Referee

Your Fit

Income

$37K

Preparation

Some

Growth

9.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Referee?

A Referee is a sports official who oversees sporting events to ensure that the rules and regulations of the game are followed. They play a critical role in maintaining the integrity, flow, and safety of the game.

Sample job titles:

Horse Show Judge, Major League Baseball Umpire (MLB Umpire), Referee, Sports Official

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Referee.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Referee earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Referee.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$31K per year	$37K per year	$46K per year	$62K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $28K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Referee do?

Work environment

Referees typically work in a variety of settings, including sports fields, courts, and arenas. The environment is active and requires physical fitness, as referees need to keep up with play and be in position to make accurate calls. Work schedules can include evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially for sports seasons and tournaments.

Quick task list

Enforces game rules and makes on-the-spot decisions.
Starts or stops play when necessary.
Assesses penalties and points according to the rules of the sport.
Inspects sports equipment and ensures safety standards are met.
Communicates effectively with players, coaches, and other officials.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Team Sports Refereeing: Officiating sports like soccer, basketball, football, where coordination with other officials is key.
Combat Sports Judging: Overseeing matches in sports like boxing or martial arts, focusing on safety and fair play.
Racquet Sports Umpiring: Specializing in tennis, badminton, or squash, where precision in rule enforcement is crucial.
Youth Sports Officiating: Focusing on children's and teenagers' sports leagues, often with an educational component.
Water Sports Refereeing: Officiating sports like swimming or water polo, requiring knowledge of specific aquatic rules.

Description

Referees play an essential role in sports, ensuring that games are fair, competitive, and played according to the established rules. Their decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game, requiring a deep understanding of the sport's rules, quick judgment, and impartiality. Referees need to maintain physical fitness to keep pace with the action, particularly in fast-moving sports.

Communication skills are crucial for a referee, as they need to explain their decisions to players and coaches effectively. They also need to manage the emotional aspects of the game, maintaining control and respect among players. Continuing education in the form of workshops, certification renewals, and staying updated with rule changes is an ongoing part of a referee's career.

Becoming a successful referee requires dedication and a passion for the sport. The role can be challenging but also rewarding, especially when facilitating fair play and sportsmanship in competitive environments.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a vital role in ensuring fair play and integrity in sports.
Being actively involved in a sport you are passionate about.
The opportunity to work in a dynamic and exciting sports environment.

You might make a good Referee if you are...

Passionate about sports with a strong understanding of game rules.
Decisive, with good judgment and the ability to make quick decisions.
Physically fit and able to keep up with the pace of the game.
Good at managing stress and handling conflict effectively.
Fair-minded and able to maintain neutrality and impartiality.

Pros:

Active and engaging work environment.
Opportunities to work in various sports and levels, from local leagues to professional sports.
Personal satisfaction from upholding the integrity of the sport.

Cons:

Potential for confrontation and dealing with disagreements from players, coaches, and fans.
High-pressure decision-making with immediate impacts.
Work hours can be irregular and may require travel.

How to become a Referee

Typical education

Formal education requirements vary, but most referees have at least a high school diploma. Many learn through specialized training programs, workshops, or certification courses specific to the sport they officiate.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical education to understand various sports and their rules.
Conflict resolution or psychology courses to develop skills in managing disputes.
Health and fitness classes to maintain physical condition.
Communications classes to improve interpersonal and speaking skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in sports teams or clubs to gain a thorough understanding of the games.
Volunteering as a referee for youth or community sports leagues.
Attending sports officiating workshops or clinics.

Preparation after high school

Gain certification from recognized officiating bodies for the specific sport.
Attend workshops and training programs related to sports officiating.
Start by officiating in lower leagues or school games to gain experience.
Network with other referees and sports officials to learn about opportunities.

More resources

National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) - Offers resources, insurance, and support for sports officials.
Referee Magazine - Provides insights, training resources, and updates on officiating.
International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) - Focuses on basketball officiating education and certification.
Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) - Offers resources and training for volleyball referees.
U.S. Soccer Referee Program - Provides certification and resources for soccer referees in the United States.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.