Q&A for How to Become an NFL Referee

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What kind of education do I need?

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You need to know the rule book, along with the hand signals, but there is no formal education needed to become a referee.

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Do I have to have a college degree to become an NFL referee?

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You need to know the rulebook, along with the hand signals, but there is no formal education needed to become a referee.

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Do I need a high school diploma or a GED to become a referee?

Donagan

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There are no education requirements.

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How much time does it take to be an NFL referee?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Approximately ten years of the appropriate experience, consisting of officiating upper-level college and/or minor-league professional or semi-pro football.

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Do referees have other jobs?

Donagan

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Yes, typically officials hold full-time jobs.

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How old do I have to be to become an NFL referee?

Donagan

Top Answerer

There are no age requirements, just experience requirements. See Part 2, Steps 3 and 4 above.

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How many female referees are there in the NFL?

Community Answer

Sarah Thomas is the first and currently only.

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What is the average age of NFL officials?

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The average age of an NFL official is 51 years old, and they earn between $4,000 and $10,000 a game.

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Can I become an NFL referee at 30?

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You can become an NFL referee at any age as long as you meet the requirements.

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Question

How much college experience is required?

Community Answer

As far as being a student? It isn't a necessity to have any at all. You'll need to study the rule book and the hand signals. As far as officiating, it says you'll need at least 5 years of experience on the collegiate or minor league level.

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What age would you recommend to start my refereeing career?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Start in high school by refereeing little kids' games.

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Is there a program or test in Oregon to start referring local games and become certified or qualified?

Donagan

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Yes. Contact the Oregon School Activities Association at osaa.org/officials.

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Do I need to have good vision to become a NFL referee?

Community Answer

Yes! You must be able to see the ball and players at all times! You must be able to see well so you don’t miss anything.

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