NFL referees were never volunteers. However, many of them got their start in recreational leagues near their hometowns as volunteers.
Most NFL referees have other jobs and work those during the off season. Some NFL referees are business owners or attorneys.
Yes
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NFL referees throw their hats because they have already thrown their flags and the play has not stopped yet.
The League pays the salaries of the referees who work games in the NFL. The NFL Officials Union and the NFL agreed to an 8 year contract in 2012. The deal, the longest ever between the league and union, was brokered after the Refs went on strike and refused to work games in the 2012 season.
56
167
because you are mean
The referees in an NFL game have a very difficult job in calling the game they are assigned to. The highest paid among the referees is unknown.
yes
NFL referees make approximately $149,000 to $173,000 a year. If they work playoff games, then they will earn an additional $7,500 to $10,000 more per game.
They are assigned to each game