Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
Human Advantage 72%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.1 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Officiate at competitive athletic or sporting events. Detect infractions of rules and decide penalties according to established regulations. Includes all sporting officials, referees, and competition judges.
Also Known As: Athletic Events Scorer, Baseball Umpire, Basketball Manager, Basketball Referee, Basketball Scorekeeper, Clerk of Scales, Clocker, Dance Critic +43 more
Core Tasks
- Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed.
- Inspect game sites for compliance with regulations or safety requirements.
- Resolve claims of rule infractions or complaints by participants and assess any necessary penalties, according to regulations.
- Signal participants or other officials to make them aware of infractions or to otherwise regulate play or competition.
- Teach and explain the rules and regulations governing a specific sport.
- Inspect sporting equipment or examine participants to ensure compliance with event and safety regulations.
- Report to regulating organizations regarding sporting activities, complaints made, and actions taken or needed, such as fines or other disciplinary actions.
- Confer with other sporting officials, coaches, players, and facility managers to provide information, coordinate activities, and discuss problems.
Supplemental Tasks (8)
- Judge performances in sporting competitions to award points, impose scoring penalties, and determine results.
- Verify scoring calculations before competition winners are announced.
- Start races and competitions.
- Compile scores and other athletic records.
- Verify credentials of participants in sporting events, and make other qualifying determinations, such as starting order or handicap number.
- Keep track of event times, including race times and elapsed time during game segments, starting or stopping play when necessary.
- Direct participants to assigned areas, such as starting blocks or penalty areas.
- Research and study players and teams to anticipate issues that might arise in future engagements.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (11)
Tools & Equipment (29)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Performing Arts Arts, Entertainment, & Design
Zone 2
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials You are here
Zone 3
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