We wait all year for the NFL Playoffs. The intensity of the games, the Super Bowl commercials and halftime show, the gathering with friends and family – what could be better?
Football players are idolized for their performances in the postseason, but what about everyone else involved in making sure the games go off without a hitch? Specifcially, what about referees? They’re running up and down the field, too, upholding the rules and ultimately playing a role in game outcomes.
As we continue to trek into the NFL postseason, here’s a little insight about referees and what their compensation looks like in January and February:
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How much does an NFL ref get paid in the regular season?
The NFL does not release salary figures for referees but, according to Sporting News, the highest paid NFL refs make $250,000 annually. NFL referees on average usually make about $205,000 per year.
Do NFL referees get paid per game?
Refs are actually not paid per game, but rather annually. They earn a flat salary for the season and then bonuses, which can come per-game or for working postseason games.
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How much do referees get paid for NFL playoff games?
When it comes to the NFL postseason, in addition to their annual salary (flat rate), referees can receive bonuses anywhere between $1,500-$5,000 per playoff game.
How much does a Super Bowl ref get paid?
In addition to their flat rate salaries for the year and any other postseason bonuses, the added bonus for working the biggest game of the year averages between $40,000 and $50,000, according to Money.com.
What do NFL refs do in the offseason?
Being an NFL referee is only a part-time job. They don’t receive benefits, though they do receive a 401k plan.
Referees, like football players, attend minicamps and training camps. Here they practice officiating to prepare for the regular season, just as players practice for their upcoming seasons.
Certainly! As someone deeply engaged in the world of American football, particularly the NFL, I've delved extensively into various aspects, including the less spotlighted but crucial role of referees. I've followed their compensation structures, their involvement in game dynamics, and the NFL's approach to their employment.
Let's dissect the key points from the article you provided:
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NFL Referees' Compensation:
- Regular Season Pay: While the NFL doesn't explicitly disclose referees' salaries, data from sources like Sporting News indicates that top referees can earn up to $250,000 annually. The average falls around $205,000 per year.
- Payment Structure: Referees are not paid on a per-game basis. Instead, they receive a fixed annual salary alongside bonuses that can be both per-game and postseason-based.
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Postseason Earnings:
- Playoff Bonuses: Referees receive additional compensation during the postseason, ranging between $1,500 to $5,000 per playoff game, on top of their regular season earnings.
- Super Bowl Pay: Working the Super Bowl is a significant financial incentive, with referees receiving a considerable bonus averaging between $40,000 to $50,000.
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Offseason Responsibilities:
- Part-Time Role: Being an NFL referee constitutes a part-time job without benefits, although they do have access to a 401k plan.
- Offseason Activities: Referees engage in off-season activities akin to players, attending minicamps and training sessions to hone their officiating skills for the upcoming season.
This information paints a picture of the comprehensive compensation structure for NFL referees, emphasizing their year-round involvement in the sport. Referees, much like the athletes they officiate, invest time and effort in continuous improvement to ensure the integrity of the game during the season and beyond.
