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Are NFL Referees Full Time What You Need to Know

Are NFL Referees Full‑Time?

Majority are part-time (independent contractors): Most officials work for the league only during the season and maintain other jobs the rest of the year. These roles are not full-time, and officials typically receive per-game compensation without the full suite of employee benefits like healthcare.

Pilot full-time program (2017): A few referees (around 21) were converted to full-time status as an experiment. They remained allowed to keep outside jobs but had to prioritize work and be available year-round.

Later rollback: By 2019, the suspended that full-time initiative, reverting all officials back to part-time status.

Policy considerations continue: The competition committee has discussed expanding full-time roles—up to 17 full-time officials—recognizing benefits like consistency, centralized training, and improved communication across crews. But no changes have been formally approved yet.

Supporting Details & Perspectives

• Significant time commitment: Even though referees aren’t officially full-time, the weekly workload—tape review, conditioning, communications—often exceeds a normal part-time job. Veteran referee Ed Hochuli described spending up to 30 hours per week on officiating duties alone.

• Earnings & benefits: Part-time officials earn between $75,000 to $200,000 per season, with experienced officials averaging around $205,000. They may also receive pension (401(k)) benefits, but these are tied to tenure and not full employee benefits.

• Fan critique: Many fans find it odd that referees are not full-time professionals, noting that other major leagues employ full-time officials. They argue that dedicating full-time resources might improve officiating quality and accountability.

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If you’ve ever wondered whether nfl referees work full time the answer is a bit more complex than you might expect

Most are part time officials with other jobs

The vast majority of nfl referees are classified as independent contractors—not employees of the league. That means they officiate games during the season but typically have full‑time careers outside of football .

A brief experiment with full time roles

In 2017 the nfl tried something new—moving a small group of referees into full‑time positions. These officials had to make nfl their top priority and were paid accordingly . But by 2019 that program ended and everyone returned to part‑time status .

Could we see more full time officials? Nfl

The league’s competition committee has kept the conversation alive. They’ve considered hiring up to 17 full‑time officials for better consistency, improved training, and clearer communication across referee crews—but no commitments have been made yet .

What it takes to be a part time NFL referee

Despite being labeled part‑time the reality is demanding. Officials spend a lot of hours reviewing game tape, staying fit, coordinating with their crews, and preparing meticulously for games. One veteran referee described spending as much as 30 hours per week on these responsibilities .

Compensation and benefits nfl

Part‑time referees still earn well—season earnings can range from $75,000 to over $200,000, with an average around $205,000 . Many also qualify for pension or retirement benefits depending on how many seasons they officiate .

What fans are saying nfl

Some fans argue it doesn’t make sense for referees not to be full‑time professionals. They point out that other major sports leagues have full‑time officials and suggest that more dedicated training and accountability could improve the game .

Internal Link Spaces nfl

• [Link to your Officiating Overview page]
• [Link to your Referee Training or Career Path page]

External Links nfl

[ Officials Job Descriptions or Official Training Programs]

[Competition Committee or Officiating Policy Documentation]

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Let me know if you’d like to explore how referees are selected, compare with other leagues, or examine the impact of full-time vs part-time on game quality!

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