Are all NFL referees lawyers? No, but they might want to be. After all, these people are paid six figures a season and work more than thirty hours per week. They also have very unusual hours, often needing to work on the weekends and evenings. In addition to the physical and verbal abuse they sometimes endure, NFL referees may suffer non-fatal on-the-job injuries.

nfl refs work 30 hours a week

The job of an NFL referee is a demanding one. Aside from officiating Sunday games, all of them must spend several hours each day in administrative work. That includes writing and filing reports with the league. They also have to keep up with the latest rules and regulations by reading case books. But what exactly do they do for thirty hours a week? Here’s a closer look.

The NFL Referees Association have announced the creation of 21 to 24 full-time positions. However, those working as part-time officials can apply to become full-time employees. The NFL and NFLRA will then determine how best to utilize those full-time officials when they’re not working games. Officials typically spend the offseason in training, so they’ll have more time to dedicate to other aspects of their careers.

They must be mentally and physically tough

NFL officials must be physically and mentally tough, but that’s not as difficult as it sounds. The game takes place on three days a week, and referees are only allowed to work one game at a time. So, mandating referees to take only one job would not improve the NFL refs’ performance. Rather, having other jobs would help keep them mentally sharp and prevent them from gambling, which is one of the most common mistakes that NFL refs make.

They earn six-figure salaries

The salary for NFL referees is one of the most popular topics online. Due to their fame, these officials tend to earn astronomical salaries. In fact, the salaries of NFL referees are among the highest paid in sports. In fact, all referees in the NFL earn more than a six-figure salary. So, what’s it like working as an NFL ref?

While NFL officials receive substantial salaries, they’re part-time employees. In fact, many NFL referees also have other jobs. One such official, Ronald Torbert, juggled a career as an NFL official with his law practice. He was a referee in high school, college, and the NFL. He retired in 2019 after working at the NFL for 16 years.

They must go to school to become refs

NFL referees must be in good physical health and have a college degree. While specific majors are not essential for admission, people with sports-related backgrounds have a better chance of getting the job. Some schools have special programs that train students to be referees. In addition to legal studies, they will learn about the rules of the game and how to interact with coaches.

Before becoming an NFL referee, candidates must attend law school and complete a series of exams. The tests will require applicants to fill out extensive applications. They will be asked for information such as their officiating schedule over the past three seasons. Also, they must provide information on the schools they attended, the positions they held and the dates they worked. Candidates should keep meticulous notes of their entire careers. Write down all the games they refereed, the dates, and the teams.

They must be involved in the community

NFL refs are part of the NFL’s officials program. The program is a one-year trial that must be renewed after June 2018. Many NFL officials, such as Ed Hochuli, are retired or semi-retired, and some are confident enough to focus on their NFL work. However, some officials choose to stay active in the community, like Gene Steratore, who runs a janitorial supply company.

They must have a pension plan

The NFL’s recent decision to freeze the pensions of referees is not a surprise. With 75 percent of Americans believing that 401(k)s have put the American dream out of reach, it’s important to consider the effect this policy change will have on NFL referees. This new policy also makes it more difficult for NFL referees to negotiate a real pension plan.

The NFL lockout was partly over referee pensions. The ownership class felt offended by the existence of defined-benefit retirement plans for referees. They viewed other business owners as having broken their contract and viewed the old deal as being insufficiently hard-edged and market-driven. It was a battle of ideological purity. The owners were determined to protect the NFL’s bottom line and maintain their status as an industry leader.