How Much Do College Football Referees Make per Game?
College football is a highly popular sport in the United States, attracting millions of viewers and generating massive revenue for universities. However, the individuals responsible for ensuring fair play and enforcing the rules often go unnoticed – the referees. Refereeing college football games entails significant responsibility and requires extensive knowledge of the game. Naturally, one may wonder how much college football referees are compensated for their efforts. In this article, we will explore the compensation structure for college football referees and answer some common questions related to their earnings.
College football referees are typically classified into three tiers: the Power Five conferences, the Group of Five conferences, and the FCS conferences. The Power Five conferences consist of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference, Pac-12 Conference, and Southeastern Conference (SEC), which are considered the most prestigious and competitive conferences in college football. The Group of Five conferences include the American Athletic Conference (AAC), Conference USA, Mid-American Conference (MAC), Mountain West Conference (MWC), and Sun Belt Conference. The FCS conferences consist of lower-tier football programs.
The compensation for college football referees varies depending on the conference and tier they officiate in. Generally, Power Five referees earn the highest rates, followed Group of Five and FCS referees. According to a 2019 report Sports Illustrated, Power Five referees make an average of $3,000 to $5,000 per game, while Group of Five referees earn around $1,500 to $2,500 per game. FCS referees receive approximately $800 to $1,200 per game.
Now, let’s address some common questions related to college football referee compensation:
1. How do college football referees get selected for games?
College football referees are selected based on their experience, performance, and evaluations. The conferences assign referees to games, considering their availability and expertise.
2. Do college football referees have other jobs?
Yes, many college football referees have other jobs or professions since officiating is not a full-time occupation for them. They officiate games on weekends and during the college football season.
3. Are referees compensated for travel expenses?
Yes, referees are reimbursed for their travel expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals.
4. Do referees receive any benefits or insurance coverage?
Referees are not considered full-time employees, so they do not typically receive benefits or insurance coverage through their officiating roles.
5. Can referees work for multiple conferences?
Yes, referees can work for multiple conferences, depending on their availability and qualifications. However, they are typically affiliated with one primary conference.
6. How many games do college football referees officiate in a season?
The number of games can vary, but referees typically officiate around 10 to 12 games per season.
7. Do referees get paid for preseason games?
Yes, referees are compensated for preseason games, although the rates may differ slightly from regular-season games.
8. Are referees paid differently for bowl games or playoff games?
Yes, referees receive higher compensation for officiating bowl games and playoff games due to the increased significance and exposure of these events.
9. Are referees paid equally for all positions on the officiating crew?
No, the referee, who is the head official, typically receives a higher rate compared to other positions on the crew.
10. Are referees compensated for overtime or extended games?
Yes, if a game goes into overtime or extends beyond the standard duration, referees receive additional compensation for the extra time worked.
11. Are referees compensated for reviewing plays using instant replay?
Yes, referees who are responsible for reviewing plays using instant replay receive additional compensation for their specialized role.
12. Do referees receive bonuses or incentives for exceptional performance?
There are no official bonuses or incentives for exceptional performance. However, referees with consistently excellent performances may be selected for higher-profile games, which can lead to increased compensation.
13. Can referees negotiate their rates?
Referees do not have much negotiating power over their rates since the conferences establish the compensation structure. However, experienced referees may have some room for negotiation.
14. Do referees receive compensation for pre-game preparations and meetings?
Referees receive compensation for pre-game preparations, including reviewing game plans, rulebooks, and attending meetings to discuss game logistics.
In conclusion, college football referees are paid varying amounts per game, depending on the conference and tier they officiate in. Power Five referees earn the highest rates, while Group of Five and FCS referees receive comparatively lower compensation. Despite the financial rewards, college football officiating remains a passion-driven role for many referees, as they contribute to the integrity and fairness of the game that millions across the nation love.
