Join the World's #1 Newsletter for Officials

Never miss a beat in the officiating world! Get top news, expert advice, product savings, and more every week.

Becoming an NFL referee is a prestigious and challenging journey that demands a deep understanding of the game, a commitment to fair play, and a passion for football. This comprehensive guide outlines the most common path for someone aspiring to become an NFL referee, detailing the steps, requirements, and the financial aspect of this rewarding career.

Understanding the Role

An NFL referee's role goes beyond simply enforcing the rules. It involves managing the game, ensuring player safety, and upholding the integrity of the sport. Physical fitness, quick decision-making skills, and a profound knowledge of football laws are essential prerequisites for this role.

Step-by-Step Process

Meet the Basic Requirements:some text
- Age: Prospective NFL referees are usually required to be at least 21 years old.
- Fitness: Exceptional physical condition is necessary to keep pace with the high intensity of professional football.
Officiate at Lower Levels:some text
- Begin officiating at lower levels, such as high school or college games, to gain experience and understanding of the game dynamics.
Attend Officiating Clinics:some text
- Participate in officiating clinics organized by football associations or NFL scouting programs to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Apply for NFL Officiating Development Program:some text
- The NFL offers a development program for aspiring officials. Applying to this program can be a crucial step in your journey towards becoming an NFL referee.
Acquire Collegiate Officiating Experience:some text
- Officiate collegiate football games to gain exposure and build a strong officiating portfolio.
Pass the NFL Officiating Exam:some text
- Successfully pass the NFL Officiating Exam, demonstrating your comprehensive understanding of the rules and procedures specific to the professional level.
Gain Experience in the NFL:some text
- Start officiating in lower-profile NFL events, such as preseason games, to gain experience before progressing to regular-season games and playoffs.

Advancement Levels

Entry-Level Official:some text
- Begin officiating lower-profile NFL events to gain experience.
Regular Season Official:some text
- Progress to officiating regular-season games.
Playoff Official:some text
- Officiate playoff games, showcasing your skills at a higher level of competition.
Super Bowl Official:some text
- The pinnacle of an NFL referee's career is officiating the Super Bowl, the grandest stage in professional football.

Salary and Compensation

The compensation for NFL referees is significantly higher compared to lower levels of officiating. Referees are paid on a per-game basis, and their earnings increase as they advance in their officiating careers. While exact figures can vary, NFL referees can earn a substantial income, making it a lucrative career for those passionate about football.

Entry-Level NFL Referee: $3,500 - $6,000 per game.
Experienced NFL Referee: $8,000 - $15,000 per regular-season game, with additional bonuses for playoff and Super Bowl officiating.
If the referee works one game every week they could make anywhere from 70,000 - 250,000 USD (US Dollars) per season on average.

Wrap Up

Becoming an NFL referee is a challenging yet fulfilling journey that requires dedication, continuous learning, and a profound love for the game. From officiating local games to standing on the grand stage of the Super Bowl, the path to becoming an NFL referee is a testament to one's commitment to the sport. As a referee, you hold a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the game, making it a highly rewarding career for football enthusiasts. With the right training, experience, and passion, you can make a significant impact on the world of professional football. Officiate your first NFL game with determination and excellence, and open the doors to a remarkable career in the realm of football officiating.

‍

TestimonialS

Why Assignors Choose Refr Sports

"Referees get paid directly through the platform"

"Referees get paid directly through the platform, relieving me and my sports organizations of the burden of handling payments and tax forms. Once they use it and see how it works, they're so happy and relieved."

Christine Francis

Kansas City Soccer Assignor

"Their customer support is outstanding"

“Refr Sports' customer service and app differentiate them from the rest! All of our emails, phone calls, and requests were answered very quickly. Their customer support is outstanding.”

Kelli Linnerooth

Minneapolis Baseball Sports Organization Head

"Genuine interest in serving the officiating community"

“After researching many different official’s platforms, we decided to work with Refr Sports because of their genuine interest in serving the sports and officiating community."

Jessie Ward

Spokane Sports

"It just works"

"Refr Sports has made things so much easier. The payment process is streamlined, everything is trackable, and officials love the app. Once the word got out, we doubled the number of officials signing up to use the platform. It just works."

Dennis Barela

Behind the Flag | Dream Big Officials

"Helped me schedule my entire season in less than 2 hours "

“The system helped me upload and schedule my entire season in less than 2 hours time! The fee we pay is more than worth it. Switching to Refr has made a night-and-day difference for our organization.”

Megan Jacobson

Catholic Athletic Association

"They’ve been hands-on and supportive from the beginning"

"My league is small, but Refr and their team have given me plenty of attention in helping me get started and feel confident using the system. They’ve been hands-on and supportive from the beginning, and the platform continues to run smoothly."

Steve Gatesman

Arkansas Soccer Assignor

"It makes getting paid super convenient"

"I love tracking my earnings through the mobile app. It makes getting paid super convenient. The new mapping feature has also been a big help!"

Dawson Weleski

Baseball Umpire

"It has eliminated time spent on taxes"

"The billing process has made my officials extremely happy due to the consistency and ability to track it on their phones. It has also saved me a ton of time on the invoicing side and eliminated my time spent on taxes"

Joe Kulas

MinnDak Officials

"I’m telling every assignor I know"

"Refr is something you really need to look into. It’s so much easier than the alternatives, and everyone appreciates what you’re doing with payment automation."