The NFL's officiating crews also have a unique situation—they're the only such crew in professional sports that aren't employed full-time. All of them hold down jobs away from the game. Here's a peek at those men behind the whistle and the work that they do away from the game.
How many referees make up an NFL crew?
This year's crew for Super Bowl LVI — made up of eight officials, as usual — has worked a combined seven Super Bowls. For four of the referees, this is their first Super Bowl assignment. The crew chief, Torbert, will be officiating his first Super Bowl.
How many refs are in a crew?
In gridiron football, an official is a person who has responsibility in enforcing the rules and maintaining the order of the game. During professional and most college football games, seven officials operate on the field.
What jobs do NFL referees have?
For the majority of officials, being a referee is only their side job. Primary Occupation: Civil litigator at a Phoenix law firm.
Are NFL refs a full-time job?
Is refereeing in the NFL a full-time job? Working as an NFL referee is a part-time job. They do not receive insurance benefits because of this, but they do have a 401k plan with a partial matching contribution. Additionally, the NFL Referees Association represents them.
23 related questions foundWhat's an NFL referee get paid?
NFL Referee Salary Per Game – 2022
It's estimated that in 2019, the average NFL referee made $205,000 per season. This is a significant increase over the previous year's earnings of around $150,000. NFL referees are not paid per match that they play. Referees receive a season-long fixed fee plus a per-game bonus.
What is the highest paid NFL referee?
Brad Allen and Walter Anderson are the highest-paid NFL referees for the 2020-21 season. Sarah Thomas is one of the best-paid women referees in the NFL. According to a TSM Sportz report, a women referee earns a maximum of $1.5k for an NFL match and $5k maximum if they get selected for the Super Bowl.
How many hours a week do NFL refs work?
Ed Hochuli, who heads the NFLRA, goes through a typical NFL week. "It varies a little bit from official to official, depending upon the position," Hochuli said. "I'm a referee and spend about 15 hours a week reviewing video tape.
Do NFL referees have other careers?
They are paid well, but most of them have "day" jobs during the week and throughout the offseason. Some, including referees Walt Anderson and Terry McAulay, are officiating supervisors at the college level. Others have careers entirely unrelated to football.
What is the C referee in football?
The position will be called center judge -- the new official will wear a “C” on his back --and be located in the offensive backfield opposite the referee.
What are the 7 officials in football?
American football officials are commonly referred to as referees, but each has a title based on their position. They consist of: Referee, Head Linesman, Line Judge, Umpire, Back Judge, Side Judge, and Field Judge.
What do NFL refs wear on their hands?
Farmer: Those wristbands are to remind officials of the down, where the ball should be spotted relative to the hash marks and even which team has possession. The wristband has a string on it that can be looped around a finger.
How do you become an NFL referee?
There are no specific educational requirements to become an NFL referee, though it is expected, that they would have passed high school and would have a bachelor's degree. NFL referees need to have at least 10 years of officiating experience in football games.
How much do Waterboys make in the NFL?
On average, NFL waterboys make $53,000 per year (according to Stack.com). However, that's just the salary for beginners. For professionals, their salary can be higher as any other highest paid NFL waterboy.
How much does a NFL ref make an hour?
NFL referee average salary
NFL referees now make an annual salary of $205,000, an increase of around $56,000 from their previous amount. In comparison, the average referee outside of the NFL makes around $16.26 per hour .
How much does a Super Bowl Ref make?
More pressure, more pay
The NFL has not freely given out the figures, but according to the most recent reports, referees were estimated to bring in between $30,000 and $50,000 for officiating in the big game in 2018, so it is likely that this rate has gone up or at least is in this ballpark for Super Bowl LVI.
Do NFL referees fly first class?
Refs are required to arrive at least 24 hours before a game. They fly first-class and the league covers all their travel expenses.
Do NFL refs pay their own travel expenses?
Do NFL refs Pay Their Own Travel Expenses? Since referees have to spend a lot of time traveling to games throughout the NFL season, they do receive a stipend to cover their travel expenses, but the amount of the stipend is not publicly available.
What do SEC referees get paid?
They do not earn salaries; instead, they are paid per game. The top football conferences, including the Southeastern Conference, pay their officials the highest compensation in the FBS. In the SEC, football officials are typically paid between $800 and $3,000 per game.
What do NFL refs do at halftime?
At halftime, officials are given the opportunity to communicate in the privacy of the locker room and take time to discuss the events of the first half. The officials can also use that time to refocus and concentrate on making the second half of the game even better.
What do NFL refs do in offseason?
During the offseason, the NFL holds two clinics to get on the same page with its officials. The first focuses on new rules, physical assessments and administrative changes. The second features written exams, testing their knowledge of the rules, mechanics for their positions and on-field mobility.
How do NFL refs stay warm?
 The NFL issued their officials the latest in cold weather undergarments, a foul weather hood (like a ski mask), and a waist pouch to help keep their hands warm.
What is Sarah Thomas salary?
Sarah Thomas is the highest paid female referee bringing in close to $250,000 per year as an NFL official.
How much does a NFL cheerleader make?
According to information from various data sources, the average NFL cheerleader salary is $150 per game day. They also receive about $50 – $75 for one public appearance. The cheerleaders' job is more like performing. To get those sexy and hot performances, they had to go through a lot of things.
Who is the highest paid NFL player?
NFL's highest-paid players 2022
- Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers. Annual salary: $50.3 million. ...
- Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs. Annual salary: $45 million. ...
- Josh Allen, QB, Bills. Annual salary: $43 million. ...
- Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys. ...
- Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans. ...
- Russell Wilson, QB, Broncos. ...
- Jared Goff, QB, Lions. ...
- Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings.
