Sports Officials
Overview
Sports officials make sure games are played fairly by enforcing rules and keeping everyone safe during athletic competitions. You'll referee matches, judge performances, track game time, and settle disputes between players or coaches. Modern officials use instant replay technology, electronic timing systems, and wireless communication devices to make accurate calls. This career requires strong decision-making skills, physical fitness, and often involves evening and weekend work at various sports venues.
Did you know?
Most states require sports officials to complete certification programs through state athletic associations and attend regular training sessions to maintain their credentials.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$39,430.75 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Management of Financial Resources
Key Responsibilities
- Teach and explain the rules and regulations governing a specific sport.
- Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed.
- Report to regulating organizations regarding sporting activities, complaints made, and actions taken or needed, such as fines or other disciplinary actions.
- Signal participants or other officials to make them aware of infractions or to otherwise regulate play or competition.
- Inspect game sites for compliance with regulations or safety requirements.
- Inspect sporting equipment or examine participants to ensure compliance with event and safety regulations.
- Research and study players and teams to anticipate issues that might arise in future engagements.
- Start races and competitions.
- Verify credentials of participants in sporting events, and make other qualifying determinations, such as starting order or handicap number.
- Compile scores and other athletic records.
- Confer with other sporting officials, coaches, players, and facility managers to provide information, coordinate activities, and discuss problems.
- Keep track of event times, including race times and elapsed time during game segments, starting or stopping play when necessary.
- Resolve claims of rule infractions or complaints by participants and assess any necessary penalties, according to regulations.
- Verify scoring calculations before competition winners are announced.
- Judge performances in sporting competitions to award points, impose scoring penalties, and determine results.
- Direct participants to assigned areas, such as starting blocks or penalty areas.
Career Considerations
Certification and Training Requirements
Most states require sports officials to complete certification programs through state athletic associations and attend regular training sessions to maintain their credentials.
Physical and Mental Demands
Officials must maintain good physical fitness to keep up with game action and develop strong stress management skills to handle high-pressure situations and confrontational coaches or players.
Variable Income Levels
Compensation ranges dramatically from volunteer positions in youth sports to substantial pay at collegiate and professional levels, with most officials working part-time and needing supplemental income.