Officials

The officials represent the league at any football match. They control the game and compliance of the rules. A team consists of seven or eight judges with certain responsibilities.

The main and important official is the referee. It runs together with all players inside the field. A referee is a supervisor who communicates with outside colleagues and makes decisions about penalties, fouls or any other situation. The judge also controls a number of offensive players. It stands behind the offensive part of the team. During each play referee concentrates on roughing fouls. Especially this is true for the quarterback and defensive attempts to destroy the plan.

Umpire is opposite to the referee. It is responsible for the count of defensive formations and the legality of blocks. Umpire can signal to the referee if the play becomes dangerous.

More linemen work outside the field. The down and line judges work in pairs on each side. They signal referee if the player or/and the ball left the bounds and about all fouls close to the borders. Side judge rules on all offensive activity near the sideline. Field judge has similar responsibilities but it also points if the field goal is successful. The back judge covers the middle zone between itself and the umpire judge. The latest is the center judge, who works as reserve umpire. Sometimes, it substitutes the referee if it is injured or needs help.