NFL Scouts Replacement Refs, Fans Worry

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The NFL is preparing a backup plan by scouting replacement officials this season.

They're looking to hire about 150 officials from small colleges by the end of the weekend.

These refs will go through a quick four-day training clinic in May to get ready for big

games.

This is in new for the league.

Back in 2012, they used replacement officials for the first three weeks of the season, leading

to some major blunders that fans still talk about.

Now, with ongoing talks, the NFL wants to avoid getting caught short again.

Union leaders are pushing back hard.

They worry that inexperienced refs could open the door to gambling problems and put player

safety at risk, since these officials aren't used to them.

NFL's speed and physicality.

Those like Scott Green say it's surprising after the past mess.

For the San Francisco 49ers, this hits close to home.

They could face replacements in a key matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, down under

and Melbourne.

The team has a long history of tough calls, like phantom penalties in the 1983 playoffs

that cost them a Super Bowl shot, or weird.

Timeout rulings just this year against Seattle.

As tensions bill between the league and refs, everyone hopes it doesn't come to that, but

history shows these plans can turn real fast.