An official in football is in charge of ensuring that the game is played fairly and according to the rules. On every play, he or she gets close to the action to look for rules violations and figure out where the ball should be placed for the next down. A team of referees also works together to keep track of game and play clocks, keep score, and communicate with teams and fans about calls. To maintain authority and ensure fair play, a football official must be attentive, objective, and confident at all times, regardless of the level of play.
A team of five officials is usually on the field for junior league and high school games. Seven officials are typically used in college, amateur, and professional games. The referee is in charge of the team and has final say on all decisions. Back, side, and field judges are stationed deeper in the defensive backfield, while the umpire stays in the middle of the field, just behind the defense. To place the ball after plays, measure first downs, and call offsides and holding penalties, the line judge and head linesman stand opposite each other along the line of scrimmage.
One of the most important qualities for a football official to have is objectivity. Favoring one team or player over another is not only unfair to the opposing team, but also disrespectful to the fans and the sport. Because most officials take their jobs seriously, they are able to maintain their objectivity. Even so, leagues frequently prohibit referees from calling games in their home towns or states in order to avoid playing favorites. During football season, officials from collegiate, adult amateur, and professional leagues frequently travel across large geographic areas.
During a football game, there is so much action that it is possible for a referee to miss a violation or make a bad call. There is little that players, coaches, or fans can do to overturn a decision once it has been made, with the exception of instant replay challenges in some professional leagues. A good football official must be able to handle criticism and jeers and keep his or her cool throughout the game.
The majority of football officials begin their careers as referees in youth leagues or high schools. There are numerous community and regional organizations that can assist a new official in learning about the job’s responsibilities and locating opportunities in his or her area. A football official typically needs several years of experience and a good reputation before moving up to the collegiate or professional level of play. Officials who complete accredited training camps can obtain licensure from some national college systems and private organizations.