45
NFL referees were never volunteers. However, many of them got their start in recreational leagues near their hometowns as volunteers.
yes
They are assigned to each game
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.
124
In the NFL, "flag" is usually used as slang for the yellow penalty markers which are thrown by the umpires, referees and side judges.
Most NFL referees do in fact have other jobs, ranging from dairy farmer to teacher to attorney to entrepreneur/inventor. The NFL is the only major sports league in the US that does not hire referees on a full time basis and, contrary to what most people seem to believe, the pay is not amazing ($25.000-$70/000/year. Baseball refs start at $120k and top out at $300k+, plus per diem on road trip plus benefits. Basketball refs range from $100-300k plus benefits. NHL refs make $72-255k).
Cash bribe checks and stare at the sun for hours at a time
Referees don't play in the game, silly.
Between $42,000 and $120,000.00 based upon position and experience.
Between $42,000 and $120,000.00 based upon position and experience.