- Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Choose the sport you want to officiate.
- Obtain specific training.
- Complete state registration.
- Gain experience for career advancement.
- Become certified.
Soccer Referee Signals Guide
What does a referee do?
Sports referees oversee and uphold the rules in games like basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and football. Their duties typically involve starting or stopping the game as needed and dealing with rules violations.
They may check the equipment to make sure it complies with safety standards and game regulations before starting the game. While some referees work in teams with line judges and other sports officials, others work as the sole official for a game.
Other responsibilities of a referee include:
Average salary
The steps you can take to become a qualified referee are as follows:
1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent
State-specific requirements for education to become a professional referee vary, and your local sports association may at times set them. While some states do not require formal education, others may demand that referees possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. You may need to contact your state’s athletic or activity association to find out what level of education is required for referees in your state.
2. Decide which sport you want to officiate
You must earn certification as a referee for a particular sport because each one has its own rules and guidelines. If you’re unsure of the sport you want to referee, consider these factors.
3. Obtain specific training
You can take part in training programs provided by governing bodies for sports or officiating, colleges and universities, or recognized outside training facilities. These courses show you how to interact with coaches, interpret rules and procedures for a particular sport, encourage good sportsmanship, and uphold moral principles.
You can also take part in training sessions sponsored by sports organizations to learn about the rules of the game, how to referee, and how a sports league is organized.
You may also enroll in a professional school. Professional sports organizations usually offer or accredit specific training opportunities. For instance, three professional umpire training programs are accredited by the Professional Baseball Umpire Corp, a fully owned subsidiary of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL). You must finish one of these courses before officiating games in the Class-A and rookie leagues.
4. Complete state registration
You must register with your state to officiate high school sporting events. The prerequisites for registration typically vary by state and sport, but the majority call for passing a written test.
Some tests might also need you to finish formal training courses before you can take them. You may need to take a field test as well. Before you can referee high school games, some states also demand that you register with the organization that oversees high school athletics.
5. Gain experience for career advancement
Referees typically only advance in their careers after accumulating years of experience. You may occasionally need to fulfill specific training, experience, or evaluation requirements set forth by sports conferences or leagues.
You can stay informed about the necessary steps for advancement by maintaining close contact with a local chapter or office of a sports organization. There are numerous amateur leagues for some sports where you can advance your career and develop your abilities to become a professional sports official.
6. Become certified
You can enroll in training clinics to become a certified referee or official, depending on your state and the sport you want to officiate. For instance, the Southern California chapter of the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America allows umpires to become certified through their mechanics clinic program or with a participating provider.
Frequently asked questions about referees
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about referees:
How do I become a referee in professional sports?
Typically, professional referees begin their careers in local leagues before moving on to the high school and collegiate levels and eventually professional leagues. Although it’s not necessary, many referees and other sports officials have competed at a high level or for a significant amount of time in their respective sports, giving them a broad understanding of the standards of the game.
The requirements to become a professional referee vary depending on the sport, but they are generally the same.
For instance, to become an umpire in baseball, you must enroll in a training program that has been approved by the Professional Baseball Umpire Corp. You might need to have more testing after you finish the training.
Only the best students are chosen to become minor league umpires, who then move on to the majors, depending on openings. Umpires who consistently perform well typically enter the profession in less than ten years.
What skills are necessary to become a successful referee?
To be successful in this role, aspiring referees generally need:
Referees and other sports officials must be skilled at educating players on the game’s rules and mediating conflicts between rival players. They should also be adept at informing spectators, coaches, and members of the opposing team of violations and infractions.
Referees must also be skilled at watching the game, analyzing different circumstances, and making quick decisions.
In order to spot infractions and determine any violations during the game, referees need to have good vision and observation skills. Sports officials must be able to clearly see an athlete’s form in order to spot flaws in some sports, like gymnastics and diving.
During games or events, referees should have the endurance to walk, stand, run, or squat for extended periods of time.
Cooperation skills are crucial because referees typically work in teams to oversee a game.
What are the working conditions for a referee?
Referees work in all types of weather, both inside and outside. Some referees must take lengthy bus rides to attend sporting events. Others travel by air. Referees face pressure because they must watch the game closely and typically make decisions quickly. Strong disagreements between officials, coaches, and players can occasionally occur, adding to the stress on everyone involved.
Referees occasionally receive foul language from irate spectators, coaches, and players. They should be prepared for sports fans threatening physical violence. Major sporting events can result in contentious decisions that put referees in the middle of a fight, altercation, or riot. Referees must be able to get out of these situations to avoid being permanently suspended or fired as well as being in danger of getting hurt.
What is the job outlook for a referee?
What is the typical work schedule for a referee?
Referees usually work irregular hours, including evenings, holidays and weekends. Those who officiate sports in schools often work part-time.
FAQ
How much do referee get paid?
Additionally to a yearly retainer of $50,700 to $55,300 and $1,500 for each game Up to $263,000 is paid to umpires who preside over international games in UEFA and European leagues.
Are refs paid well?
The answer: It’s a big pay day. FanDuel is one of the websites that claims that the average NFL referee salary was set at $205,000 per year beginning in 2019. TWO-HUNDRED-AND-FIVE-THOUSAND-DOLLARS! That average salary is more than some doctors.
Can you be a referee at 14?
The minimum age for becoming a referee is 13. Youth referees may, however, only sign up for games in which the players are younger than them because assistant referees must be able to keep up with the players and center referees typically need to be 2-3 years older than the players.
Can a 16 year old referee?
If they are working toward (or have already obtained) their Intermediate Referee certification, they can officiate 12U games at the age of 14. 16-year-old youth referees may officiate 14U games while gaining the necessary experience for Advanced Referee certification (or after obtaining that badge).
