Official (Canadian football)
During each play from scrimmage, the referee positions himself behind the offensive team, favouring the right side (if the quarterback is a right-handed passer).
The referee rules on possible roughing the passer and, if the quarterback loses the ball, determines whether it is a fumble or an incomplete pass.
During punts and field goals, the referee observes the kicker (and holder) and any contact made by defenders approaching them.
In the CFL and other professional leagues, and in some U Sports football games, the referee announces penalties and the numbers of the players committing them, and clarifies complex and/or unusual rulings over a wireless microphone to both fans and the media.
CFL referees, unlike their counterparts in the NFL and American college football, identify the city or province of the team committing the foul when announcing penalty enforcement, instead of using "offense" or defense".
The umpire (U) stands behind the offensive team, parallel to the referee, on the opposite side of the quarterback.
During passing plays, he moves forward toward the line of scrimmage as the play develops in order to (1) penalize any offensive linemen who move illegally downfield before the pass is thrown or (2) penalize the quarterback for throwing the ball when beyond the original line of scrimmage.
As the umpire is situated where much of the play's initial action occurs, he is considered by many to hold the most dangerous officiating position.
The down judge (DJ; head linesman (H or HL) in amateur football) stands at one end of the line of scrimmage (usually the side opposite the press box), looking for possible offsides, encroachment and other fouls before the snap.
During the start of passing plays, he is responsible for watching the receivers near his sideline to a point 5-7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
He marks the forward progress of the ball and is in charge of the chain crew in regard to its duties.
During the start of passing plays, he is responsible for watching the receivers near his sideline to a point 5-7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
He makes decisions near the sideline on his side of field, judging the action of nearby running backs, receivers and defenders.
[6] The side judge (S or SJ) works downfield behind the defensive secondary on the same sideline as the head linesman.
This official lined up in the offence's backfield, and his sole responsibility was helmet contact on the quarterback.
