off-topic, and not afraid to say so.

[BktBallRef]

Just as you have a referee, U1 and U2 on a basketball floor, football officials have designations as well. The referee is the official in the white hat who stands behind the offense, and gives all the signals. NFL officials work the same specific position during every game. They do not work referee one week and umpire the next week.

During the conference championship games and the Super Bowl, one of the alternates will be an official who always works as a referee.