FLAG FOOTBALL RULES 2023 Rule 11 - Officials' Duties
SECTION 1. General Duties
Article 1 - Jurisdictation of Officials
The officials' jurisdiction begins with the coin toss and ends when the Referee declares the score final. [S14]
Article 2 - Number of Officials
The game shall be played under the supervision of 2 (R and FJ), 3 (R, DJ and FJ) or 4 (R, DJ, FJ and SJ) officials.
Article 3 - Responsibilities
a. Each official has specific duties as prescribed in the IFAF Flag Football Officials Manual but each has equal responsibility and jurisdiction in matters of judgment.
b. All officials shall wear a uniform and equipment prescribed in the IFAF Flag Football Officials Manual.
SECTION 2. Referee (R)
Article 1 - Position
The initial position of the Referee is behind and to the side of the FJ in the offensive backfield. On a 2-man crew, the Referee is positioned and working like Down Judge.
Article 2 - Basic Responsibilities
a. The Referee has general oversight and control of the game, has final authority for the score and their decisions upon rules and other matters pertaining to the game are final.
b. The Referee shall inspect the field and report any irregularities to game management, teams and other officials.
c. The Referee has jurisdiction over player equipment.
d. The Referee shall indicate that the ball is ready for play, award new series of downs and administer penalties.
e. The Referee shall notify both teams of any disqualifications.
f. After the snap, the Referee shall be responsible for ruling on the play behind the scrimmage line around the ball.
The Referee is responsible for coverage of the quarterback.
SECTION 3. Down Judge (DJ)
Article 1 - Position
The initial position of the Down Judge is on the scrimmage line at the sideline with the down indicator.
Article 2 - Basic Responsibilities
a. The Down Judge is responsible for the operation of the down indicator.
b. The Down Judge shall keep count of the downs.
c. The Down Judge has jurisdiction over the scrimmage line and their sideline.
d. Once the ball has crossed the scrimmage line, the Down Judge shall be responsible for ruling on the play around the ball and forward progress on their side of the field.
SECTION 4. Field Judge (FJ)
Article 1 - Position
The initial position of the Field Judge is 7 yards deep at the sideline opposite to the down indicator.
Article 2 - Basic Responsibilities
a. On a 2 or 3-man crew the Field Judge is responsible for timing the game or supervising the game clock operator.
b. The Field Judge has jurisdiction over their sideline.
c. Once the ball has crossed the scrimmage line, the Field Judge shall be responsible for ruling on the play around the ball and forward progress on their side of the field.
SECTION 5. Side Judge (SJ)
Article 1 - Position
The initial position of the Side Judge is 7 or more yards deep at the sideline with the down indicator.
Article 2 - Basic Responsibilities
a. The Side Judge is responsible for timing the game or supervising the game clock operator.
b. The Side Judge shall be responsible for observing receivers on deep routes for ruling on long passes and the status of the ball and forward progress in their area.