is the guy who runs the NFL stadium jumbotron a league-official, or does he work for the home-team?

The Game Room
1

Just curious, given this hypothetical scenario (involves a replay situation):

This weekend the Patriots play (at home) against the Texans - suppose Tom Brady throws a deep pass to Wes Welker along the sidelines, that is ruled complete.

Those of us at home get to watch CBS run the replay back and forth like it’s the Zapruder film, and I’m presuming the replay gets shown at least once on the “jumbotron” there in the stadium.

To the naked eye, it appears that Welker doesn’t get both feet down in bounds, which would negate the completion. The Texans obviously coach wants to look up and see replay after replay, to see if it warrants throwing the red challenge flag.

Is the person running the big screen an employee of the Patriots (or of the stadium), where he might be more inclined to show a beer commercial, or whatever “LOUDER!!”-graphics he has at his disposal?

Or is it a (supposedly) NFL official running the jumbotron, who would likely give the same opportunity to view replay-after-replay, no matter which team had the chance of gaining some benefit from said replay?

2

I believe (could be wrong here) the the jumbotron is usually operated be a stadium staffer, however, each stadium has coaching booths with replay moniters. Team coachs usually go by what they are told by the guy watching the moniters, rather then what’s shown on the jumbotron.

3

I’m pretty sure the home team is in charge. They usually won’t show reviewable calls for the visiting team, but will for the home team, so the coaches have a chance to take a look.

4

Jumping on board with a very related question: Are there actually rules about what plays can be replayed on the jumbotron? It seems as if they don’t replay many tight calls or controversial ones (like pass interference) or injuries- but is there an actual “code of conduct” for the stadium TVs. I know there is for the music, organ, band, etc. so that is why I ask.