Responsibilities of NFL Officials
Although the NFL is a competitive face-off between two teams, there is more than just the level of skill, strategy, connection, resilience, and preparation deciding who comes out with the win.
In sports like football, a significant amount of decision-making is put on the officials. However, there has recently been an increase in speculation about whether NFL officials are meeting their standards, due to a lack of communication, consistency, and accuracy. Many players, fans, and coaches have begun to feel that the officials and refs have too much control and power over the game.
In a typical NFL game, there are normally seven officials, consisting of a referee, umpire, down judge, line judge, field, judge, side judge, and back judge. Within these multiple positions, it can be challenging to agree on every call, since some officials may catch something that others did not, and vice versa.
While officials are essential in order to determine penalties, there are frequent instances when illegal moves, plays, and activities go unnoticed rather than called out. However, each official and their different role/ location allow for the best possible and consistent calls to be made.
Referee
The referee is generally located in the offensive backfield, on the right side of the formation. It is typical for the ref to be 15 yards deep, behind the standard tight end position. The ref wears a white cap and is known as the leader of the officiating crew. The role of the ref is to oversee everything that is related to the pace of the game, as well as counting the number of players on the field. The ref is also responsible for determining first downs, including whether a measurement is necessary or not. Most importantly, the ref has the final say on disputed rulings, and is in charge of verbally and visually communicating all fouls to other officials.
Umpire
Also located in the offensive backfield 15 yards deep, outside the general tight end position, the umpire is standing opposite of the referee. As an umpire, a key responsibility is breaking up and digging in piles after fumbles, to determine which team/ player has possession. Another crucial role of the umpire is to mark off penalty yardage, ensuring that it is accurate to the call and ball-mark. The umpire reviews all player's equipment and maintains control of the game by engaging and consulting with players throughout the game as needed.
Back Judge
30 yards downfield, deep in the defensive backfield, the back judge starts between the hash marks. The back judge keeps track of 25- or 40-second game clocks and manages all TV breaks. In charge of counting defensive players on the field, the back judge watches for offensive and defensive holding. The back judge must determine if a receiver has made a legal catch, as they move towards the receiver, once the ball is released for a throw. The back judge will generally locate the primary foul threat by ruling on offensive and defensive pass interference, defensive holding, and illegal contact of eligible receivers.
Down Judge and line judge
Looking directly down the Line of Scrimmage (LOS), located on opposite sidelines, the down judge and line judges are responsible for all rulings on the sideline and play on the nearest half of the field. The down/line judge directs the chain crew and oversees the LOS. They watch for encroachment, offsides, as well as false starts and must also inform the referee of the current down.
Field Judge and side judge
Located in the defensive backfield, 20 yards behind the LOS, the field and side judges are in charge of watching receivers and potential illegal blocking or use of hands. The side judge is located on the same side as the down judge, whereas the field judge is located on the same sideline as the line judge. Both judges here are responsible for determining if runners are in or out of bounds and penalties on the defensive back.