Jack Baker

Director of Officials
[email protected]
PH: 1-888-433-4UIF

Jack Baker has a storied career officiating football. He started in the collge ranks in 1969 with the then Big 8 Conference. He worked the Rock Mountain Athletic Conference for 15 years, the Western Athletic Conference for 20 years and was the head referee in 10 bowl games including the Cotton Bowl and Fiesta Bowl. Jack made his way to the pro ranks with a stint in the mid-70s for the World Football League. When the Arena Football League started in 1987, Jack was quick to wear the stripes. During his 11 years in the AFL he worked seven Arena Bowls. He has also served as an ambassador for the indoor game by traveling to Europe nine times to promote arena football.

Jack often notes that the NFL is looking more to the indoor game for prospective officials because of the indoor version's need for concentration and quick action--pointing out that four of the seven officials at Super Bowl XLI came from the indoor leagues.

Jack immediately endeared himself to those attending the league meetings in January, 2007. While being applauded when he took the floor following his introduction, he told the crowd he expected to be booed. Jack is the first Director of Officials for the UIF.