New to officiating, or setting up gear for a whole crew? A football referee needs the right equipment to run a clean, well-managed game. This football referee equipment checklist covers the basics for youth football, flag football and recreational leagues, along with tips for choosing gear that holds up on the field.
Football Referee Equipment Checklist
- Penalty flag
- Throw-down bean bag markers
- Down indicator
- Whistle
- Game cards and a pen or pencil
- Scoreboard or score card
- Weather-ready extras
Penalty Flag
The penalty flag is the signature tool of every football official. Look for a weighted flag with a tip that helps it fly straight, and a bright color you can see from across the field. A fray-resistant nylon flag with high-density stitching lasts much longer than a flimsy one. Many officials carry more than one flag, so a lost flag does not slow down the game.
The Teys Professional Football Referee Flag has a weighted tip, a flexible silver taped neck and fray-resistant nylon. It comes in yellow with a black tip, bright yellow and pink tip.
Throw-Down Markers
Throw-down markers, often called bean bags, mark the spot of a foul, a first-down line or a change of possession. Choose a waterproof material so they do not soak up water on wet grass. A long neck makes them easier to grip and toss, and a clip lets you carry them on your waistband.
The Teys Referee Throw-Down Marker Set is a set of 2 waterproof nylon markers with a waistband clip. Pick two blue, two black, or one of each.
Down Indicator
Keeping track of the down is a basic job, but it is easy to lose count in a fast game. A finger down indicator lets you update the down with a quick click and check it at a glance. A mechanical one has no batteries to die in the middle of a game.
The Teys Football Down Indicator Finger Counter is a mechanical counter with a scroll wheel that clicks through 1st to 4th down.
Scoreboard
Many youth and recreational fields do not have a scoreboard. A portable flip scoreboard keeps players, coaches and fans informed without any batteries or setup. Look for large numbers that are readable from the stands and a foldable design that is easy to carry.
The Teys Flip Scoreboard is a 25 by 12 inch manual flip scoreboard with a 4-digit design and a mini stand.
Other Gear to Pack
- Whistle: bring a spare and a lanyard.
- Game cards and pencils: pencils work when the paper gets wet.
- Weather gear: rain jacket, extra socks, sunscreen and water.
- Gear bag: keep everything in one place so nothing is left at home.
Tips for Choosing Referee Gear
- Buy gear that is easy to see. Bright colors help players, coaches and fellow officials spot your signals.
- Choose durable materials. Referee gear gets dropped, stepped on and left in the rain.
- Carry spares. A spare flag, marker and whistle can save a game.
- Check your league's rules. Some leagues require specific colors or equipment.
Outfitting a Crew or League
Setting up several officials at once? Shop all referee gear or request a team quote for league orders.
Football Referee Equipment FAQ
What equipment does a football referee need?
At a minimum, a referee needs a penalty flag, a whistle and a way to track downs. Most officials also carry bean bag markers, game cards and a pen.
What is a throw-down marker used for?
Officials toss it to mark an important spot on the field, such as where a foul happened or where a runner went out of bounds.
Do flag football referees use the same gear?
Many do. Flag football officials often use penalty flags, markers, whistles and down indicators too. Check what your league requires.
