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The phrase “practice makes perfect” has been uttered in sporting circles since the beginning of time.

Usually, though, it’s reserved for those competing, and rarely do you ever hear it used when it comes to those tasked with keeping order and making sure the playing field is fair for both sides.

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CFL v-p of officiating Glen Johnson wants to change that.

For far too long, referees have been relying on the same tools — mainly film work and off-field preparation — to improve and get better.

You’ll often hear players and coaches use the practice-rep crutch, especially when it comes to vital positions such as quarterback, and it makes sense.

With the idea that nothing is more vital than mistake-free officiating, Johnson desperately continues to seek out live reps and worthwhile simulations for the 43 three-down officials under his guidance.

“It’s hard for us to get better and it’s hard for us to practise, beyond the things we’ve been doing for a long time,” Johnson admitted Wednesday afternoon at McMahon Stadium, shortly after walking the Calgary Stampeders coaching staff through recently-announced rule changes and tweaks to video review for the upcoming 2016 season. “We look at more film, we look at different and better ways to get better, but, at the end of the day, it’s hard for us to practise. It doesn’t matter what league you’re in, officials can’t get together and go down to the field and practise — we need live snaps.