How many official are on the field during a football field?

Answer 1

There are seven (7) officials on an NFL playing field during a game. The officials are (with a very brief synopsis of their position and duties):

1. The Referee: Head of the officiating crew. The ref is responsible for controlling the game, manageing the crew and has the final say so in interpreting the rules of the game. He also announces all penalties. The Referee is usually lined up 10 to 12 yards deep behind the Offense.
2. The Umpire: Responsible for players conduct, actions at the line of scrimmage and the players equipment. Usually the Umpire is lined up 5 yards downfield from the line of scrimmage.
3. Head Linesman: Primary duties include checking for offsides & encroachment at the line of scrimmage and is vital for determining the extent of forward progress on offensive plays. In addition, the Head Linesman is in charge of the Chain Crew. The head Lines man straddles the line of scrimmage.
4. Line Judge: The Line Judge is similar to the Head Linesman in that he helps keep track of potential violations on or around the line of scrimmage. In addition, he is also responsible for keeping time, as he is the back up for the official game clock.
5. Field Judge: The Field judge is responsible for defensive back and wode receiver play. he is stationed 20 yards downfield from the line of scrimmage. He is on the same side of the field as the Line Judge.
6. Side Judge: Like the Feld judge, he is responsible for the play in the defensive backfield. He is stationed 20 yards beyond the line of scrimmage on the same side of the field as the Head Linesman.
7. Back Judge: Set up approximately 25 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, he is responsible for monitoring the play of the Tight End. In addition he monitors the 40 and 25 second clocks.