The Third Team on the Field

The third team on the field at all times just happens to wear stripes. They are the officials who enforce and interpret the rules of the game. In rewatching games I have frequently tended to block out the officials as if they're not there, like some kind of visual disturbance causing a blind spot. This is clearly a mistake because the officials on the field play a huge part in the outcome in both major and subtle ways (Ed Hochuli anyone?)  For instance, most teams have a play which uses the umpire as a pick on passes across the middle to brush off the linebacker. It can be effective too. 

Since it's early in the year, I thought I'd review the roles of the team of officials in the game, understanding that this is probably boringly simplistic for our sophisticated readers at MHR.

There are seven officials on the field in NFL games (there may only be six in some NCAA or high school games). I will go through each one and their responsibilities so that we have a common ground to evaluate their performance during games.

Referee: This is the big cheese and leader of the team. He is responsible for control and oversight of the game. The rules are to ensure a fair competition and to prevent players from injury and he is the authority for the rules. He is also the final authority for the score of the game. If a disagreement arises among the officials he is the final arbiter for the decision. In his leadership role, he frequently gets opinions from several officials to get the complete picture before deciding the ruling.

It is his responsibility to announce all penalties and confer with the team captains and/or coach to explain the penalty. He has hand signals to describe each penalty uniquely so the fans know nonverbally what has been called. This was necessary since he couldn't easily be heard throughout a stadium before the onset of microphones.

Before the snap of the ball he positions himself 10-12 yards behind the line of scrimage and tends to stand to the same side as the quarterback's throwing arm. That is, right handed he'll favor the right side of the offensive line, left handed, the opposite. It is his responsibility to monitor any illegal hits on the quarterback, blocks, holding, and whether a pass is forward or a lateral behind the line of scrimage.

It is his responsibility to bring the chains in to measure for a first down by requesting the head linesman to have them brought onto the field of play.  He also notifies the head coach if any player is disqualified for unsportsman like conduct or contact with an official, etc.

Umpire: His responsibility is for the legality of equipment as well as watching along the line of scrimage for any illegality.  He counts the offensive players to ensure they have no more than eleven on the field prior to the snap of the ball.

His position prior to the start of a play is 5-6 yards off the line of scrimage on the defensive side of the ball fairly near the center of the line. He has to be quite athletic and have quick feet to move out of the way of both offensive and defensive players once the play begins to avoid being trampeled or influencing the outcome.

His main focus of attention is the lineman on both sides of the ball. All contact must be fair and within the rules along the line. For this reason, most holding calls and chop block calls are made by the umpire.

He assists the referee on decisions regarding possession of the ball in proximity to the line of scrimage, such as fumbles.

He records timeouts, the winner of the coin toss, and also all scores.  He monitors offensive linemen during pass attempts to ensure they are not illegally downfield. He is also responsible for drying the football before the snap if it's raining.

Head Linesman: This official may be on either side of the field depending on where the referee chooses. He straddles the line of scrimage before the play to watch for any infraction such as offsides, false starts, illegal man downfield, quarterback passing beyond the line of scrimage, etc.

He is responsible for ruling on out of bounds plays on his side of the field.

He is the direct authority for the chain crews and grabs the chains when measuring for first downs.  It is he who usually runs in at the end of the play and places his foot to show forward progress of the ball.

He assists the line judge (who is directly opposite him on the other side of the field) with illegal motion, illegal shifts and formation infractions.  He is also responsible for knowing who are eligible receivers prior to every play, and he is the one reported to when a receiver becomes eligible (tackle eligible plays).

Line Judge: He serves a parallel role opposite from the head linesman covering his side of the field. He assists the umpire with watching for illegal use of hands on the end of the line and is especially counted on during kicks and punts. He watches for forward laterals, for the quarterback crossing the line of scrimage and motion calls. He is responsible to see that none of the ends move downfield before the ball is kicked.

One of his great responsibilities is to supervise the game clock and the timing of the game. If the game clock becomes inoperative, he is the official time keeper. He notifies the referee when a period has ended as well as the two minute warning.  He notifies coaches when halftime is done and when it's time to return to the field.

Back Judge: He sets up on the visitors side of the field and positions himself about 20 yards deep in the defensive backfield where he is responsible for viewing the action between the umpire and the field judge. Specifically he's looking at the action of receivers and defenders for interference, illegal contact etc. He rules on pass completions and also is responsible for clipping calls on kicks and punts.

During field goals and extra points he stands under the goalposts with the field judge to rule if the kicks are good.

Field Judge: He lines up 20 yards deep on the home teams side of the field and performs the same duties as the back judge on his side.  He additionally has the responsibility for the 40/25 second clock. After a play the team has 40 seconds to start their next play, 25 seconds if there is a stoppage due to incomplete pass, time out or other situation.

It is his responsibility to count the defensive players before the snap and ensure there aren't more than 11.

Side Judge: In 1978 the NFL added this official due to the number of pass plays that occurred during games to help with seeing infractions down the field.  He positions himself 20 yards deep in the defensive backfield usually opposite the field judge to monitor pass plays and long runs. 

During field goals and extra points he stands under the goal posts next to the umpire to see if a kick is good.

As you can see there are plenty of responsibilities for officials to be aware of during a game. They too sometimes get caught up in the excitement and really have to focus on being in the present to keep their wits together and call a good game. Next time you watch a game, don't completely ignore the third team -- enjoy their coordination and professionalism. They keep the game fair so that we may enjoy a great sport.