Xs & Os: Those black and white stripes

Originally published by Gameday.Style in football season 2012. External links and products featured may not still be available. 

Referee, umpire, linesman, judge...?  Here's the lowdown on the Officials...those gentlemen wearing the black and white stripes:


Referee: in charge of all Officials; wears a white hat; positioned behind the Offense

Umpire: positioned behind the Defensive line


Head Linesman and Side Judge: positioned on one Sideline


Line Judge & Back Judge: positioned on the other Sideline


Field Judge: positioned behind the Defense in the center of the field


Some other little known facts about football Officials:

• Groups of Officials officiate in "teams", meaning they officiate games together all season
• An Official is always associated with a conference in college football
• A letter on the back of the shirt indicates what position they are on the field
• An American flag was added to the Official's uniform following September 11, 2001