Officials
Protecting the players, upholding the integrity of the sport and ensuring games are decided on the field
Officiating at AFLE
Officials are essential to football
Officials are essential to football. Their role extends far beyond enforcing the rules: they protect players, uphold the integrity of the sport, help ensure that games are decided by performance on the field and also shape football as a media product.
At AFLE, officials are athletes who deserve professional structures, continuous development and strong support. The Department of Officiating provides this foundation by working with leading organisations to deliver modern training and development standards and serves as the link between officials, the league's other departments and the teams of the AFLE.
"I have been very impressed by the passion of everyone for the sport and the dedication and commitment they got, all of them, in terms of working as good as they can in the role they have got for the game."
Become an AFLE Official
2027 AFLE Officiating Programme
Applications for the 2027 AFLE Officiating Programme close on 20 November 2026. We welcome experienced officials who are ready to join our active roster, as well as emerging talent determined to develop into Europe's next generation of top officials.
Ready to apply? Send an email to officials@aflepro.com with a short overview of your officiating career and your preferred pathway or position. We look forward to hearing from you.
What the Programme Offers
Our programme provides the structure, feedback and opportunities you need to perform at your best:
- • Structured pre-season preparation beginning in November, including online sessions, an in-person clinic and access to our online training platform
- • Regular training with experts from established leagues around the world
- • Structured, transparent performance evaluation, including a post-game review of every play
- • Access to professional communication and replay equipment while working with leading teams across Europe
Active Roster Requirements
Selection for the active roster is based on performance and potential. Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements:
- • Proven experience officiating American football at a high level in Europe
- • Above-average rules knowledge, at least of NCAA/IFAF tackle rules
- • Physical fitness appropriate for the relevant position
- • A coachable, dependable mindset and a strong commitment to teamwork
- • Strong English communication skills and a clear understanding of an official's responsibilities
Development Programme
Not ready for the active roster yet? No problem. Our Development Programme will help you build the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress:
- • Take part in roster training sessions and prepare for future selection
- • Receive full access to our training resources
- • Join officiating crews on game days to gain first-hand experience of the professional environment
- • Follow a structured pathway from booth assignments to on-field or replay roles
The Department of Officiating
Part of the league office
The Department of Officiating is part of the league office and is led by Malte Scholz, Damian Jurzyk and Michael Kattillus. The team includes around 80 officials from across Europe, supported by approximately 20 trainers and reviewers and a network of international experts. Together, they form Europe's strongest officiating programme.
Malte Scholz
Head of Officiating
Damian Jurzyk
Head of Officiating
Michael Kattillus
Head of Officiating
Key Responsibilities
The Department of Officiating is responsible for the following core areas:
- • Recruiting, managing, assigning and developing officials
- • Supervising rules and interpretations and setting officiating standards
- • Helping teams and players understand the rules and expected standards
- • Supporting the league office through structured game reviews
- • Advancing communication and replay technology for a modern media league
Our Professional Standards
Four principles that guide every decision, interaction and performance
Fairness and Respect
We treat every team and player equally, impartially and with respect. Decisions are based solely on the rules and AFLE standards as well as the game situation, while every interaction reflects professionalism.
Competence
Performance and officiating excellence are decisive in our officiating programme. We develop our officials through continuous education and help them improve through structured, professional feedback.
Integrity
We act honestly and transparently, stand behind our decisions and are prepared to explain them.
Player and Fan Focus
We understand our role in a modern media league: protecting the players and supporting an engaging, accessible game experience for fans without compromising fairness or the integrity of competition.
Rules & Rulebook
Consistency begins with a shared rules framework, unified interpretations and transparent communication.
AFLE games are played primarily under NFL rules, with the college overtime format used whenever overtime is required. Visit the dedicated AFLE rulebook section for clear and transparent access to the league rules.
Open the Rulebook