Definition

1. Noun:
   • A football official: A "field judge" is a specific official in American football who is part of the officiating crew. This official is primarily responsible for ruling on pass interference, illegal blocks, and other infractions downfield, and often helps rule on the legality of catches and touchdowns.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The field judge threw a flag for defensive pass interference.
  • After the controversial catch, the field judge conferred with the head referee.
  • The field judge's primary area of responsibility is the deep part of the defensive backfield.

Advanced Usage

• Positional Role: The term is used to denote a specific position with defined responsibilities on the officiating team. It is a proper title for that role.
  • He worked his way up to become a field judge in the professional league.

Variants and Related Words

• Official (n): A person who presides over a game or sport, enforcing the rules. (A more general term)
• Referee (n): The head official in charge of the officiating crew. (A specific, different role)
• Umpire (n): Another specific officiating position in American football, typically positioned behind the defensive line.
• Back Judge (n): Another deep official with similar but distinct responsibilities to the field judge.

Synonyms

• Official
• Football official (general term)

Related Phrases

• Throwing a flag: The action of an official, including the field judge, signaling a penalty.
  • The field judge is responsible for throwing a flag on deep passing plays.
• Making a call: The act of an official declaring a ruling.
  • The field judge made the correct call on the play.

Noun

1. a football official