When I think about how NFL referees train, it always baffles me. Referees are such an integral part of the NFL that I feel like nobody stops to consider how much work goes into their preparation. I mean, these are professionals who can manage the chaotic, cutthroat, 240-minute showdown called an NFL game. It is honestly pretty mind-boggling.
To me, it seems like referees have to enter a whole different realm of concentration and preparation when training for an NFL game. They must understand all the rules, protocols, and etiquette that a referee must observe. Many NFL referees come from college, and it is in those college years that referees must be trained and tested for their future career in the NFL.
Not only are referees trained in the rules, but they must also be trained to be objective and disciplined during games that can bring out intense emotions. To be a professional NFL referee means to bravely call out players and coaches who step out of line. Referees must put the game first and only see the scoreboard, not the people in the action. The NFL takes a lot of pride in their referees, and with that pride comes a high standard of training.
After their college training, NFL referees acquire a special endorsement from the NFL upon their first game. Getting that endorsement is like getting the golden ticket. It takes time, dedication, and an incredible understanding of the NFL rulebook which is filled with dozens of subtle rules and some definite grey areas.
From rigorous training camps to getting up to speed on the latest rule changes, NFL referees invest hours of time preparing for each game. New referees receive hands-on guidance from experienced referees including simulations of what could happen during an actual game. Not only do they need to be aware of the in-game rules, they also need to know when to call a violation. In-depth communication and leadership courses also prepare referees to interact with players and successfully guide plays and time outs.
Although NFL referees must research on the fly and use their brains and brawn to become the best in the business, I’m even more impressed by their ability to keep a level head and stay focused on the game at hand. They must put aside their own personal opinions and look at the game with a critical eye. Referees are called upon to rule on plays, and they do it with dignity and confidence.
Before they step onto the field, referees must have a plan. The NFL mandates that referees make available the play information and statistics from the previous year. Referees go over each play, discussing the implications of their decisions. They also review strategies that coaches and players use to evaluate certain situations and determine how those decisions might affect the outcome of the game.
Not only are referees trained on what to do in pressure-filled moments, but they are also taught what not to do. It is essential for referees to have an understanding of a town’s culture so they can avoid any potential conflict. In addition to their officiating duties, referees must remain socially aware and respected by coaches, players, and fans.
I guess you could say that the training for a successful NFL referee is beyond football. Referees must have a sharp mind and quick wit to understand the complex yet sometimes conical laws of the NFL rulebook. They must also be physically fit, able to move quickly and make decisions on the fly. Good referees are also able to separate their feelings from the game by recognizing what is in the best interest of the sport.
When it comes to team sports, referees are truly the unsung heroes. Like any other profession, they must constantly train to stay on top of their knowledge. Dealing with every coach’s ego and understanding the nuances of the game isn’t easy. A referee’s job is both a science and an art, and to do it well takes a special kind of person.
No two referees are the same, and that’s what makes their job so difficult. Each game comes with a unique set of circumstances, and referees must exercise their judgement properly. The NFL takes pride in teaching their referees everything they need to know about the game and their duties. Referees even have to take a test at the end of the season to make sure they are up to date with the latest rule changes.
Over time, referees must learn to pick up on subtle clues that point to coaching strategies and player tendencies. The more information they have, the better they can respond to a heated situation. Referees are taught how to adjust their officiating to each game based on the teams playing, what happened during the previous plays, and how they can anticipate the next play.
To me, NFL officiating is an art form, and the referees that make it onto the field are true artists. Referees must stay vigilant and always have the end goal in mind, which is to ensure the game remains fair for all involved. This job isn’t for the faint of heart, and it takes quite a lot of dedication and hard work to become an NFL referee.