I got to thinking about do NFL refs get per diem rates the other day, after watching a game on TV and feeling particularly angry about a flag that was thrown. What seemed like an obvious call to me, had the official looking at his mates for a second opinion. Everyone knows the NFL refs are some of the most influential people on the field, but what I hadn’t realized before is that they get paid a daily rate for showing up.
I did some research, and yeah, it turns out NFL refs are paid a daily rate. It isn’t a wage they get per game, but instead they get paid an amount per day – and the amount is pretty decent. They also get travel expenses. It was even rumoured that some refs also get hotel rooms paid for, and there’s nope acrimony if they choose a more expensive one.
The per diem rate is pretty good. It ranges from fifty to one hundred dollars a day, depending on the ref’s seniority and years of service. That’s right – the refs get paid whether or not there’s a game. I guess that’s why so many refs take up the job. It’s a pretty sweet deal, and it’s well worth it for them. Plus, they get to see live sporting action every week.
That doesn’t mean that it always goes well for the refs. They sometimes have to make tough decisions, and they have to face scrutiny from fans and media alike. If they make a bad call, the criticism they receive can be really harsh. Some of the refs have had to turn down work or take unpaid leave because of this. It must be an incredibly tough job, and it definitely takes a strong character to be able to take it day in and day out.
That’s why the NFL has come up with their unique per diem rate system. It not only makes sure the refs are taken care of, but it also helps keep the team spirit high, with refs having incentives to show up and do their job. The player’s bonus pool isn’t nearly as high, so the extra cash helps keep the refs motivated and excited.
The NFL refs get paid a per diem rate that is competitive with other professional sports; maybe even higher than some of them. They get paid for travel, hotel stays and incidentals, and they have access to higher priced accommodations if they wish. All in all, it’s a pretty generous arrangement for the refs, and it’s nice to see them get the recognition they deserve.
All in all, I think the per diem rate is an excellent way to make sure the NFL refs are taken care of. They do, after all, put a lot of work in to make sure the game runs smoothly and fairly. I’m sure it’s not easy for them, and they deal with some real criticism, so I’m glad that they are appreciated and looked after. It’s their job to keep the game fair, and they deserve their just rewards.