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What responsibilities does the referee have during an American football game?
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American football
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during Super Bowl LVII, 2023; the team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In American football, the referee serves as the primary official with general oversight and control of the entire game.1
Their specific responsibilities include:
- Final Authority: The referee is the sole authority regarding the score, and their decisions on rules and other game-related matters are final.1
- Game Management: They are responsible for declaring when the ball is ready for play and tracking the time between plays when that duty is not assigned to another official.1
- Penalty Administration: The referee is responsible for administering all penalties called during the contest.1
The referee leads an officiating crew that may include umpires, linesmen, and various judges, depending on the level of play.1