What are the roles of the different officials in a football game?
During an NFL game, seven officials are on the field at all times, each with a different responsibility. They include: • Referee — This is the head official and has final say on all calls. He is the official that announces all penalties to the crowd. He typically stands behind the quarterback during a play and monitors any illegal activity in the offensive backfield. He is the only referee who wears a white hat instead of a black one. • Umpire — This official stands on the defensive side of the ball near the line of scrimmage and is responsible for monitoring all contact between the offensive and defensive lines. As a result, he will be the official that calls most holding penalties. Also, when it is raining, the umpire wipes the wet ball dry prior to the snap. • Head Linesman — This official stands at the point where the line of scrimmage and the sideline meet and watches for any line of scrimmage violations (offsides, encroachment, etc.). He is also the official who runs in after a p
