A technical problem in the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control system disrupted air travel across the country on Friday, Nov. 13. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said aging equipment could not process the volume of data it was receiving, contributing to widespread delays.
The disruption affected more than airline passengers. Travel complications rippled into the sports world, affecting college football kickoff times and the plans of NBA and NHL teams. With Week 10 NFL games approaching, the league adjusted several officiating assignments to help ensure crews could reach their games despite the travel problems.
## NFL reassigns officials to nearby games
The league said it had reassigned officials to games within driving distance of their hometowns because of the ongoing impact on air travel.
“Due to the ongoing nationwide impact to air travel this weekend, the NFL has adjusted its officiating assignments for Week 10 games, reassigning officials to games within driving distance of their hometowns,” the NFL said in a statement.
The changes mean three officials who ordinarily serve as backups will take on the lead referee role for games. They are umpires Barry Anderson and Duane Heydt, and side judge Don Willard.
Heydt will officiate Carolina’s game against New Orleans. Anderson will handle Jacksonville’s matchup with Tennessee. Willard will work both Miami-Indianapolis and Pittsburgh-Cincinnati.
The league’s changes were made in response to travel constraints, rather than a change to the games themselves. The NFL said all other Week 10 officiating assignments would remain unaffected by the disruption.
## Backup referees were prepared for the change
Each of the NFL’s 17 officiating crews has a designated backup referee. According to the league, those officials train throughout the year so they can step into the role if needed.
That preparation allowed the NFL to make adjustments to several assignments when air travel became uncertain. The officials taking on the lead role also bring experience from multiple seasons in the league, although their time in the NFL varies.
Anderson is entering his 20th season as an NFL official. Heydt is in his fifth season, while Willard is in his ninth. Both Heydt and Willard have also gained extensive experience in other officiating positions.
The changes are limited to the named assignments. The NFL said the rest of the Week 10 schedule of officials remained in place, even as the league responded to the wider travel disruption.
The technical issue affecting the FAA system created challenges for teams and leagues across the country, with delays extending beyond professional football. By assigning officials to games within driving distance of their hometowns, the NFL sought to keep the affected crews on schedule without changing the other Week 10 assignments.
The league’s use of designated backup referees provided a ready option when travel plans were disrupted. Anderson, Heydt and Willard will each take the lead on the games assigned to them, while the other officiating assignments remain unchanged.
