
good is coming from last year’s experience, and now the league is considering
giving a female referee a permanent gig starting in 2014.
There’s nothing shocking or spectacular in such
announcement, after all women have proved they have the skills, knowledge, criteria
and potential to serve as game officials and replace male referees when needed.
As it was announced by several sports media sites and
networks, the National Football League is willing to make the move and bring a female referee aboard
starting in 2014.
The possible candidate for this gig is 39 years old Sarah
Thomas, the first female to ever officiate an NCAA football game back in 2007. According
to recent NFL statements, Thomas, who also served as referee in the 2009 Little
Ceasar's Bowl, is in their “pipeline" and that next season looks like a great
time for Thomas to enter the NFL as an official referee.
But before she lands the gig, Thomas will have to pass through
a series of tests, checks and interviews, and prove she has what it takes to adjust
to the game pace and take part in other evaluations to go to the next level. But even if she’s gets the job, Thomas wouldn't
be able to join the league until a position becomes available, which means that
an actual NFL referee has to retire from his job before she’s officially named.
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