Official (gridiron football)

392: 242: 1269:. Advantages to this system include being able to eliminate unqualified officials simply by not offering them a contract the following season. Critics argue that full-time officials would be free from the distractions of a second job, but proponents of part-time officials point out that the NFL would lose a number of qualified officials because many of them are owners, presidents, or CEOs of various companies. Proponents also argue that there is only one game per week and the regular season is only four months long, and that having full-time officials does not necessarily guarantee that they will make fewer officiating mistakes. The level of training and review in which NFL officials participate makes additional time redundant. In any event, veteran officials can earn substantial salaries for their work. The 408: 735: 1005: 758:(B or BJ) stands deep behind the defensive secondary in the middle of the field, judging the action of nearby running backs, receivers (primarily the tight ends) and nearby defenders. Like the side judge and the field judge, the back judge rules on pass interference, illegal blocks downfield, and incomplete passes. Back judges cover the area in the middle of the field between themselves and umpires. The back judge has the final say regarding the legality of kicks not made from scrimmage (kickoffs). The back judge is also responsible for ruling a "delay of game" infraction if the play clock expires. 563:

adjacent to the referee. In March 2010, the NFL announced that this repositioning would be permanent, after five major injuries were suffered by umpires in 2009 (two concussions and three knee or shoulder injuries requiring surgery). From 2010 to 2015, the umpire returned to the defensive side of the line of scrimmage during the last five minutes of the second half. In 2016, this provision was deleted, and the umpire stood in the offensive backfield on all plays. In 2023 the NFL returned the umpire to the defensive backfield with the side judge for field goal and extra point attempts.

990: 207:. It has an elastic loop attached to it that is wrapped around the fingers. Usually, officials put the loop around their index finger when it is first down, the middle finger when it is second down, and so on. Instead of the custom-designed indicator, some officials use two thick rubber bands tied together as a down indicator: one rubber band is used as the wristband and the other is looped over the fingers. Some officials, especially umpires, may also use a second indicator to keep track of where the ball was placed between the hash marks before the play ( 1316:. Since then, other women have officiated Division I college football games. In 2015, Thomas became the NFL's first permanent female official. She entered as a line judge, and moved to the down judge (head linesman) role in her third season. In 2017, she was an alternate in an NFL wild card game. In 2019, she became the first female official to officiate an NFL playoff game in an AFC divisional round between Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots. She worked NFC divisional games in 2020 and 2021, and was the down judge for 31: 590:(H or HL) stands at one end of the line of scrimmage (usually the side opposite the press box, always with the chain crew), looking for possible offsides, encroachment and other fouls before the snap. As the play develops, the head linesman is responsible for judging the action near that sideline, including whether a player is out of bounds. Responsibilities on a passing play include watching the receivers near that sideline to a point five to seven yards beyond the line of scrimmage. 712:(S or SJ) works downfield behind the defensive secondary on the same sideline as the head linesman or down judge. Like the field judge, the side judge makes decisions near the sideline on the nearest side of field, judging the action of nearby running backs, receivers and defenders. Side judges rule on pass interference, illegal blocks downfield, and incomplete passes, and also count defensive players. During field goal attempts field judges serve as a second umpire. 129: 321:. These looser-fitting pants allow for layering of warmer clothes underneath. In the 2010 season, college officials and, in many states, high school officials, were given the option of wearing the black cold-weather pants. The black pants became mandatory for college officials in 2011 and for NFL officials in 2012. In 2014, several high school associations started mandating the wearing of the black slacks for varsity level games. 517: 431:(R) is responsible for the general supervision of the game and has the final authority on all rulings. In the NFL, the referee also has final authority on the score and the down number in case of any disagreement. Although all officials on the crew may be responsible for any decision involving the application or interpretation of the rules, the referee has the final decision. Thus, this position is sometimes referred to as 347:), and the other officials wear black hats with white stripes. This has led to referees being referred to as "white hats". It was not until 2019 that the CFL finally mirrored this convention, which had also been in use at the lower levels of football in Canada; prior to this, the referee wore a black hat, with the other officiating crew members wearing white hats with a black bill and black piping. 787:(C) is positioned beside the referee in the offensive backfield adjacent to the referee, positioned equivalent to the umpire. Such responsibilities include ball spotting, penalty marking, and assisting the referee and umpire. In NCAA Division I FBS, the Center Judge becomes the "Acting Referee" should the referee become injured and unable to continue offiating. The NFL has experimented with the 302:, which launched play in October 2009, featured officials wearing solid red polo shirts without stripes with black numbers and black pants. As no teams in the league wore red or orange, there was no prospect of a clash of colors. In 2010, the UFL switched to a customized version of the traditional black and white stripes, and wore this uniform until its 2012 shutdown. 633:(L or LJ) assists the head linesman/down judge at the other end of the line of scrimmage, looking for possible offsides, encroachment and other fouls before the snap. As the play develops, line judges are responsible for the action near their sideline, including whether a player is out of bounds. A line judge is also responsible for counting offensive players. 373:

ensures that the officiating crew sees all 22 players and their actions wherever they occur on the field. Additionally, during the dead-ball interval between plays, each official has separate administrative duties, such as counting players, timing the play clock, monitoring (or timing) the game clock, and spotting the ball as ready for the next down.

1208:(and in all conferences when ejecting the offending player). In 2004, the rules were changed throughout college football to permit the fouling player's number to be announced. Under NFHS rules used in all states except Texas for high school games, announcing the player's number went from "not allowed" to "not required" in 2014. 941:, in the defensive backfield opposite the back judge. The primary responsibility for this new position is the action of receivers, and it allowed the NFL to adjust coverage after the umpire was moved to the offensive backfield. The experiment was continued for 12 games in the 2011 preseason, and was then discontinued afterwards. 881:

overtime) of the game initiating a review of any play they believe warrants such attention. The official also reviews all scoring plays during the game. When a review is underway, the referee speaks to the replay official via headset at the sideline. The replay official has the final call over all challenges and reviews.

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on the same sideline as the line judge. The field judge makes decisions near the sideline on his or her side of the field, judging the action of nearby running backs, receivers and defenders. They rule on pass interference, illegal blocks downfield, and incomplete passes, and are also responsible for

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Late in the 2018 playoffs, the CFL added an eighth official to the on-field crew; it did not have an official position title. This official lined up in the offensive backfield, and whose sole responsibility was judging helmet contact on the quarterback. This position was only used in the Eastern and

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In college football, the NFL, and other professional leagues, and in some high school games, the referee announces penalties and the jersey numbers of the players committing them (required for college and professional games; high school referees are no longer prohibited from announcing the number of

372:

The following are the positions and responsibilities of each officiating positions. Prior to the snap and during the play, each official, by position, has a specific area of responsibility on the field to watch specific player positions and watch for specific fouls. Using these prescribed mechanics

305:

In its single aborted season in 2019, The Alliance of American Football's officials wore shirts that are black and white on top with stripes from the middle down, white stars on the sleeves and the number on the back and on the left front pocket. The pants were black with no stripe and used the same

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A bright-yellow-colored flag that is thrown on the field toward or at the spot of a foul. Officials in Canadian amateur football use an orange-colored flag; the CFL switched to yellow flags in 2022. For fouls where the spot is unimportant, such as fouls which occur at the snap or during a dead ball,

120:(with no official position name) only during the 2018 playoffs, but that official's only responsibility was watching for head contact with the quarterback. Because the referee is responsible for the general supervision of the game, the position is sometimes referred to as head referee or crew chief. 1181:

Up until 1950, the forerunner leagues to the present-day Canadian Football League (founded in 1958) used only four officials: The referee, umpire, head linesman and line judge. Over the next 40 years, the system would change into what is more-or-less equal to what most American football leagues use

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Stripes on officials' shirts in high school are one inch wide and in college are two inches wide. Although in some states, high school officials wear shirts with two-inch or two and one-quarter inch stripes. NFL officials wear shirts with an uneven striping pattern. If wearing knickers, high school

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As the umpire's traditional starting position is situated where much of the play's initial action occurs, it is considered by many to be the most dangerous officiating position. For this reason, the NFL carried out experiments in the 2001 preseason with the umpire placed in the offensive backfield

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Officials write down important administrative information, such as the winner of the pregame coin toss, team timeouts, and fouls called. Game data cards can be disposable paper or reusable plastic. A pencil with a special bullet-shaped cap is often carried. The cap prevents the official from being

178:

demonstrated that those could injure players), so that it can be thrown with some distance and accuracy and to ensure it remains in place and not moved by wind. Officials typically carry a second flag in case there are multiple fouls on a play. Officials who run out of flags when they see multiple

363:

committed against the official himself (as when a player shoves an official); or when some other situation requires a physical mark and the official has already used the ordinary item on the play. Some conferences and high school associations discourage the use of the hat in these situations; the

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running a deep passing route or a player running downfield on punt coverage, for example), the official will drop his hat to mark the spot of where the player went out of bounds. The hat also is often used to signal a second foul called by the official on a play (by those officials that may carry

257:

For ease of recognition, officials are usually clad in a black-and-white vertically striped shirt and black trousers with a thin white stripe down the side (this was formerly white knickers with black/white striped stirrup stockings or one-piece stockings). Officials also wear a black belt, black

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in the 2015 preseason for 5 or 6 games, but instead positioned 20 yards downfield of the line of scrimmage to observe the center and guards. In the professional level, the center judge has yet to be used in either the NFL or CFL; however, two leagues, the AAF and the 2020 XFL utilized the center

863:

During turnovers, punts, and other returns by the defense, and play transitions from one direction to the other, the officials must also adjust. The field judge, side judge, and back judge become the trail/back positions, and the referee, head linesman/down judge, and line judge then become the

286:

wore red-orange striped jerseys. Around this time, the hat style of the officials changed to the current baseball cap. The referees wore red hats, the others white, each with the AFL logo; the league switched to the standard black and white stripes emulating the elder league for their last two

880:

In CFL football, the replay official is not located at the stadium itself, but rather at the CFL Command Centre at the CFL Head Office in Toronto. The official is responsible for the final determination of challenges made by the two teams' head coaches; and in the final 3 minutes (and all of

317:, the NFL completely redesigned the shirts, going to a sleeker-looking uniform which, however, no longer identified a given official's position from the front. Also new for 2006 were black pants with a white stripe down the side to be worn in cold weather instead of the traditional white 1354:

In 2017, Amanda Sauer-Cook became the first ever female referee in a Division I game,. Her first game as referee was Morgan State at Rutgers. She is also the first openly bisexual official to work in a major professional football league and in college football. For the defunct 2019

195:. It is typically colored white, blue, black, or orange, depending on the official's league, college conference, level of play, or weather conditions. Unlike penalty flags, bean bags may be tossed to a spot parallel to the nearest yard line, not necessarily to the actual spot. 454:

On passing plays, the referee primarily focuses on the quarterback and approaching defenders. The referee determines any fouls for roughing the passer and, if the quarterback loses the ball, determines whether the ball was fumbled or if an incomplete pass had been thrown.

803:(A). The alternate judge stands in the offensive backfield opposite the head referee, in the same position as an NFL umpire, while keeping the Big 12 umpire in his traditional position behind the defensive line. The alternate judge will also help spot the ball. In the 900:, who had the authority to assess penalties (or overturn penalties) for unsafe play, and (within the final five minutes of the fourth quarter) either call or overturn pass interference penalties against either the offense or defense. The XFL (2020) has adopted this. 477:, the referee observes the kicker (and holder) and any contact made by defenders approaching them. On a punt out of bounds, referees use their vantage point behind the punter to direct the nearest sideline official to the spot where the ball went out of bounds. 597:

with regard to its duties. In addition to the general equipment listed above, the head linesman/down judge also carries a chain clip that is used by the chain crew to properly place the chains and ensure an accurate spot when measuring for a first down.

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Rule 15-2-1: is the final authority for the score, and the number of a down in case of a disagreement. His decisions upon all matters not specifically placed under the jurisdiction of other officials, either by rule or the officials' manual, are to be

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today, a seven-official system. The first new addition to the crew was the field judge (also referred to as the back umpire) in 1951, then the next addition being the back judge in 1979, and the seventh official, the side judge being added in 1991.

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During the 1940s, the NFL officials wore color-striped shirts that represented their positions; black and white for referees, red and white for umpires, orange and white for head linemen, and green and white for field judges. During most of the

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The stripes were introduced in the 1920s. Prior to this, plain white shirts were worn. College football referee Lloyd Olds is credited with the idea after a quarterback mistakenly handed the ball to him. The officials are colloquially called

995:

Diagram showing the relative positions of the traditional seven-official system (in white) in relation to the typical offensive (in blue) and defensive (in red) formations. Certain positions are omitted in systems with six officials or

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and is considered to be the crew chief. The referee can be identified by a white cap, while the other officials wear black caps (the hat color scheme was reversed in the NFL from 1979 to 1987, and in Canadian football until 2019).

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During the start of passing plays, they watch the receivers near their sideline to a point five to seven yards beyond the line of scrimmage. Afterwards, the line judge moves back towards the line of scrimmage, ruling if a pass is

497:, which makes the final ruling. In college football, the referee confers with a replay official, who is stationed in the press box above the field, on the play and then announces the final result over the wireless microphone. 485:

to both fans and the media. CFL referees, unlike their counterparts in the NFL and American college football, identify the team committing the foul when announcing penalty enforcement, instead of using "offense" or defense".

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Rule 15-1-6: All officials are responsible for any decision involving the application of a rule, its interpretation or enforcement ... if there is a disagreement, the Referee's decision will be the deciding

232:

Officials will carry a stopwatch (typically a digital wristwatch) when necessary for timing duties, including keeping game time, keeping the play clock, and timing timeouts and the interval between quarters.

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Diagram showing the relative positions of the eight-official system. In the NFL and CFL's seven-official system, the umpire is instead positioned in the offensive backfield where the center judge would

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had three female officials. In 2020, the XFL has six female officials. Having six total officiating crews, there will be one female official for each crew. There is also one female replay official.

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Used to mark various spots that are not fouls but which may be possible spots of penalty enforcement or illegal touching of a scrimmage kick. For example, a bean bag is used to mark the spot of a

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games in 2009. The UFL later hired Thomas in 2010. In 2017, the NFL hired her as a replay official. She officated the 2020 AFC Championship game. She is also doing replay officiating for the

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In 2017, NFL switched from head linesman to down judge as to the gender-neutral term following Sarah Thomas moving from line judge to the position. The CFL did the same the following year.

1938: 1473: 2424: 262:. A letter indicating the role of each official appears on the back of the shirt at some levels, while NFL officials have numbers with a small letter or letters above. Shortly after the 2682: 651:

In some high school and minor leagues, the line judge is the official timekeeper of the game. In other leagues, the responsibility is assigned to the field judge or the back judge.

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In some leagues, alternates are only appointed for postseason play when there are typically an ample number of qualified officials available to work the reduced number of games.

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In 2021, line judge Maia Chaka became the NFL's second full-time female on-field official. Robin DeLorenzo became the third the next season when she was hired as a down judge.

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One of them is Shannon Eastin, who has been a referee in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and other leagues. The NFL has never had a woman work as an on-field game official

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became the first female official of an NFL game. She was a replacement line judge while the league had locked out the regular officials due to a labor dispute. Darin Gantt of

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or some other trick passing play. After it has been established that the running back will keep the ball, the referee then checks the running back and the contact behind him.

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a player committing a foul; on rare occasions, the player's position is announced instead of the jersey number), and clarifies complex and/or unusual rulings over a wireless

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officials wear socks with a "Northwestern stripe" pattern, which college officials used to wear; NFL officials wore socks with two white stripes bordering one black stripe.

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the flag is typically thrown vertically. The flag is wrapped around a weight, such as sand or beans (or occasionally ball bearings, although this has been discouraged since

65:, high school football, and other levels of football have other officiating systems, which use less than the standard seven officials. High school football played under the 2171: 1952: 2704: 2113: 1677: 1641: 864:

lead/front positions. The umpire, having a traditional position in the middle of the field, usually stays stationary until the returner and the other players are past.

2653: 827:(C) but this judge's location on the field was the same as the alternate judge was in 2013. The eight-person crews were used in bowl games, including games in the 1837: 679:

counting defensive players. The field judge has sometimes been the official timekeeper, and in a number of leagues will run the game clock on a six-person crew.

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for throwing the ball when beyond the original line of scrimmage. The umpire also assists in ruling incomplete passes when the ball is thrown short.

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For years, college football referees were prohibited from announcing the number of a fouling player, except in the Western Athletic Conference and

2225: 1800: 1713: 1930: 2146: 3061: 2678: 1270: 855:, there is one official dedicated to spotting the ball, with the purpose to reduce downtime during the game. This official wears a red cap. 2919: 2592: 2565: 2507: 1602: 1595:"AN NFL UMPIRE'S . . . LIFE IN THE WAR ZONE - For His Own Protection, This Official Must Read Defenses and Offenses; Draw Plays Are Murder" 2281: 548:

and defenders trying to ward off those blocks, looking for holding or illegal blocks. Prior to the snap, he counts all offensive players.

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The replay official is located upstairs in the stadium of the game played. They can initiate replay reviews on in certain circumstances.

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games, seven officials operate on the field. Since 2015, Division I college football conferences have used eight game officials, the

288: 2844: 2414: 832: 804: 211:, the right hash marks, the left ones, or at the midpoint between the two). This is important when the ball is re-spotted after an 2022: 613:

to the position. The following year, the CFL followed suit with the name change. The NCAA transitioned to the gender-neutral term

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positioned in the offensive backfield. Their responsibilities were to focus on center pre-snap and offensive guards and tackles.

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One or more alternate(s) may be designated to replace any on-field official who is injured or otherwise unable to finish a game.

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When the NFL began in 1920, only three officials (referee, umpire, and head linesman) were used. The field judge was added in

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as the play develops to penalize any offensive linemen who move illegally downfield before the pass is thrown or penalize the

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On punts and field goal attempts, the line judge also determines whether the kick is made from behind the line of scrimmage.

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In addition to the general equipment listed above, the referee also carries a coin to conduct the pregame (and if necessary,

335:, the referees changed to black hats with white stripes, while the other officials continued to wear white ones. Finally, in 287:

seasons before their merger with the NFL was completed (1968 and 1969). The red and orange look was recreated in 2009 during

1178:, when the NFL implemented new rules to open up the passing game. In 2017, the NFL renamed the head linesman to down judge. 3739: 1243:

was inducted for his 14-season tenure as the league's head of officiating, an off-field position.) However, in Canada, the

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that only pay their officials on a contract basis as opposed to being full-time salaried employees, the other being

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In college football and some high school leagues, the back judge is responsible for either the game clock or the

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The practice of having the referee announce penalties or clarify complex and/or unusual rulings over a wireless

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For the 2016, 2017, and 2019 NFL preseasons, for 16, 5, and 2 games respectively, the NFL experimented with the

274:" due to their black-and-white striped shirts. In addition, officials wore white (or red) "newsboy" style hats. 3459: 3199: 3051: 2976: 1404: 1305: 1256: 1244: 1474:"Jerry Markbreit's answers: The former NFL referee answers readers' questions each week throughout the season" 3708: 3656: 3489: 3484: 3144: 3101: 2929: 1573: 1367: 1356: 1293: 893: 566:

In addition to on-field duties, the umpire is responsible for the legality of all of the players' equipment.

299: 295: 54: 831:, since officials from conferences using eight-person crews were chosen for the three playoff games. In the 458:

On running plays, the referee observes the quarterback during and after the time he hands off the ball to a

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ESPN says the center judge was used for six games, while Football Zebras says it was used for five games.

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Because their regular season spans only 18 weeks, the NFL is one of only two major sports leagues in the

807:, any conference that wanted to use the eight-official system could do so on an experimental basis. The 17: 3698: 3000: 2966: 2797: 2232: 2086:"Why the ACC will use an eighth official called the 'center judge' in all conference games this season" 1720: 747: 263: 61:

have used eight game officials. College games outside the Division I level use six or seven officials.

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For the 2015 and 2019 NFL preseasons, for 8 and 2 games respectively, the NFL experimented with the

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hat system (white for the referee, black for all other officials) as all other levels of football.

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is a person who has responsibility in enforcing the rules and maintaining the order of the game.

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Referee, umpire, head line-judge, line judge, back judge, field judge, side judge, center judge

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Together with the field judge, the back judge rules whether field goal attempts are successful.

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Together with the back judge, the field judge rules whether field goal attempts are successful.

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Terri Valenti became the first woman to officiate professional football when she began working

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implemented an eight-official system for games; the eighth official's position name changed to

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The down judge/head line-judge marks the forward progress of the ball and is in charge of the

403:. The "R" placket on the back of his shirt identifies him as a referee, as does his white cap. 3703: 3550: 3428: 1289: 1228: 474: 34:

Field judge Brad Freeman (88) and line judge Jeff Seeman (45) at an NFL game in October 2014.

2482: 69:(NFHS) rules typically use five officials for varsity and 3, 4, or 5 for non-varsity games. 3693: 3519: 3406: 3204: 3012: 2820: 2562:"United Football League Announces Officials And Explains Rules Differences For 2010 Season" 1389: 521: 1288:

became the first woman to officiate a major college football game, working a game between

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Officials' hats are occasionally used as markers. If a player not carrying the ball steps

8: 3718: 3524: 3022: 2971: 1342: 1309: 1266: 1236: 1144: 1116: 440: 989: 3668: 3416: 3411: 3370: 2941: 1501: 812: 545: 266:, an American flag was added to the shirts of NFL officials, but was removed in 2006. 76:, but each position has specific duties and a specific name: Common positions include 3514: 3393: 3337: 3219: 3113: 3046: 2936: 2914: 2875: 2860: 2791: 2201: 1863: 1394: 1347: 1124: 937:

In four games in the 2010 preseason, the NFL experimented with an eighth official, a

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In college football, the side judge is responsible for either the game clock or the

617:. Some states have revised their high school officials manuals to also use the term 3560: 3499: 3423: 3118: 3029: 2951: 1198: 1120: 463: 344: 340: 50: 2257:"XFL Q&A: Oliver Luck on lessons learned, Colin Kaepernick and sports betting" 1985: 1174:

to watch the opposite side of the line of scrimmage. The side judge was added for

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An umpire watches a play from behind the defensive line during a game between the

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reviews a play in the replay booth during a game on November 2, 2008, between the

3673: 3332: 3250: 3235: 3039: 2809: 2114:"Inside Slant: Using Microsoft tablets for replay and more preseason experiments" 1774: 1623: 1577: 1469: 1313: 1194: 1175: 1171: 1163: 1159: 772: 723: 686: 655: 336: 332: 314: 212: 204: 3555: 3545: 3529: 3494: 3260: 3255: 3174: 2924: 2909: 1338: 1167: 969:

Main responsibilities were to look for holding near the line of scrimmage. The

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U Sports and other leagues in Canada do not utilize the replay-review process.

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A specially designed wristband that is used to remind officials of the current

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Football officials are commonly, but incorrectly, referred to collectively as

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lamented that it was in this manner that this gender barrier was broken.

1224: 556: 448: 140:. Visible on his belt are his yellow penalty flag and an orange bean bag. 1529: 742:

picks up a penalty flag during a game on November 16, 2008, between the

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reviews in the NFL, the referee confers with the NFL's replay center in

3595: 3380: 3209: 3091: 3086: 2800:- officiating rules and mechanics for college and high school football. 1360: 1331: 1240: 1186: 852: 765: 716: 594: 482: 412: 58: 1239:

have each inducted numerous game officials as members. (1966 inductee

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is a right-handed passer). The referee also counts offensive players.

3287: 3280: 3194: 3106: 2147:"NFL taking another look at adding an 8th official in preseason test" 1984:. Intercollegiate Officiating Association. p. 12. Archived from 1297: 400: 2483:"Meet Sarah Thomas: The Only Female Official in NFL Playoff History" 2172:"Big 12 adds eighth official just to keep up with up-tempo offenses" 1247:

has inducted a few game officials as members of their Hall of Fame.

128: 3265: 3134: 3096: 2593:"XFL breaks new ground by having a woman on every officiating crew" 1570: 775:. However, in the CFL, this was the sixth official, added in 1979. 700:. However, in the CFL, this was the fifth official, added in 1951. 516: 343:

convention: the referee wears a white hat (with the NFL logo since

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American football officials generally use the following equipment:

1273:(NFLRA) serves as the union that represents officials in the NFL. 768:, which are operated by an assistant that the back judge directs. 719:, which are operated by an assistant that the side judge directs. 586:(H or HL) in college and some states for high school football; or 2419: 1862:. Collegiate Commissioners Association. 2021. pp. 38 et al. 1068:

Youth varsity, high school sub-varsity, some high school varsity

149: 73: 395:

A referee (foreground) follows the action of a play between the

3317: 2824: 1830:"NFL has a new name for the head linesman position: down judge" 188: 2508:"Sarah Thomas Becomes 1st Woman to Officiate NFL Playoff Game" 1745:"NFL experimenting with putting umpire in offensive backfield" 328:

allowed officials to wear white shorts for hot weather games.

253:

used to be worn by officials; black trousers are now standard.

2741:"XFL makes history again by opening doors to LGBTQ officials" 1960:. Georgia High School Association. p. 60. Archived from 1553:. South Florida Football Officials Association. April 1, 2009 1128: 722:

For the NFL and CFL, this was the seventh official, added in

696:

in Canadian amateur football; all other leagues use the term

645:, or if it is illegally thrown beyond the line of scrimmage. 271: 2705:"Football referee Shannon Eastin a pioneer, but also a pawn" 2679:"NFL's replacement officials would include first female ref" 155:

Used to signal a reminder to players that the ball is dead;

2946: 1201:

and other professional leagues soon adopted this practice.

569: 331:

For several decades, all NFL officials wore white hats. In

2068:"National League officials to work in crews of six (five)" 1090:

Referee, umpire, head line judge, line judge, field judge

839:

became standard across all of FBS. It is also used by the

1281:

Historically, American football officials have been men.

1076:

Referee, umpire, head line judge, line judge, back judge

179:

fouls on a play may drop their hat or a bean bag instead.

2415:"NFL makes Sarah Thomas first full-time female official" 1223:

is unique in that it did not induct any officials until

859:

Transitioning during turnovers, punts, and other returns

2074:. Associated Press. August 19, 1947. p. 6, part 2. 551:

During passing plays, umpires move forward towards the

1905:"Football so fast, complex: NFL adding sixth official" 973:

is placed in the center of the field, adjacent to the

1296:. Thomas later became the first woman to officiate a 67:

National Federation of State High School Associations

2282:"CFL adds eighth official to monitor hits to helmet" 685:

For the NFL, this was the fourth official, added in

291:

to mark the 50th anniversary of the AFL's founding.

80:(which is the lead member of the officiating team), 1624:"Fashion statement: NFL refs to sport new uniforms" 771:For the NFL, this was the fifth official, added in 654:For the NFL, this was the sixth official, added in 249:high school football game in September 2008. White 1931:"Sixth N.F.L. official to watch scramblers, clock" 1112:, line judge, back judge, field judge, side judge 605:. The NFL transitioned to the gender-neutral term 578:(DJ) in the NFL, CFL, and the 2022 version of the 2532:"UFL hires first female official in pro football" 2056:. UPI and AP. March 15, 1978. p. 18, part 2. 367: 3731: 2646:"Former officials are at odds with the NFL, too" 1860:Football Officiating Manual for a Crew of 7 or 8 1468: 224:stabbed by the pencil while it is in his pocket. 2859: 2487:FanBuzz - Sports News - NFL | NCAA | NBA | WWE 2330:. ESPN. Associated Press. September 14, 2007. 2306:"NFL experimenting with 8th on-field official" 1082:Arena football, high school varsity, semi-pro 979: 929:. The eighth official did not return in 2019. 136:'s Shun White (#26) score a touchdown against 2845: 1823: 1821: 1271:National Football League Referees Association 1062:Referee, umpire, head line judge, line judge 2590: 2346: 1170:in particular), the line judge was added in 1108:Referee, umpire, head line-judge/down judge 2766:"Officiating crews for the 2019 AAF season" 2621:"Officiating crews for the 2020 XFL season" 2591:Filipe, Cameron; Austro, Ben (2020-01-28). 1899: 1897: 841:Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference 2852: 2838: 2320: 2016:"CFL Guide & Record Book 2017 Edition" 1818: 1385:List of National Football League officials 1380:List of American Football League officials 1166:. In response to scrambling quarterbacks ( 339:, the NFL switched to the high-school and 2385:"Female ref Conti still chases NFL dream" 2354:"Thomas on field for Little Caesars Bowl" 2060: 2044: 2042: 1928: 1772: 1519: 846: 159:, that the play has ended or never began. 57:(AAF) in its only season in 2019 and the 2376: 1894: 1588: 1586: 1571:Uni Watch: How the zebra got its stripes 1250: 733: 601:The position was traditionally known as 570:Down judge/head line-judge/head linesman 515: 406: 390: 240: 127: 29: 2360:. Associated Press. December 27, 2009. 2279: 1929:Strickler, George (February 20, 1965). 1924: 1922: 1920: 1918: 1798: 1592: 1497:"Grad of CDO finds fame as NFL referee" 443:, the referee is positioned behind the 27:Game administrator in American football 14: 3732: 2763: 2643: 2618: 2382: 2144: 2039: 1827: 1755:from the original on September 9, 2010 1522:"Replay booth: Positively no visitors" 1494: 1484:from the original on October 19, 2006. 919: 2833: 2738: 2734: 2732: 2730: 2614: 2612: 2586: 2584: 2582: 2480: 2476: 2474: 2472: 2427:from the original on 20 December 2017 2364:from the original on November 8, 2012 2280:Shapiro, Michael (15 November 2018). 2182:from the original on December 4, 2013 2140: 2138: 2136: 2134: 2108: 2106: 2050:"NFL revises rules to promote points" 2010: 2008: 2006: 1941:from the original on October 8, 2015. 1775:"NFL moves umpires for safety's sake" 1583: 2564:. OurSportsCentral.com. 2010-07-29. 2334:from the original on August 14, 2012 2226:"Canadian Football League Ruleboook" 2169: 1915: 1605:from the original on October 2, 2011 536:(U) traditionally stands behind the 191:or the spot where a player caught a 2395:from the original on August 7, 2012 1954:GHSA Football Officials Manual 2009 1884:GHSA Football Officials Manual 2019 1781:from the original on March 26, 2010 1773:Mortensen, Chris (March 22, 2010). 1714:"Canadian Football League Rulebook" 1276: 799:began using an eighth official, an 24: 2727: 2685:from the original on July 28, 2012 2681:. ProFootballTalk. July 22, 2012. 2656:from the original on July 29, 2012 2609: 2579: 2505: 2469: 2383:Reiter, Bill (September 6, 2011). 2298: 2163: 2131: 2103: 2003: 1840:from the original on June 19, 2017 1593:Roberts, Rich (October 24, 1985). 1115:High School, NFL, CFL, 2022 USFL, 872: 447:, favoring the right side (if the 25: 3761: 2785: 2538:. October 6, 2009. Archived from 1520:Zimmerman, Lisa (July 10, 2001). 1495:Pascoe, Bruce (August 14, 2006). 1440:in high school and youth football 2982:Rules of gridiron football codes 2711:. August 8, 2012. Archived from 1799:Schultz, Mark (10 August 2023). 1630:from the original on 2007-07-12. 1436:is being phased out in favor of 1003: 988: 944: 674:(BU) works downfield behind the 2821:American Football - Officiating 2794:- digest of rules, updated 2023 2757: 2697: 2671: 2637: 2568:from the original on 2011-06-29 2554: 2524: 2499: 2457:from the original on 7 May 2016 2439: 2407: 2273: 2249: 2218: 2194: 2078: 1971: 1945: 1888:Georgia High School Association 1876: 1852: 1792: 1766: 1737: 1706: 1443: 1426: 1417: 960: 778: 364:bean bag will be used instead. 2170:Dodd, Dennis (July 22, 2013). 1670: 1634: 1616: 1564: 1543: 1513: 1488: 1462: 1405:2012 NFL referee labor dispute 1306:2009 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl 1257:2012 NFL referee labor dispute 1245:Canadian Football Hall of Fame 661: 544:, observing the blocks by the 368:Positions and responsibilities 13: 1: 3745:American football occupations 2644:Farmer, Sam (July 20, 2012). 1828:Austro, Ben (June 16, 2017). 1456: 1363:, she works as center judge. 1357:Alliance of American Football 932: 894:Alliance of American Football 729: 703: 624: 296:United States Football League 55:Alliance of American Football 49:During professional and most 2920:American–Canadian comparison 2231:. 2012-05-11. Archived from 1719:. 2012-05-11. Archived from 903: 887: 867: 817:American Athletic Conference 359:only one flag); to indicate 132:An official (right) watches 123: 7: 3740:American football officials 2481:Regan, Brett (2020-01-16). 1373: 980:List of officiating systems 914: 692:The position is called the 381: 324:From 1982 to 1986, the D-I 10: 3766: 2764:Austro, Ben (2019-02-08). 2739:Lewis, Josh (2020-02-05). 2619:Austro, Ben (2020-01-28). 2145:Austro, Ben (2019-08-16). 1551:"SFFOA Oritentation Guide" 1254: 1153: 386: 280:American Football League's 264:September 11, 2001 attacks 236: 176:an incident in an NFL game 3619: 3574: 3538: 3447: 3379: 3346: 3308: 3228: 3187: 3127: 3079: 3070: 2990: 2868: 1221:Pro Football Hall of Fame 809:Atlantic Coast Conference 511: 376: 326:Atlantic Coast Conference 245:A pair of officials at a 219:Game data card and pencil 3480:Total quarterback rating 1505:. Tucson. Archived from 1410: 1206:Mountain West Conference 829:College Football Playoff 2815:considered for deletion 1626:. ESPN. 4 August 2006. 1400:American football rules 1233:Basketball Hall of Fame 925:Western finals and the 853:2020 version of the XFL 726:and 1991 respectively. 609:in 2017, when it moved 526:California Golden Bears 361:unsportsmanlike conduct 282:existence (1960–1967), 3366:Fourth down conversion 1345:and Sam Farmer of the 1328:United Football League 1162:and the back judge in 847:Ball-spotting official 751: 529: 424: 404: 300:United Football League 254: 141: 35: 3704:Touchdown celebration 3429:Running out the clock 1937:. p. 1, sec. 2. 1683:. NFL. Archived from 1647:. NFL. Archived from 1472:(November 23, 2005). 1432:The traditional term 1300:when she worked as a 1251:NFL employment status 1229:Baseball Hall of Fame 737: 519: 410: 394: 244: 131: 33: 3694:Running up the score 3520:Yards from scrimmage 3205:Two-point conversion 3200:One-point conversion 1390:Super Bowl officials 1021:Officiating Systems 3525:All-purpose yardage 2542:on December 3, 2013 1890:. 2019. p. 36. 1690:on November 9, 2013 1678:"NFL 2013 Rulebook" 1654:on November 9, 2013 1642:"NFL 2013 Rulebook" 1509:on January 8, 2007. 1343:Profootballtalk.com 1267:Major League Soccer 1237:Hockey Hall of Fame 1145:NCAA Division I FBS 1117:NCAA Division I FCS 1026:Officiating System 1022: 920:CFL eighth official 744:San Francisco 49ers 676:defensive secondary 441:play from scrimmage 421:Philadelphia Eagles 417:San Francisco 49ers 289:AFL Legacy Weekends 59:2020 version of XFL 3750:Sports officiating 2286:Sports Illustrated 1805:footballzebras.com 1751:. August 4, 2001. 1576:2010-01-16 at the 1502:Arizona Daily Star 1294:Jacksonville State 1211:Among the various 1020: 967:middle judge (MJ). 813:Big Ten Conference 752: 530: 425: 405: 255: 142: 116:. The CFL used an 36: 3727: 3726: 3515:Yards after catch 3338:Turnover on downs 3183: 3182: 3114:Line of scrimmage 2861:Gridiron football 2798:football.refs.org 2715:on August 8, 2012 2709:Los Angeles Times 2650:Los Angeles Times 2308:. August 25, 2011 2072:Milwaukee Journal 2054:Milwaukee Journal 1869:978-1-58208-500-5 1599:Los Angeles Times 1395:Art McNally Award 1348:Los Angeles Times 1151: 1150: 1125:NCAA Division III 821:Big 12 Conference 797:Big 12 Conference 795:In 2013, the D-I 553:line of scrimmage 40:gridiron football 16:(Redirected from 3757: 3561:Three-cone drill 3424:Clock management 3119:Field goal range 3077: 3076: 2854: 2847: 2840: 2831: 2830: 2818: 2780: 2779: 2777: 2776: 2761: 2755: 2754: 2752: 2751: 2736: 2725: 2724: 2722: 2720: 2701: 2695: 2694: 2692: 2690: 2675: 2669: 2668: 2663: 2661: 2641: 2635: 2634: 2632: 2631: 2616: 2607: 2606: 2604: 2603: 2588: 2577: 2576: 2574: 2573: 2558: 2552: 2551: 2549: 2547: 2528: 2522: 2521: 2519: 2518: 2503: 2497: 2496: 2494: 2493: 2478: 2467: 2466: 2464: 2462: 2443: 2437: 2436: 2434: 2432: 2411: 2405: 2404: 2402: 2400: 2380: 2374: 2373: 2371: 2369: 2350: 2344: 2343: 2341: 2339: 2324: 2318: 2317: 2315: 2313: 2302: 2296: 2295: 2293: 2292: 2277: 2271: 2270: 2268: 2267: 2253: 2247: 2246: 2244: 2243: 2237: 2230: 2222: 2216: 2215: 2213: 2212: 2198: 2192: 2191: 2189: 2187: 2167: 2161: 2160: 2158: 2157: 2142: 2129: 2128: 2126: 2125: 2110: 2101: 2100: 2098: 2097: 2082: 2076: 2075: 2064: 2058: 2057: 2046: 2037: 2036: 2034: 2033: 2027: 2021:. Archived from 2020: 2012: 2001: 2000: 1998: 1996: 1990: 1983: 1975: 1969: 1968: 1966: 1959: 1949: 1943: 1942: 1926: 1913: 1912: 1909:Spokesman-Review 1901: 1892: 1891: 1880: 1874: 1873: 1856: 1850: 1849: 1847: 1845: 1825: 1816: 1815: 1813: 1811: 1796: 1790: 1789: 1787: 1786: 1770: 1764: 1763: 1761: 1760: 1741: 1735: 1734: 1732: 1731: 1725: 1718: 1710: 1704: 1703: 1697: 1695: 1689: 1682: 1674: 1668: 1667: 1661: 1659: 1653: 1646: 1638: 1632: 1631: 1620: 1614: 1613: 1611: 1610: 1590: 1581: 1568: 1562: 1561: 1559: 1558: 1547: 1541: 1540: 1538: 1537: 1528:. Archived from 1517: 1511: 1510: 1492: 1486: 1485: 1470:Markbreit, Jerry 1466: 1450: 1447: 1441: 1430: 1424: 1421: 1277:Female officials 1199:College football 1121:NCAA Division II 1048:head line-judge 1023: 1019: 1007: 992: 975:back judge (BJ). 464:play action pass 345:Super Bowl XXXIX 341:college football 51:college football 21: 3765: 3764: 3760: 3759: 3758: 3756: 3755: 3754: 3730: 3729: 3728: 3723: 3674:Gatorade shower 3615: 3570: 3534: 3490:Receiving yards 3443: 3375: 3342: 3304: 3251:Incomplete pass 3224: 3179: 3123: 3066: 2986: 2967:Street/Backyard 2864: 2858: 2803: 2788: 2783: 2774: 2772: 2770:Football Zebras 2762: 2758: 2749: 2747: 2745:Football Zebras 2737: 2728: 2718: 2716: 2703: 2702: 2698: 2688: 2686: 2677: 2676: 2672: 2659: 2657: 2642: 2638: 2629: 2627: 2625:Football Zebras 2617: 2610: 2601: 2599: 2597:Football Zebras 2589: 2580: 2571: 2569: 2560: 2559: 2555: 2545: 2543: 2530: 2529: 2525: 2516: 2514: 2512:Bleacher Report 2506:Conway, Tyler. 2504: 2500: 2491: 2489: 2479: 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3553: 3548: 3546:Practice squad 3542: 3540: 3536: 3535: 3533: 3532: 3530:Touchdown pass 3527: 3522: 3517: 3512: 3507: 3502: 3497: 3495:Pass deflected 3492: 3487: 3482: 3477: 3472: 3467: 3462: 3457: 3451: 3449: 3445: 3444: 3442: 3441: 3436: 3431: 3426: 3421: 3420: 3419: 3414: 3409: 3403:Time warnings 3401: 3396: 3391: 3385: 3383: 3377: 3376: 3374: 3373: 3368: 3363: 3358: 3352: 3350: 3344: 3343: 3341: 3340: 3335: 3333:"Peanut Punch" 3330: 3325: 3320: 3314: 3312: 3306: 3305: 3303: 3302: 3301: 3300: 3290: 3285: 3284: 3283: 3273: 3268: 3263: 3261:Hail Mary pass 3258: 3256:Drop-back pass 3253: 3248: 3243: 3238: 3232: 3230: 3226: 3225: 3223: 3222: 3220:Single (rouge) 3217: 3212: 3207: 3202: 3197: 3191: 3189: 3185: 3184: 3181: 3180: 3178: 3177: 3172: 3167: 3162: 3157: 3152: 3147: 3142: 3137: 3131: 3129: 3125: 3124: 3122: 3121: 3116: 3111: 3110: 3109: 3104: 3099: 3094: 3083: 3081: 3074: 3068: 3067: 3065: 3064: 3059: 3054: 3049: 3044: 3043: 3042: 3037: 3027: 3026: 3025: 3023:Junior varsity 3020: 3010: 3009: 3008: 3003: 2994: 2992: 2991:Levels of play 2988: 2987: 2985: 2984: 2979: 2974: 2969: 2964: 2959: 2954: 2949: 2944: 2939: 2934: 2933: 2932: 2927: 2925:Burnside rules 2922: 2912: 2907: 2906: 2905: 2900: 2899: 2898: 2893: 2883: 2872: 2870: 2866: 2865: 2857: 2856: 2849: 2842: 2834: 2828: 2827: 2801: 2795: 2787: 2786:External links 2784: 2782: 2781: 2756: 2726: 2696: 2670: 2636: 2608: 2578: 2553: 2523: 2498: 2468: 2438: 2406: 2375: 2345: 2319: 2297: 2272: 2248: 2217: 2193: 2162: 2130: 2102: 2077: 2059: 2038: 2002: 1991:on 7 June 2011 1970: 1967:on 2010-03-31. 1944: 1914: 1893: 1875: 1868: 1851: 1817: 1791: 1765: 1736: 1705: 1669: 1633: 1615: 1582: 1563: 1542: 1512: 1487: 1460: 1458: 1455: 1452: 1451: 1442: 1425: 1415: 1414: 1412: 1409: 1408: 1407: 1402: 1397: 1392: 1387: 1382: 1375: 1372: 1339:Shannon Eastin 1278: 1275: 1252: 1249: 1217:North American 1168:Fran Tarkenton 1155: 1152: 1149: 1148: 1142: 1136: 1132: 1131: 1113: 1106: 1102: 1101: 1098: 1088: 1084: 1083: 1080: 1074: 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