Umpires and Referees

Career summary

#No WOIS alt titles

Umpires and referees know the rules and regulations of the sports they oversee. They observe players during play and penalize those who break the rules. They make decisions and resolve disputes between teams.

Umpires and referees signal players or other officials who are close to the players when they see a rule broken. They resolve claims and complaints by making the decision or talking to other officials. They may assign a penalty.

Umpires and referees direct players to starting blocks or penalty areas to re-start the game after penalties are assigned. They make decisions about when to allow player substitutions.

Sports officials have a variety of other duties depending on the sport. They may start the clock for sporting events. They also time the players' performance on the field or floor. For example, in professional basketball, the team with the ball has 24 seconds to shoot. In college basketball they have 35 seconds. A referee clocks this time and blows a whistle if the team exceeds the limit.

Umpires and referees confer with other sports officials to coordinate their activities or resolve problems. They may inspect equipment to make sure it complies with the rules of the sport. They may also make inspections to ensure the safety of players and spectators.

Sports officials record and maintain data about players and scores. Usually the official scorer records this data. Sometimes sports officials prepare reports of the games for the regulating organization for their sport. They include complaints and actions that were taken or that need to be taken, such as fines.

Related careers

This career is part of the Hospitality and Tourism cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Coaches and Scouts
• Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
• Life Guards and Ski Patrollers
• Professional Athletes
• Recreation Workers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to umpires and referees.

• Observe actions of players at sporting events. Regulate play and watch for broken rules.
• Judge sporting events and award points.
• Signal players or other officials to identify fouls or regulate play.
• Inspect sports equipment or players to ensure safety and compliance with rules.
• Clock events and measure player performance according to standards of play.
• Start races and competitions.
• Resolve complaints by players or claims when rules are broken. Assess penalties.
• Make qualifying decisions about players.
• Verify scores before announcing winners.
• Direct players to assigned areas, such as starting blocks or penalty areas.
• Prepare reports to regulating organizations about games, complaints, and actions taken or needed.
• Record and maintain information about players and scores.
• Confer with other officials to coordinate actions and discuss problems.
• Teach rules and regulations of a specific sport.
• Research players and teams before an event.

Common work activities

Umpires and referees perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Evaluate information against standards
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Coach others
• Schedule work and activities
• Teach others
• Process information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Perform for or work with the public
• Develop and build teams
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Document and record information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, umpires and referees:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They work closely with players and other officials.
• Are placed in conflict situations with players or coaches on a daily basis.
• Always deal with angry or aggressive players, coaches, or spectators.
• Sometimes deal with physical aggression of violent players, coaches, or spectators.
• Are responsible for the safety of those attending an event.
• Are responsible for work outcomes.
• Communicate with other officials, players, and coaches daily by telephone or in person.
• Communicate with other officials, players, and coaches weekly by e-mail.
• Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• May work outdoors or indoors, depending on the sport. May work in an indoor environment that does not have heat or air conditioning.
• Are sometimes exposed to distracting sounds and uncomfortable noise levels, such as a loud crowd.
• Often are exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
• Work very near players and coaches. They often work within inches of other people.
• Often wear a uniform.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Errors could result in unfair treatment of players.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Make decisions on a weekly basis that strongly impact players and coaches. They rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision.
• Are able to set some tasks for the day without talking to a supervisor.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/travel

• Most work only during the season their sport is played.
• May work part time or full time, but most work less than 40 hours a week.
• Travel often and for long periods, if they work in professional sports.

Physical demands

Umpires and referees frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for umpires and referees to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for umpires and referees to be able to:

• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

Skills and abilities

Umpires and referees need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Recreation, Fitness, and Leisure Studies

Training

To work as an umpire or referee, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

You do not need a college degree to work as an umpire or referee. However, many have college degrees and are former athletes. In most cases, you learn officiating skills in special training schools or courses. These training programs vary depending on the sport and the level. Many different organizations certify or regulate sports officials.

You must be certified to officiate at the high school or higher levels. This requires completing an approved training program. In addition, you must pass a probationary period to work at the higher levels.

Work experience

Playing in and watching sporting events is the best way to prepare for an officiating career. Contact your local parks and recreation department about volunteering.

Officials usually begin at the lower levels of the sport and work their way up. Officiating at intramural, community, and recreational league contests is the best way to begin getting experience.

On-the-job training

Training requirements vary by state and the level and type of sport. Once on the job, you typically receive training that may last up to one year.

Umpires and referees are usually required to attend training sessions and seminars before, during, and after the season. In these sessions you learn about rule changes, review and evaluate your performances, and improve your officiating.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for umpires and referees who have experience. They prefer those who have formal training. However, employers also hire those who have experience officiating at high school or league games. They may also hire those who do not have experience, but participated in sports. Most employers hiring umpires and referees at the professional level require at least ten years of experience.

Some positions require a background check.

Tips

Experience working with diverse populations and training in first aid and CPR are helpful.

#Comments based on ads for positions with YMCA, and city and county positions, 3/11/19, cj.

Costs to workers

Workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Referees of boxing, martial arts, and wrestling matches must have a license from the State. Licensing requirements include:

• being 18 years of age or older;
• completing an application;
• submitting a ID photograph with the application;
• providing certification of training;
• proof of a physical; and
• pay a licensing fee.

For more information, contact:

Department of Licensing
Professional Boxing, Martial Arts, and Wrestling Licensing Program 
PO Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98027-9026
360.664.6644

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages for umpires and referees vary greatly, depending on the sport and the level. Wages are usually highest for officials in top levels of professional sports leagues. For example, the salary for a major league umpire might start at $70,000 or more and go much higher with experience. However, the same umpire must first advance through the minor leagues, earning a much lower salary.

Some officials are paid by the game. For example, officials in the National Football League earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per game. In comparison, a referee for a high school football game might earn $45.

Full-time salaried umpires and referees often receive benefits. Common benefits include sick leave, vacation, and health insurance. Those who work part time do not usually receive these benefits. However, in professional sports, officials may receive other benefits, such as money for travel.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Local government agencies such as recreation services
• Sports organizations and youth leagues
• Professional and semiprofessional leagues

National outlook

Demand for umpires and referees will be good as high schools add new sports teams and more games are played. Many smaller colleges are also adding new sports teams.

Competition will be strongest for university and major league umpires. They rarely leave the occupation until they retire. Opportunities are better at the youth, high school, and amateur levels.

Other resources

BLS Career Outlook: Interview with a Baseball Umpire 

National Association of Sports Officials 
2017 Lathrop Avenue
Racine, WI 53405
262.632.5448

National Recreation and Park Association 
22377 Belmont Ridge Road
Ashburn, VA 20148
800.626.6772
703.858.0784

Washington Officials Association 
435 Main Avenue South
Renton, WA 98057
425.687.8009

References

Career cluster

• Hospitality and Tourism

Career path

• Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net  occupation

• Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials (27-2023.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Clerk-of-scales (153.467-010) 
• Clocker (153.367-010) 
• Handicapper, Harness Racing (219.267-010) 
• Hoof and Shoe Inspector (153.287-010) 
• Horse-race Starter (153.267-010) 
• Horse-race Timer (153.367-014) 
• Identifier, Horse (153.387-010) 
• Kennel Manager, Dog Track (349.367-010) 
• Paddock Judge (153.167-010) 
• Patrol Judge (153.267-014) 
• Pit Steward (153.167-014) 
• Racing Secretary and Handicapper (153.167-018) 
• Receiving-barn Custodian (349.367-014) 
• Scoreboard Operator (349.665-010) 
• Scorer (153.387-014) 
• Starter (153.667-010) 
• Steward, Racetrack (153.117-022) 
• Umpire (153.267-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Enterprising/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Service Professional