Inquirer Editorial: NFL finally giving a female referee a shot

Charles Woodson (left) says female officials are OK with him.
Charles Woodson (left) says female officials are OK with him. ((left) says female officials are OK with him.)
Posted: August 09, 2012

History will be made Thursday when the first female referee officiates a National Football League game.

Line judge Shannon Eastin, 42, will break a gender barrier when the Green Bay Packers visit the San Diego Chargers for a pre-season game. The milestone is only occurring because of a labor dispute that has the regular NFL referees locked out by the league. Nevertheless, Eastin's entry into this 92-year-old, male-dominated club is worth celebrating.

But the NFL shouldn't stop with this game. It should give Eastin and other qualified female referees a chance to officiate during the regular season after the labor dispute is resolved.

A 17-year veteran official for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Eastin has primarily been a referee at NCAA Division I football games, a step down from the major-college contests. She is also a former six-time national judo champion, so any linebacker thinking of giving her lip might want to think twice.

Some locked-out referees reportedly refused to train Eastin and other replacements. But that's to be expected in a labor dispute. It is hoped that they would welcome female referees under ordinary circumstances.

Of course, Eastin's performance will be under the microscope, especially after replacement referees made some mistakes Sunday in officiating the annual Hall of Fame game. But she says, "I know what I signed up for."

Players are voicing support for Eastin. "Hats off to her and whoever decided to make it happen," said Packers defensive back Charles Woodson. "A woman is just as capable as a man to do anything," said Chargers receiver Randy McMichael. Yes, all they need is a chance.

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