NFL Back Judge

Industry:
Sports
Last Updated:
September 19, 2023

Job Description Overview

As an essential member of the officiating crew, an NFL Back Judge plays a crucial role in ensuring the fairness and integrity of professional football games. In their job, they are responsible for monitoring the actions of the team during gameplay and making calls concerning passes, fouls, and penalties, among other things. Their primary objective is to uphold the rules and regulations defined by the NFL and maintain a fair competition, where both teams have equal opportunities to win.

To carry out their duties effectively, a Back Judge is equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the sport, its rules and regulations, and the latest technology for monitoring games. They must be able to make quick and accurate decisions in high-pressure scenarios, often with limited information available. Additionally, they should have excellent communication skills, as they work in close collaboration with other officials on the field.

Overall, holding an NFL Back Judge job description requires a passion for the sport, a sharp mind, and a deep commitment to holding the highest standards of fairness and professionalism.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • NFL back judges are responsible for observing and enforcing rules during football games.
  • They monitor the wide receivers and tight ends and ensure they are not committing any penalties.
  • They help determine whether or not a pass is complete or incomplete by watching where the receiver caught the ball.
  • NFL back judges also play a key role in determining if a player has possession of the ball before it touches the ground.
  • They are responsible for counting the number of players on the field during the game, making sure each team has the correct amount.
  • They communicate with other officials on the field to make sure penalties are being accurately called.
  • Back judges signal when a touchdown is scored, and they assist the referee with the placement of the ball for the next play.
  • During kicks, they are responsible for determining if the ball goes through the uprights or if it is a missed field goal.
  • NFL back judges must be physically fit and have excellent vision to perform their duties effectively.

Experience and Education Requirements

To become an NFL Back Judge, you need to have a good mix of education and experience. Firstly, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Then, you need to go to college and get a degree in a subject like sports management or physical education. It’s also good to have played football or been a referee in high school or college. After that, you need to gain experience by working as a referee in small leagues. This will help you learn the trade, get better at decision-making, and develop your communication skills. With enough experience, you can try out for the NFL and hope to make it as a Back Judge.

Salary Range

An NFL Back Judge is responsible for overseeing the defensive backfield of an NFL game, working with a team of referees to ensure that the game runs smoothly. The expected salary range for an NFL Back Judge is around $25,000 to $70,000 per year, with the median salary falling around $45,000 per year. This can vary depending on experience and seniority level. 

In the United States, the NFL Back Judge average salary is around $63,000 according to Glassdoor. Union contracts between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association also impact salaries in a given year. In Canada, a similar position - the Canadian Football League Back Judge - has an average salary of around CAD $130,000 per year. It's important to note that these salaries do not include any additional benefits like health insurance, retirement plans or travel expenses. 

Sources:

  • https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/nfl-back-judge-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
  • https://www.overtimeheroics.net/2020/01/20/cfl-officials-and-coaches-salaries/
  • https://www.referee.com/nfl-xfl-referees-will-continue-receive-paychecks-despite-seasons-ending/

Career Outlook

The career outlook for an NFL Back Judge in the sports industry looks to remain stable over the next five years. The demand for officials is growing due to the expansion of various football leagues, including the XFL and CFL. Additionally, the NFL is consistently increasing its number of games per season. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for referees and umpires are expected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029. The NFL Back Judge is a vital position in ensuring that the game is played fairly and safely. Given this, the outlook for this particular position is promising. If you're interested in becoming an NFL Back Judge, you can start by gaining experience as a high school or college official.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the job of an NFL Back Judge?

A: The NFL Back Judge is a member of the officiating crew responsible for monitoring the activity between the last defender on defense and the first potential receiver downfield on offense. Their primary role is enforcing penalties and making calls on actions near the line of scrimmage or in the backfield.

Q: What kind of training and knowledge are needed to become an NFL Back Judge?

A: A deep understanding of football rules and a thorough knowledge of the game is required. Typically, NFL officials have officiated high school and college games for at least a few years before they gain eligibility for the NFL. They also undergo regular training and evaluations throughout the season.

Q: What are some of the challenges faced by an NFL Back Judge?

A: One of the main challenges of an NFL Back Judge is moving quickly enough to keep up with the pace of the game, while also observing the field from a proper perspective to make accurate calls. They also have to deal with noise from the crowd, potential interference from objects on the field, and other distractions.

Q: How much do NFL Back Judges get paid?

A: The salary of an NFL Back Judge depends on their years of experience and the number of games they work. According to reports, rookie officials may earn around $78,000 per year, while veteran officials could earn up to $205,000 per year.

Q: What are some of the qualifications that an NFL Back Judge must meet?

A: To qualify as an NFL Back Judge, you must be between 25 and 70 years of age, pass a physical exam, and be in excellent physical condition. You must also possess excellent communication skills, have the ability to make split-second decisions, and have a strong attention to detail.


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