Fitzgerald Cecilio

While a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is being ironed out between the referees and the National Football League, the league will proceed with the immediate hiring of replacement officials to ensure that games push through as scheduled.

"In order to ensure that there is no disruption to NFL games this season we will proceed immediately with the hiring and training of replacement officials," the NFL said in a statement.

"Our goal is to maintain the highest quality of officiating for our teams, players, and fans, including proper enforcement of the playing rules and efficient management of our games," the league added.

The league is looking at retired NCAA officials and officials from small college conferences and arena football for consideration. The training sessions for replacement officials will take place next month.

The league announced earlier that the previous CBA has expired and talks are ongoing to reach a deal before the season starts.

Mediation session has taken place Sunday at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, with the NFL offering a proposal that includes substantial increases in compensation for all game officials.

"Our negotiations with the referees association are continuing and we are optimistic that there will be a successful resolution," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told FOXSports.com.

While talks are ongoing, the league will push through with its earlier plan to hire replacement referees, who were described by NFL Referees Association counsel Mike Arnold as "amateurs".

"It is unfortunate that as referees' responsibilities are expanded that the NFL would jeopardize player health and safety and the integrity of the game by seeking amateur, underqualified referees to administer professional games," Arnold said.

The NFL Referees Association is made up of 121 on-field members, 17 replay officials and more than 100 retired officials.

In 2001, the league used replacement officials for one preseason game, then the first weekend of the regular season.

But after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, a new deal soon was reached that carried through 2005 and another deal was signed in 2006.

NFL to Hire Replacement Referees while CBA Talks Continue - NFL 2012