
Learn to fill out the weekly league schedule by confirming referees' availability, informing replacements promptly, and accommodating coaches who officiate, ensuring smooth scheduling for all games.
Earn respect as a CFL referee by treating players and coaches with respect, enforcing zero tolerance for abuse, and encouraging respectful communication with league officials.
Learn the basics: six players, 80-yard field with 10-yard end zones, four downs, 20-yard markers, and 1- or 2-point conversions from 5 and 10 yards; understand game time, timeouts, and scoring.
After the game, teams meet for the sportsmanship award, awarded by the referee; referees update weekly standings by submitting scores and assist with field setup.
Learn the defensive rules: defenders must go for the flag after ball control, may not knock the ball away, and a ten yard penalty with a repeat of down applies.
Identify difficult teams by following protocols; leagues may highlight teams with coaches showing poor sportsmanship and abusive behavior, and report issues to your field general and referee liaison.
IMPORTANT
This course was created by North Vancouver Spring Flag Football to help new refs and experienced refs including those who are interested in joining the league as an official! Learn the rules of the NVSFFL and all that is involved as an NVSFFL official. The course explains the NVSFFL rules, scheduling and payment information, commonly asked questions and much more! Being a ref can be difficult and stressful so use this course as a guide to aid and assist you in your journey as an NVSFFL official.
Flag Football has grown rapidly over the year thanks to North Vancouver Spring Flag Football! The league prides itself on providing a friendly and fun environment for all of its staff, players, friends, and families. Many refs have played in the league at some point and all want to give back to the league that they grew up playing in. The league started off with very few teams and has grown to have thousands of players from all around the North Shore take part in it each season!
Whether this is your first season as an official or you have been in the league for many seasons this course will help explain and review league procedures and rules. Become the best ref that you can by taking the official course from the North Vancouver Spring Flag Football League.