Each year, the CVFOA officiates approximately 800 games. We are always looking for new members who enjoy football and are interested in being part of the game. Experience is not required. We have an excellent training program to help you develop into a successful official. To get an idea of what each crew member does, the positions are described below. How to Become a Football Official gives a brief overview of what to expect if you choose to join the CVFOA.
If you are interested in becoming a football official please fill out the online Registration Form.
Positions
Referee. The “white hat” is the crew chief and the official leader of the crew on and off of the field. He is the face of the crew to the coaches, players, and fans. This position is usually held by a veteran official. He is usually responsible for pregame logistics and coaching the crew through the pregame. He interacts with the coaches before and during the game. His primary responsibilities during the game are the offensive backfield, especially the quarterback and interpreting rules and assessing penalties.
Umpire. The umpire is the enforcer of the crew, positioned in the trenches. He accompanies the Referee during pregame meetings with the coaches and is responsible for ruling on equipment legality. Starting regular scrimmage plays just behind the defensive line, his primary responsibilities are interactions between offensive and defensive linemen.
Head Linesman. This position is responsible for the chain crew and first down markers during the game. His effectiveness in running the chain crew directly affects the tempo of the game. During the game, he will interact with players and coaches on the sideline (usually the visiting team). During regular scrimmage plays he starts on the line of scrimmage and is responsible for legal formations, some line play, forward progress on most running plays, and certain receivers during pass plays.
Line Judge. This position is opposite the Head Linesmen. During the game, he will interact with players and coaches on the sideline (usually the home team). During regular scrimmage plays he starts on the line of scrimmage and is responsible for legal formations, some line play, forward progress on most running plays, certain receivers during pass plays and the line of scrimmage on pass plays.
Field Judge. This downfield position is on the same sideline as the Line Judge (usually the home team). He will interact with players and coaches on the sideline positioned about 20 yards in the defensive backfield on regular scrimmage plays. His primary responsibilities are lead blocking on running plays, certain receivers on passing plays, and plays close to the goal line. During punts he is downfield with the receivers.
Side Judge. This downfield position is on the same sideline as the Head Linesman (usually the visiting team). He will interact with players and coaches on the sideline positioned about 20 yards in the defensive backfield on regular scrimmage plays. His primary responsibilities are lead blocking on running plays, certain receivers on passing plays, and plays close to the goal line. During punts he is downfield with the receivers.
Back Judge. This downfield position is in the middle of the field (between the hash marks) in the defensive backfield. His primary responsibilities are lead blocking on running plays, certain receivers on passing plays, and plays close to the goal line. He is also primarily responsible for the endline (the back of the endzone). During punts he is downfield with the receivers.