Career: Umpires and Referees
There’s no doubt that people will always take part in and watch sports. In turn, there will always be a need for referees and umpires to officiate at sporting events and make sure that play is fair.
But just as the chances of becoming a top-notch professional athlete are slim, so are the odds of becoming a major-league baseball umpire or pro basketball referee. In fact, fewer people make their living as sports officials than as athletes. Taking on part-time work at the high school level is a good way to get your foot in the door.
Umpires and referees officiate at sporting events. They make sure the rules and regulations of the game are followed. And when rules are broken, they decide penalties.
Did You Know?
- Before they can work for the National Football League, potential referees are interviewed by psychologists and subjected to a thorough background check.
Are You Ready To...?
- Award points, give scoring penalties, and determine results
- Travel often
- Keep track of event times
- Keep scores and other records
- Position yourself to best see the action
- Listen and respond when others challenge your decisions
- Inspect equipment for violations
- Understand the strategies and rules of your game
- Talk with other umpires or referees, coaches, and players to share information and discuss problems
- Work odd hours, including weekends and holidays
It Helps to Be...
An excellent communicator who’s attentive to detail. It’s also essential that you have excellent vision and quick reflexes, plus the ability to make quick, but well-informed, decisions.
Make High School Count
- Learn more by visiting the website of the National Association of Sports Officials.
- Get your high school diploma or equivalent -- it’s required for some professional refereeing jobs.
- Continue building playing, coaching, and refereeing experience in your sport. Referees, umpires, and other sports officials often begin their careers by volunteering for intramural, community, and recreational league competitions.
Did You Know?
- Some sports officials, such as boxing refs, work independently, while others, such as baseball umpires, work in teams.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for umpires, referees, and other sports officials to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2016. Opportunities will be best in high school and other amateur sports.
Compensation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, umpires, referees, and other sports officials earned an average of $29,850 a year in 2007.
