Umpire/Referee

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Work Tasks

• Make sure players follow the rules at sporting events such as football, baseball, basketball, tennis, and other sports
• Make decisions if players disagree
• Keep order and give penalties for breaking rules
• Teach children and young people to play by the rules
• Work for youth and recreation centers, high schools, colleges and universities, and minor and major league sports teams
• Work with the players, rules, sports equipment, whistles, timers, flags and signal cards, ball pressure testers, and protective gear

Salary, Size & Growth

• $44,500 average per year ($21.50 per hour)
• A small occupation (15,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.0% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: Depends on the sport and setting
• Employers Prefer: Many years of experience playing and/or coaching, plus experience as a referee
• Skills/Courses: Must know the rules of the game, be able to handle stress, respond quickly, and pass an interview.
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is usually required for college and professional games.