How Many Referees Are In The NFL?
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We all know that there are a lot of rules in the NFL. But did you know that there are also a lot of referees? In fact, there are seven officials on the field during every NFL game.
So, how many referees are in the NFL? Well, it depends on how you count them. If you include all of the officials who work on the field, as well as those who work in the booth, there are a total of 121 referees in the NFL.
Number of NFL Referees
The number of NFL referees varies from year to year, but there are typically between 121 and 127 officials in total. In the 2019 season, there were 125 referees. NFL referees are responsible for making sure that the rules of the game are followed during each game. They also make decisions on whether a player has committed a foul, and if so, what type of punishment should be given.
How They Are Selected
The NFL has a system in place to ensure that only the best officials make it to the league. Potential officials must first complete a training program, which includes passing an exam. They must then attend a combine, where they are evaluated on their abilities. The final step is an interview process. Once they have completed all of these steps, they are placed on a list from which the NFL selects officials for each season.
Training and Certification
All NFL referees must have extensive experience officiating at the high school or collegiate level. They must also complete a comprehensive training program administered by the NFL Referee Association. The training program includes written, practical, and physical tests.
Candidates who pass the training program are placed on a waiting list. When an opening for an NFL referee becomes available, the candidates on the waiting list are evaluated and the most qualified candidate is selected for the position.
Game Day Responsibilities
On game day, the NFL employs a total of 121 officials. This includes 7 officials on the field for each game, as well as additional replay and booth officials who oversee the action from the sidelines and press box.
Within those 121 officials, there are a number of different positions responsible for specific aspects of each play. The 7 on-field officials break down like this:
-1 Referee: The head official who is responsible for the general oversight of the game and makes most of the final decisions (e.g., penalties,Clock management, etc.),
-1 Umpire: Lines up in the backfield with the referee and is responsible for making sure that only offensive players are in front of him at the snap,
-1 Head Linesman: Lines up on one end of the line of scrimmage opposite the line judge,
-1 Side Judge:Lines up on one sideline opposite the back judge,
-1 Field Judge:Lines up 20 yards downfield from the head linesman on the same side as the side judge,
-1 Back Judge:Lines up 20 yards deep in his own endzone opposite tothe field judge. Is responsible for monitoring any deep passes or plays near his sideline.
Replay Assistant: There is now officially 1 replay assistant/communicator per game who has a direct link to league offices in New York and can initiate instant replay reviews from upstairs.
Instant Replay Review
In 2017, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the league would begin using Instant Replay Review (IRR) to help officiate games. The system would allow coaches to challenge certain plays, and if the challenge was upheld, the play would be reviewed by a panel of referees.
The panel of referees would then make a decision on whether or not to overturn the call on the field. If the call was reversed, it would be announced to the crowd and broadcast on television.
IRR was first used during the 2017 preseason and then again during Week 1 of the regular season. It was met with mixed reviews from fans and coaches, but it ultimately led to more accurate calls being made during games.
As of 2019, there are 17 referees in the NFL who are responsible for officiating games. Each referee has a specific role on the field and is responsible for different areas of the game.
The head referee is the one who makes most of the calls during a game, including penalties, coin tosses, and fouls. He is also responsible for conferring with other officials when necessary.
The other 16 referees are responsible for specific areas of the game, such as watching for holding or pass interference penalties. Some officials also have specialties, such as working as a field judge or back judge.
At any given time, there are usually 7-8 officials on the field during a game. However, this can vary depending on the seriousness of a play or if there is a injury timeout called.
