1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Football

About Football Glossary - Back Judge

By James Alder, About.com

Definition: The official who sets up 20 yards deep in the defensive backfield on the wide receiver side of the field. His duties include:

• Make sure the defensive team has no more than 11 players on the field
• Watch all eligible receivers on his side of the field
• Watch the area between the umpire and field judge
• Rule on the legality of catches and pass interference penalties
• Watch for clipping on kick returns
• On field goals, stand under the goalpost and rule on whether the kick is good

Suggested Reading

Explore Football

About.com Special Features

Learn to Pitch

Strike out the competition with these step-by-step pictorials. More >

Introduction to Pilates

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Football

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.