They are the third team on any football field.
They’ll never receive the same glory as the players but are subject to equal criticism.
That’s the reality of life as a football referee.
One of the most thankless jobs in sport. Everyone is an expert, yet few are willing to actually wear the stripes. But those who are brave enough, know it’s also greatly rewarding.
“I always say to people, they’re out there and they’re like “aw you get yelled a lot as a referee” but I’m like ya, but you know, I’ve got the best seat on the field,” 10-year CFL official Dave Hawkshaw said.
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It’s a part-time job with a full-time demands. But no matter what level of football, the officials on the field, are also teammates.
“You develop some really good friendships and some bonds with a lot of the guys and you come out here and you have such a passion for the game of football,” Hawkshaw said. “There’s nothing better than the 3 hours of being on the field with these guys.”
A passion that is never more evident than at the grassroots level. Where some referees will officiate roughly 70 games a season.
“Obviously you have your full-time job during the week. But every night and during the day they’re going over film steady, into the rule books all the time,” CFL officials game-day Calgary supervisor Boris Velcic said. “There’s a lot of work involved.”
Brendan Parker shines the spotlight on the work of the men wearing the stripes at all levels of football, in the two-part series. ‘Making the call’
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