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I had this idea a while ago to make reffing more egalitarian.
What if each referee were fitted with a wireless electronic device. I simple three button device.
One for offense, one for defense, one for "No call"
When they noted a foul, they would merely push the appropriate button. The other refs devices would shake or buzz, indicating that they needed to weigh in on the call.
A quick reaction would occur, all 3 refs having weighed in.
If a majority votes either direction, then an automated whistle blows, and play stops to resolve the foul.
If it's really divided, say One offensive, one Defensive, and say the final ref doesn't have line of sight and pushed "No call". Then it would be a "no call" because the people who felt they could see a foul couldn't come to a consensus on who committed the foul.
I think it would cause a lot more situations where you've got two refs who choose "no call" leading to less actual fouls called.
It could totally work for football too, though the number of players and refereesa makes things more difficult, since you've got so many possible fouls on any given play. I'm sure it could be organized though, just would require an additional level of complexity.
