Number of Referees in American Football Game

When you watch an American football game, you see a lot of stripes on the field. It is easy to ask, how many referees are there? The short answer: it depends on the level of play, but there are usually seven on-field officials in the NFL, seven or eight in college, and five at many high school games. That basic number can change with league rules, playoffs, and local resources. In this guide, we will break it all down in simple, friendly terms. We will explain the names of each official, what they do, why their number changes, where they stand, and how the off-field support staff like replay officials and chain crews fit into the picture. By the end, you will be able to look at a broadcast and instantly know who is responsible for what—and why.

Referee vs. Officials: The Words Matter

People often call every striped shirt a “referee.” In American football, the word “referee” is actually the title of one specific official, the crew chief in the white hat. Everyone else in the crew is also an official, but they have other position names like umpire, line judge, and back judge. So, when someone asks “how many referees,” they usually mean “how many officials.” The correct answer depends on the league, but it is important to remember that only one of them is technically the Referee, and everyone else has a different role.

How Many Officials Are on the Field?

NFL and Other Pro Leagues

The National Football League uses seven on-field officials. Those seven are the Referee, Umpire, Down Judge, Line Judge, Field Judge, Side Judge, and Back Judge. In addition to those seven, the NFL also has an off-field replay official in the booth and a replay assistant, plus a game clock operator, a play clock operator, medical spotters, and a chain crew on the sideline. On game day, there may also be an alternate on standby in case of injury. Only the seven in stripes on the field make calls live, while the replay official assists with reviews.

The seven-official system covers every part of the play. Two officials focus on the line of scrimmage, three watch the deep areas, and two work in the offensive backfield. The exact mechanics change when the ball is near the goal line or during special teams plays, but the number stays at seven for standard NFL games.

College Football (NCAA)

Most NCAA games use seven on-field officials, just like the NFL. However, many top-level college conferences add an eighth official called the Center Judge. The Center Judge lines up in the offensive backfield and helps with spotting the ball and game flow, especially in fast, no-huddle offenses common in college football. That means you will often see eight officials on the field in major college games.

College games also use a replay official in the booth. Replay can stop the game to review certain plays (and is especially involved in targeting fouls). Replay mechanics and exactly who reviews what can vary by conference, but the idea is the same: the on-field crew makes the initial call, and the booth can correct clear mistakes within the rules.

High School Football

At the high school level, the most common crew has five on-field officials. That is the practical number for many schools because of budget and staffing. In bigger states or for playoff games, you may see six or seven. Some sub-varsity or small programs may use only four. If you see fewer officials than in college or pro games, it is not because the rules are less serious—it is simply a resource choice. The mechanics change to make sure all key areas are still covered as best as possible.

Youth and Recreational Leagues

Youth tackle and flag leagues often use two or three officials. The field is smaller, the plays are simpler, and safety is the top priority. The crew size fits the level of play. You may not see deep sideline officials or a back judge in these games, but the referees will still work to watch the line, the runner, and basic fouls in a safe and efficient way.

The Seven On‑Field Positions Explained

Referee (White Hat)

The Referee is the crew chief. He or she wears the white cap and stands in the offensive backfield, usually behind and to the right of the quarterback for a right-handed QB. The Referee is responsible for the overall game management: announcing penalties, signaling first downs, and making final decisions after the crew discusses a play. The Referee focuses on the quarterback, roughing the passer, and actions that affect the integrity of the play behind the line. When you hear the microphone come on, it is usually the Referee speaking to the stadium and the broadcast.

Umpire

The Umpire watches the middle of the field. At many levels, the Umpire sets up near the linebackers or just behind the defensive line, though exact positioning can vary by league for safety. The Umpire monitors blocking at the line, holding, illegal hands to the face, chop blocks, and player equipment. The Umpire also helps with the spot of the ball, measures for first downs, and counts players. In short, the Umpire lives in the “trenches” and sees the tough, physical actions that are hard to spot from the sideline.

Down Judge

The Down Judge stands on one sideline at the line of scrimmage. This position used to be called the Head Linesman. The Down Judge works with the chain crew, marks the forward progress when a runner goes out of bounds on that side, and watches for offsides, encroachment, false starts, and illegal motion. The Down Judge also helps determine whether a pass is forward or backward and whether it is a legal forward pass. Because the chains are on this side, the Down Judge is often central in close spots for a first down.

Line Judge

The Line Judge stands opposite the Down Judge, also at the line of scrimmage. Together, these two keep a clean line before the snap, confirm legal formations, watch the tackle-box area, and assist on plays that break toward their sideline. The Line Judge also helps with substitution issues and can assist in counting the offensive players. On quick screens and out routes near the line, the Line Judge has key responsibilities on whether the pass is forward and whether the ball crosses the line of scrimmage.

Field Judge

The Field Judge is one of the deep officials, positioned on a sideline 20–25 yards downfield. The Field Judge watches deep routes, pass interference, illegal contact, and sideline plays on that side. On deep passes and goal-line plays that come to that side, the Field Judge helps rule on catches, whether the receiver was in bounds, and whether the ball broke the plane of the goal line. The Field Judge also assists on kickoff and punt coverage, taking the deep half of the field on that sideline.

Side Judge

The Side Judge stands opposite the Field Judge on the other sideline, also at a deeper depth. The Side Judge has similar duties: monitor deep routes, contact, and sideline plays, and assist with spot of the ball and momentum near the goal line. On long runs, the Side Judge trails the play and helps cover action behind the ball while keeping an eye on blocks and potential fouls. Together with the Field Judge, the Side Judge provides a full view of downfield action that the line officials cannot see.

Back Judge

The Back Judge sets up deep in the middle of the field. This official watches the middle third on pass plays, counts the defense, and keeps the play clock. The Back Judge helps with coverage on tight ends and slot receivers who run deeper routes and is critical on plays where the ball is thrown into the end zone. The Back Judge also rules on touchbacks and fair catch signals on punts and kickoffs.

Center Judge (College, When Used)

In many college games, there is an eighth official called the Center Judge. This official stands in the offensive backfield opposite the Referee and speeds up the spotting of the ball. The Center Judge is especially helpful in hurry-up offenses, ensuring a quick, consistent pace without sacrificing accuracy or safety. While not used in the NFL, this role is common in top-level college football.

Where Each Official Stands, and Why

Officials choose positions to create clean sight lines. Before the snap, the Referee and Umpire are in or near the backfield to watch quarterback actions and line play. The Down Judge and Line Judge are right on the line of scrimmage to keep formations legal and watch for movement. The Field Judge, Side Judge, and Back Judge create a triangle deep downfield to catch interference, illegal contact, and sideline boundary issues.

These positions change with the situation. Inside the red zone, deep officials come closer to the goal line. On short-yardage plays, the line officials and Umpire tighten up. On punts, kickoffs, and field goals, officials rotate so that someone is under the posts, someone is on the line, and others are trailing the return. All of this is planned so that every angle is covered, and two or more officials can triangulate the most important calls.

Why Football Uses So Many Officials

Football is complex. Twenty-two players move in different directions. The ball can be run, passed, or lateraled. Legal blocks look a lot like illegal ones to the untrained eye. Add in sideline boundaries and the goal line, and you need many sets of eyes. Each official specializes in part of the field and type of action. That specialization makes the game safer and fairer.

Another reason is the angle. Many penalties are not visible from certain spots. Holding is easier to see from the side or behind, not straight on. Pass interference requires a clear look at both receiver and defender. The number of officials gives you those angles. It also lets the crew manage the clock, substitutions, chains, and communication while keeping the game moving.

How Responsibilities Shift During Different Plays

Passing Plays

On a pass, the Referee watches the quarterback. The Umpire watches the pocket and blocks. The Line Judge and Down Judge watch the line for illegal contact on receivers near the line, plus any ineligible receivers going downfield illegally. The deep officials—Back Judge, Field Judge, Side Judge—take zones of receivers downfield. They watch for defensive pass interference, offensive pass interference, illegal contact beyond five yards where applicable, and whether the catch is complete with required feet in bounds. If two officials have a view, they will confer to confirm control and the spot.

Running Plays

On a run, the line officials watch the line for holding and illegal blocks. The Umpire follows the point of attack, looking for grabs or hooks that give the runner unfair help. The Referee trails the run, looking at action behind the ball and for late hits or hits on the quarterback after handoff or fake. Deep officials collapse toward the runner to help with forward progress and dead-ball action. If the runner approaches a sideline, the nearest sideline official has primary responsibility for the spot, while others backfill to cover blocks and potential fouls behind the play.

Scrimmage Kicks (Punts)

On punts, one deep official moves downfield to cover the catch point, another trails the returner, and the Back Judge often handles fair catch signals. The line officials watch for players crossing the line early and monitor contact on the line. The Referee and Umpire watch for contact on the punter and protect the kicker. Once the kick is away, officials shift to cover blocking during the return, especially blindside blocks and illegal blocks in the back.

Field Goals and Extra Points

For field goals and extra points, two officials take positions under the uprights to judge whether the kick is good. The Referee watches the holder and kicker for roughing or running into the kicker. The line officials watch the line of scrimmage for illegal formations and abrupt movement. If the kick is short and returnable, the deep officials switch to return coverage quickly.

Kickoffs

On kickoffs, deep officials set up downfield to watch the ball land and the return action, while others position along the restraining lines to watch for offsides by the kicking team and illegal blocks by the return team. With so many players moving at full speed, multiple officials are needed to track lanes, blocks, and the runner’s progress safely.

Replay, Challenges, and the Booth

How It Works in the NFL

In the NFL, coaches can challenge certain plays by throwing a red flag. Each team gets two challenges and earns a third if both are successful. In the final two minutes of each half and in overtime, reviews come from the replay booth. Scoring plays and turnovers are automatically reviewed. The replay official, along with the league’s centralized replay center, reviews the video and communicates with the Referee on the field. The Referee then announces the decision. The goal is to correct clear and obvious mistakes, not to re-officiate close judgment calls like most holding or pass interference calls.

Replay in College Football

College football uses a booth-initiated replay system in most Division I games. The replay official can stop the game to review a play. Targeting fouls receive special attention, and the booth can confirm, overturn, or pick up such flags based on video. Some conferences allow coaches’ challenges as well, but the booth still controls most reviews. The number of on-field officials (seven or eight) does not change because of replay; replay is an added layer of correction.

High School and Youth

Most high school games do not use replay. A few state championships at large venues may experiment with it, but the standard is that the on-field call stands. Youth leagues almost never have replay. This is one reason high school mechanics are designed to put officials in good positions with the smaller crew sizes they have.

“Sky Judge” and Experimental Ideas

Some professional spring leagues have tested a “sky judge” or a dedicated video official who can fix certain calls in real time. These ideas aim to reduce delays while fixing obvious mistakes. The NFL has tried limited experiments, but the standard NFL season still uses the seven on-field officials with a replay official, not an extra video referee calling plays live.

Game Management: The Helpers You See but Don’t Always Notice

Chain Crew and Line-to-Gain Equipment

The chain crew on the sideline is not part of the officiating crew, but they are essential. They hold the yardsticks that mark ten yards for a first down and the down marker that shows the current down. The Down Judge works closely with them to keep the chains accurate. On close plays, the crew may bring the chains onto the field for a measurement. Even with modern technology, the physical chains remain the official standard in many leagues.

Clock Operators

A separate clock operator runs the game clock, and another person often handles the play clock. They are not on the field, but they are vital. The Back Judge and the on-field crew also keep an eye on these clocks. If there is a timing error, the Referee can correct it. Smooth clock work keeps games flowing and prevents confusion at the end of halves.

Ball Persons and Kicking Balls

Ball persons make sure a new ball is ready so the game does not slow down. In the NFL, there are special kicking balls that are kept separate and only come into play for punts, kickoffs, and field goals. The officials and ball persons coordinate to swap balls quickly and cleanly. This job is routine but crucial in poor weather or fast-paced offenses.

Medical Spotters

At higher levels, certified athletic trainers and medical spotters watch from the booth and the sideline. If they see a player who may be injured, especially with a head or neck concern, they can stop the game to remove the player for evaluation. The officiating crew cooperates with medical staff to keep the game safe.

How Officials Communicate

Hand Signals and Microphones

Football officials use standardized hand signals for every foul and ruling: holding, pass interference, roughing the passer, offsides, and many more. The Referee uses a microphone to announce the foul, the number of the player when required, and the penalty enforcement. These clear signals and announcements let fans and teams understand what happened without reading lips or guessing.

Flags, Beanbags, and Hats

Every official carries a yellow flag for live-ball fouls. When they see a foul, they throw the flag at or toward the spot, or to a safe area if the spot is in traffic. Beanbags mark spots like a fumble location or where a punt is first touched. Officials may also throw their hat to mark when a player steps out of bounds or when they have used their flag already. These simple tools help the crew reconstruct the play correctly when they discuss the ruling.

Radios and Crew Headsets

At top levels, officials use wireless communication systems. This lets them warn each other about potential fouls, confirm counts, and coordinate complex plays without huddling as often. Good communication cuts down on confusion and speeds up corrections when something odd happens, like a double change of possession or a loose ball with multiple touching spots.

How Crews Are Assigned and Trained

The Path to the Top

Most officials start in youth or high school games. They learn rules, positioning, and people skills. Many move up to small college conferences, then to larger ones, and a few reach the professional level. At each step, they take tests, attend clinics, and get evaluated by observers who grade their performance on film. They specialize in a position—Referee, Umpire, and so on—and master that role.

Grading and Consistency

Leagues grade every game. Missed calls, correct flags, positioning, and communication all count. Consistency is the goal. If a certain type of foul is called one way in September and another in December, teams and fans lose trust. Training helps crews stay on the same page, especially when rules points of emphasis change from year to year.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

Is There Only One Referee?

Yes. There is only one Referee per crew, and that person wears the white hat. The others are officials with different titles. All seven (or eight in some college games) are equally important for a fair contest, but the Referee is the voice of the crew and makes final announcements.

Why Does the Number of Officials Change?

The number changes to fit the game’s speed, budget, and needs. The NFL uses seven because the athletes are faster and plays are more complex. College games often use eight for pace-of-play. High schools use five or fewer because of cost and staffing. The mechanics adapt so that coverage is always as complete as possible.

Do Officials Decide the Outcome?

Officials enforce the rules; they do not pick winners. Their job is to apply the rules consistently. While a single call can feel huge, crews aim to be accurate and invisible. Replay exists to fix clear errors. Over many plays, consistent officiating protects fairness and safety.

Why Not Add Even More Officials?

There is a trade-off. Too many bodies on the field can get in the way. Each new official must have a clear role that does not overlap too much with others. Seven or eight has proven to be a good balance for high-level football, with replay as a backstop.

A Short History of Crew Sizes

Early football used only three or four officials. As the forward pass became central, leagues added deep officials to watch downfield action. Over decades, the modern seven-official crew became the standard at the professional level. College adopted seven and later added the Center Judge in many conferences. High schools have expanded crews where possible, especially for playoffs. The direction of change has been steady: more eyes as the game demands it, but with careful thought to mechanics and safety.

Spotting Officials During a Broadcast

Here are quick tips for recognizing who is who. Look for the white hat—that is the Referee. The two officials on the line at the snap are the Down Judge and Line Judge. One deep in the middle is the Back Judge. The two deep on the sidelines are the Field Judge and Side Judge. The Umpire is near the line but not on it, watching interior action. If you see an eighth official in college standing in the offensive backfield opposite the Referee, that is the Center Judge. With this simple checklist, you can watch any play and know which stripes have primary responsibility.

What Officials Look for on Every Play

Each official has a mental checklist. Count players. Confirm the down and distance. Look for substitutions. Make sure formations are legal. Watch the snap and immediate action. Turn eyes to zones based on the play’s development. Then, after the play ends, look for late hits, dead-ball fouls, and sportsmanship. This routine keeps the game clean and predictable. It is also why a crew needs multiple people—no single pair of eyes can watch all of that at once.

How Penalties Are Announced and Enforced

When an official sees a foul, they throw a flag and keep officiating the play. After the whistle, the crew meets quickly to share information. The calling official explains the foul, the spot, and whether the ball was live or dead. The Referee decides enforcement under the rules and then announces the penalty. The line officials and Umpire move the ball to the correct spot. Good crews do this quickly and consistently so the game keeps moving and both teams understand exactly what happened.

Why Angles and Mechanics Matter

Imagine two players hand-fighting for position downfield. From behind, it looks like the receiver is being held. From the side, you might see the receiver pushing off. From the front, you can judge who initiated contact and whether the ball was catchable. That is why the crew uses different angles. Without multiple officials, judgment would be poor. With proper mechanics, the crew can triangulate complex plays and make fair decisions more often.

Safety and the Role of Officials

Officials are not only rule enforcers; they are safety guardians. They watch for illegal hits, especially to the head and neck area. They protect defenseless players like quarterbacks after a throw, receivers during a catch, and kickers and holders on kicks. They can stop the game for injuries and ensure that equipment is legal and safe. The number of officials helps share this load so one person is not responsible for everything.

Putting It All Together: A Typical Play

Picture a first-and-10 at midfield. The offense lines up. The Down Judge and Line Judge check for seven men on the line, watch for motion, and verify the correct formation. The Referee and Umpire eye the backfield and line. The deep officials check their zones and look for potential mismatches. At the snap, the quarterback drops back. The Referee focuses on the passer. The Umpire checks for holding inside. The deep officials pivot with the receivers. The Line Judge tracks the line for a forward pass. A receiver catches the ball near the sideline. The Side Judge rules feet in bounds, the Field Judge helps with control, and the Back Judge checks for contact and play clock. The play ends. The nearest official spots the ball, the Down Judge checks the chains, and the Referee sets the next down. Every person had a clear job. This is why seven (or eight) officials are necessary at higher levels.

Conclusion: The Right Number for the Right Game

So, how many referees are in an American football game? For the NFL, it is seven on-field officials, with replay and support off the field. In college, it is usually seven, and often eight with a Center Judge. In high school, five is common, with variations from four to seven. Youth games may have two or three. The key is not the exact number, but the coverage those officials provide. Each position has a purpose, each angle complements the others, and the crew works as one unit to keep the game fair, safe, and on schedule.

Now when you watch a game, you can spot the Referee in the white hat, the Umpire watching the trenches, the line officials keeping the snap honest, and the deep officials patrolling the airspace. You will understand why certain calls come from certain spots and how replay fits in. Most of all, you will see that the stripes are not random—they are a carefully designed team built to handle a fast, complex sport. That is the story behind the number of referees in American football.