Referees - Working Conditions (2024)

Referees

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Referees - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, umpires and referees:

Interpersonal Relationships

  • Have a medium level of social contact. They communicate with players and coaches by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a weekly basis.
  • Often deal with conflict situations in which players, coaches, or spectators may be rude or unpleasant.
  • Are responsible for the work done by others.
  • Sometimes deal with physical aggression of violent players, coaches, or spectators.
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  • Are responsible for the health and safety of players and attendees.
  • Work in a group or as part of a team of umpires and referees.

Physical Work Conditions

  • May work outdoors or indoors, depending on the sport. Some indoor facilities may 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 close to players and coaches. They often work within a few feet of other people.
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  • 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.
  • Regularly make decisions 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.
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  • Work in a competitive environment and meet daily deadlines.

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.

Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Referees - Working Conditions (2024)

FAQs

What are the working conditions of a referee? ›

Physical Work Conditions

Some indoor facilities may 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 close to players and coaches.

How do you deal with unfair referees? ›

What To Do About A Poor Referee
  1. You are providing a poor role-model to your players. ...
  2. Youth referees are often young themselves. ...
  3. Referees are human. ...
  4. Build a rapport. ...
  5. Treat them with respect. ...
  6. Treat the referees like you would want to be treated. ...
  7. Ask a question after the game. ...
  8. Understand you may be the one who is wrong.

Why do referees need to be physically fit? ›

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

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away. Speak clearly so listeners can understand. Understand the speech of another person. Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

Can a ref get fired? ›

While referees, of course, cannot be penalized in game, missed calls and poor performance can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including their dismissal from the NFL.

Who Cannot be a referee? ›

A referee must not: be related to you or in a personal relationship with you (cannot be a guardian, foster carer, spouse, civil partner, fiancé, boyfriend/girlfriend)

How many hours do referees work? ›

A conservative estimate is 20-25 hours week – not including travel. For head referees 30-35 hours. But there's always another game to watch or another page in the rule book worth re-reading.

Is it possible to sue a referee? ›

The concussion law also states that a referee or coach is “not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property . . .

What is an example of referee abuse? ›

Examples may include:
  • striking, kicking, choking, head butting, grabbing, or bodily running into a referee;
  • spitting on a referee with ostensible intent to do so;
  • kicking or throwing an object at an official that could inflict injury;

How to deal with biased referees? ›

Your best option would be during half-time or after the game to have a one-on-one conversation with the referee and try to get an understanding of why he made some calls. Don't be nasty about it, instead, let them know that you are a continuous learner of the game and want to better understand what happened.

What sport do refs make the most? ›

NBA referees are among the best-paid officials in professional sports, reflecting the high level of skill, experience, and pressure associated with their job. While top-tier referees earn the highest salaries, even rookie referees are well-compensated.

How much power do referees have? ›

In American football, referees have always held a lot of power, however over the past decade or so, it's gotten arguably way worse. Referees in football today have more power and responsibility than ever, and more so than almost any sport, can decide the outcome of games with their officiating.

Do referees enjoy their job? ›

A solid majority of referees enjoy their work environment, probably contributing to overall higher satisfaction with working as a referee.

Are referees considered employees? ›

Depending on the method by which amateur athletic officials perform their services and the circ*mstances of their relationship, these workers may perform services as employees or independent contractors. What Is an Amateur Athletic Official?

Can you swear at a referee? ›

It was found that the insulting content of a swear word determines the referee's decision. Referees would apply Law 12 only in one half of the cases, depending on the insulting content.

What happens if you fight a referee? ›

Any Player, Coach, Team Official or Team Spectator committing or attempting to commit a referee ASSAULT is automatically suspended for one (1) year from the time of the assault.

What is the work of a referee? ›

A referee is an official, in a variety of sports and competition, responsible for enforcing the rules of the sport, including sportsmanship decisions such as ejection.

What are the challenges with being a referee? ›

All of a sudden, as a referee you then become centre of attention because you have to make an important decision which leaves one team unhappy with you. This can then escalate during a game where you are threatened by a club official, players or spectators.

Is being an NFL referee a full-time job? ›

Part-time: NFL referees are considered part-time employees, but the role demands a significant time commitment, especially during the season.

Is a referee a hard job? ›

High. Stress is not uncommon amongst referees, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.

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